General information (Opel Vectra A)

The brake system consists of a master cylinder, a vacuum booster, and disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. Depending on the model of the installed engine, disc brakes can also be installed on the rear wheels. The hydraulic part of the brake system is divided into two diagonal circuits.

The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment above the master cylinder and supplies brake fluid to the entire brake system.

The vacuum booster uses the vacuum created by the engine. Since diesel engines do not provide sufficient vacuum, it is created by a vacuum pump mounted on the cylinder head. The vacuum pump is driven by the camshaft.

The front disc brakes have so-called floating calipers. The rear disc brakes use two-piston brake mechanisms.

The parking brake acts on the rear wheels via a drive cable. In the rear disc brakes, there are also two drum brakes at the rear, combined with the brake disc. These drum brakes operate only from the parking brake lever.

The clearance in the brake mechanisms of all wheels is adjusted automatically.

Warning! When working on the brake system, do not inhale dust generated by wear of friction linings. The linings may contain asbestos, which is hazardous to health!

Brake pads vary depending on the car model. It is recommended to use Opel branded pads.

When working with the brake system, it is necessary to maintain exceptional cleanliness and precision. In the absence of experience in carrying out such work, it is necessary to entrust it to service station specialists.

Note: On wet roads, lightly press the brake pedal from time to time to dry the discs. Although centrifugal force removes water from the brake discs while driving, a thin film of oil and other contaminants remains on them, reducing braking efficiency.

When parking the car after driving in the rain (especially in winter when the roads are salted) it is advisable to lightly press the brake pedal before stopping to dry the discs.

After installing new brake pads, they must be worked in. Avoid sharp braking during the first 200 km.

Rusty disc brakes create a strong grinding and squealing noise when braking, which cannot be eliminated even with prolonged braking. In this case, the brake discs must be replaced.

Burnt dirt on the brake pads and clogged drainage grooves cause grooves on the brake disc. This results in reduced braking performance.

Caution! If you notice a change in the brake pedal travel when turning, you should check the runout of the brake discs, replacing the defective discs if necessary.