Chevrolet Light Operator's Manual page 50

ice brakes with mechanically operated parking brakes. Func-
tionally, the braking systems used on all truck models are the
same; however, they vary somewhat in type, size and braking
area due to the difference
in
vehicle weight and load capacity.
, The hydraulic service brakes provide brake action at all
four wheels, while the mechanical parking brakes operate on
the rear wheels of all truck models except the
H~
and 2 ton
which are equipped with a propeller shaft brake.
The service brake system consists of the brake pedal, main
cylinder, brake lines to all wheels, wheel cylinders, shoes with
linings and brake drums. The parking brake on all models except
11,2 and 2 ton, consists of the brake lever or pedal, pull rods,
cables and the toggle at the wheels which actuates the brake
shoes.
Parking brake on
Ph
and 2 ton consists of the brake lever,
bell cranks, pull rod, brake drum attached to the transmission
drive flange and an internal and external brake shoe.
The hydraulic system must be kept full of fluid at all times
in order to function properly. The main cylinder includes a res-
ervoir for a reserve supply of fluid. This automatically keeps
the system full of fluid as long as there is a reserve supply in
the reservoir. Should the reservoir become empty or the hy-
draulic system be opened at any point, air
will
enter the sys-
tem and affect the efficiency of the brakes. When this occurs
the hydraulic system must be bled. See "Bleeding Hydraulic
System."
Care. The Chevrolet braking system requires very little care;
however, the system should be
checked occasionally for indications
of fluid leak.
If
leaks are found the
necessary repairs should be made at
once.
The main cylinder inspection
plug in the left side of floor board
should
be
removed and the top of
main cylinder cleaned carefully (fig.
49). The filler cap should be re-
Fig. 49-HrdrClu/i( 8rClh MClin
moved and
if
the fluid is low in
c rUnder l O(CI,lon
the reservoir, it should be filled to
- 48·