Hydraulic System: Service Precautions

Caution: Brake fluid may irritating to the skin or eyes. In case of contact, take the following actions:
^ Eye contact - rinse eyes thoroughly with water
^ Skin contact- wash skin with soap and water.

Notice: Avoid spilling brake fluid on any of the vehicle's painted surfaces, wiring, cables or electrical connectors. Brake fluid will damage paint and electrical connections. If any fluid is spilled on the vehicle, immediately flush the area with water to minimize the potential for damage.

Important:
^ Use only Delco Supreme II Brake Fluid or an equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
^ Do not use the power steering or transmission fluid in the brake system.
^ Do not reuse brake fluid accumulated during brake system bleeding.
^ Always store brake fluid in a closed container. Reseal brake fluid containers immediately after use. Do not use brake fluid left in an open or improperly sealed container, because it absorbs moisture and can become contaminated.

Improper brake fluid, mineral oil (i.e. power steering fluid and transmission fluid) or water in the fluid may cause the fluid to boil, or the rubber components in the brake hydraulic system to deteriorate. If the master cylinder cap diaphragm is swollen, then rubber parts have deteriorated. This deterioration may also be evidenced by swollen wheel cylinder boots and caliper boots. If deterioration of rubber parts due to substandard or contaminated brake fluid is evident, all serviceable hydraulic components must be disassembled and washed with alcohol. These parts must then be dried with non-lubricated compressed air before assembly to keep the alcohol out of the system. During this process, all rubber parts in the system, including hoses and non-serviceable hydraulic components, must be replaced.

After this is done, the brake system must be refilled with new brake fluid, flushed and bled. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding.