Detecting brake system faults (Opel Vectra A)

Note: Before concluding that the brake system is faulty, check the front wheel alignment, tire condition and tire pressure. Also make sure that the vehicle is not overloaded and that the load is distributed evenly. For all problems related to the ABS system, contact your Opel dealer.

• The front or rear brake pads on one side are worn, defective, damaged or dirty (Section 1 and Section 9)
• Caliper/slave cylinder piston is stuck or partially stuck (front or rear brake) (Section 1 and Section 9)
• The linings of the installed brake shoes are made of different materials (Section 1 and Section 9)
• The mounting bolts of the caliper or support shield are loose (Section 9)
• Steering or suspension components are worn or damaged (Section 1 and Section 10)

• The friction lining of the brake shoe has worn down to the metal base (Section 1 and Section 9)
• Excessive corrosion of the brake disc or drum (may appear if the car has been idle for some time) (Section 1 and Section 9)
• A foreign object is stuck between the brake disc and the shield (pebble, etc) (Section 1 and Section 9)

• The automatic rear brake adjustment mechanism is faulty - drum brakes (Section 1 and Section 9)
• The master cylinder is faulty (Section 9)
• Air in the hydraulic system (Section 1 and Section 9)
• The vacuum booster is faulty (Section 9)

• Air in the hydraulic system (Section 1 and Section 9)
• The flexible rubber tubes of the high-pressure brake system line are damaged (Section 1 or Section 9)
• The master cylinder mounting nuts are loose (Section 9)
• The master cylinder is faulty (Section 9)

• The vacuum booster is faulty (Section 9)
• The vacuum booster unit is faulty (Section 9)
• The brake booster vacuum hose is disconnected, damaged, or not tightly connected (Section 9)
• Damage in one of the hydraulic circuits (Section 9)
• The caliper piston or wheel cylinder is stuck (Section 9)
• Brake pads are installed incorrectly (Sections and 9)
• The brake pads are installed in the wrong type (Section 1 and Section 9)
• The brake pad linings are dirty (Section 1 and Section 9)

• Excessive wear or deformation of discs or drums (Section 1 and Section 9)
• The brake pads are worn out (Section 1 and Section 9)
• The front brake caliper or rear brake backing plate mounting bolts are loose (Section 9)
• Worn steering or suspension mounts or components (Section 1 and Section 10)

• The caliper piston or wheel cylinder is stuck (Section 9)
• The parking brake mechanism or cable is not adjusted correctly (Section 9)
• The master cylinder is faulty (Section 9)

• The rear brake pads are dirty (Section 1 and Section 9)
• The brake pressure regulator is faulty (Section 9)