Chevrolet Cobalt Owners Manual: Brakes

Brake Fluid

The brake master
cylinder and, on manual
transmission vehicles, the clutch hydraulic system
use the same reservoir
filled with DOT 3 brake
fluid.

See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the reservoir.

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down: - The brake fluid level goes down because of normal brake lining wear. When new linings are installed, the fluid level goes back up.

- A fluid leak in the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system can also cause a low fluid level. Have the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later the brakes and/or clutch will not work well.

Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid. Adding fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is added when the brake linings are worn, there will be too much fluid when new brake linings are installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake/ clutch hydraulic system.

WARNING:
If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough.

You or others could be burned, and the vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system.

When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brake warning light comes on. See Brake System Warning Light.

What to Add

Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.

Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep dirt from entering the reservoir.

WARNING:
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake or clutch hydraulic system, the brakes or clutch might not work well. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

Notice:
- Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake or clutch hydraulic system parts.

For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in the brake or clutch hydraulic system can damage brake or clutch hydraulic system parts so badly that they will have to be replaced. Do not let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid.

- If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on the vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately. See Washing Your Vehicle.

Brake Wear

This vehicle has front disc brakes and could have rear drum brakes or rear disc brakes.

Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal firmly.

WARNING:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an accident. When the brake wear warning sound is heard, have the vehicle serviced.

Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.

Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.

Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque specifications in Capacities and Specifications.

If the vehicle has rear drum brakes, they do not have wear indicators, but if a rear brake rubbing noise is heard, have the rear brake linings inspected immediately. Rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When the front brake pads are replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.

Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.

Brake Pedal Travel

See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service might be required.

Brake Adjustment

Every moderate brake stop, the disc brakes adjust for wear. If rarely making moderate or heavier brake stops, the brakes might not adjust correctly. Very carefully making a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles (1 600 km) will adjust the brakes properly.

If the vehicle has rear drum brakes and the brake pedal goes down farther than normal, the rear drum brakes might need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.

Replacing Brake System Parts

The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.

When parts of the braking system are replaced — for example, when the brake linings wear down and new ones are installed — be sure to get new approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might not work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance between the front and rear brakes can change — for the worse. The braking performance expected can change in many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts are installed.