Brakes - GMC 2006 Savana Owner's Manual

Brakes

Brake Fluid
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is
that fluid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system fixed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is filled with
DOT-3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12 for
the location of the
reservoir.
So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake fluid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
{
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine and/or fuel operated heater parts, if
equipped. If your vehicle has a diesel engine
and a fuel operated heater, see "Fuel Operated
Heater (FOH)" in the diesel engine supplement.
The fluid will burn if the engine is hot enough.
You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid
only when work is done on the brake hydraulic
system. See "Checking Brake Fluid" in this
section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check your brake fluid. See Scheduled Maintenance
(Gasoline Engine) on page 6-4.
5-35