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Topic: Brake and powersteering fluid change. (Read 385 times) previous topic - next topic
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Brake and powersteering fluid change.

Yahoo Message Number: 5280
My Kodiak is 6 years old this year. GM recommends that brake fluid and power steering fluid be changed every 2 years. Decided to do it before any problems show up.
Tools and supplies needed.
1 gal Dextron III automatic transmission fluid.
3 quarts DOT 3 brake fluid.
1 filter for power steering reservoir. GM part #88892858
11 mm open end/ box wrench.
Brake bleeder tool. Purchased from HF .
5 gallon bucket for collecting oil and brake fluid.
Did power steering first .
1. Removed fender skirt.
2. Set a 5 gallon under reservoir.
3.Remove return power steering hose. Is held on with a Ideal hose clamp. This drained most of the fluid from reservoir.
4. Used brake bleeder to suck rest of fluid from reservoir.
5. Installed a 1/2" hose on return line connector of reservoir. Route hose above top of reservoir.
6. Remove old filter. Install new filter. Note twist lock position of plastic filter retainer. Must be in proper position.
7. Fill reservoir will Dextron III. Make sure return line is inside a bucket.
8. Raise front tires off ground. I used front leveling jacks and jack stands.
9. Start engine. Keep hand on key. Watch fluid level in reservoir. It will drop fast. Shut engine off when oil level is low.
10. Turn steering to right.
11. Fill reservoir again.
12. Start engine again. Shut off when oil is low.
13. Turn steering to left.
14. Fill Reservoir again.
15. Start engine again. Shut off when oil is low.
16. Remove 1/2" hose installed on return connector.
17. Install power steering return hose on reservoir.
18. Fill reservoir to max mark on side of reservoir.
19. Start engine. Turn steering right to left a couple of times to make sure no air is in system.
20. Step on brake pedal several time to help make sure no air is in the Hydroboost system.
21. Shut engine off. Make sure reservoir is at proper level.
This completes the power steering fluid change. Oil and filter were very dark. New oil is a good color of red.

Changing and bleeding brake fluid.
Make sure everything is clean before removing caps from master cylinder reservoir.
1. Use HF brake bleeder to suck all fluid from brake master cylinder reserviour. Took about 10 refills of small HF cup.
2. Fill reservoir with fresh brake fluid. It will take over 1 quart.
3. Attach HF brake bleeder to right rear brake bleeder fitting.
4. Use 11mm box end wrench to open brake bleeder screw.
5. Suck fluid with HF brake bleeder tool until fluid is clear. This took several filling of the little HF reservoir. Be sure to close off bleeder screw while emptying HF reservoir. Left rear took about 5 fillings before fluid came out clear. Make sure the Master cylinder reservoir is kept full during this operation.
6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 on each brake caliper. Doing left rear, right front and left front in order.
7. Make sure brake master cylinder reservoir is full when all calipers are bled.
8. Start engine. Check operation of brake system by pressing on brake pedal several times.
9. Put front tires back on ground.
10. Put fender skirt back in place.
11. Take your Kodiak for a ride to make sure everything is working properly. Be sure to test after moving a foot or 2.
Brake fluid was very dark that was sucked out of brake system.
Hope this helps someone that needs to do this preventive project.

Best
Ron Hall