Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Brake System External Leak Inspection

Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual / Chassis / Brakes / General / Brake System External Leak Inspection

Warning:

Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning.

Caution:

Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution.

In order to inspect for external brake fluid leaks, first inspect the fluid level in the master cylinder.
While a slight brake fluid level drop can be considered a normal condition due to brake lining wear, a very low level may indicate a brake fluid leak in the hydraulic system.
If the fluid level is abnormally low, adjust the brake fluid level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling.
Start the engine and allow it to idle.
Apply constant, moderate foot pressure to the brake pedal.
If the brake pedal gradually falls away while under foot pressure, there may be a brake fluid leak.
Turn the ignition OFF.
Visually inspect the following brake system components for brake fluid leaks, excessive corrosion, and damage. Give particular attention to all brake pipe and flexible hose connections to ensure that there are not any slight brake fluid leaks – even though the brake pedal may feel firm and hold steady:

Master cylinder brake pipe fittings
All brake pipe connections
Brake pipes
Brake hoses and connections
Brake calipers and/or wheel cylinders

While slight dampness around the master cylinder reservoir can be considered acceptable, brake fluid leaking from any of the brake system components requires immediate attention. If any of these components exhibit signs of brake fluid leakage, repair or replace those components. After the repair or replacement, reinspect the hydraulic brake system to assure proper function.

Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Replacement

Removal Procedure Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning. Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution. Caution: Always ...

Brake System Warning Light

The vehicle brake system consists of two hydraulic circuits. If one circuit is not working, the remaining circuit can still work to stop the vehicle. For normal braking performance, both circuits ...

Other materials:

Auxiliary Devices
The optional AUX input allows portable devices to connect to the vehicle using the 3.5 mm(1/8 in) input jack. The AUX input jack, if equipped, is in the storage area to the right of the infotainment system. A second AUX input is on the front of the infotainment system, if equipped. See Overvi ...

Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning Light. To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you ...

Engine Oil Cooler Housing Replacement
Removal Procedure Drain the engine coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling. Drain the engine oil. Refer to Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold with Catalytic Converter Replacement. ...

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