Brake system malfunctions (Opel Vectra B)

Before checking the operation of the brake system, check that the tire pressure is correct, the front wheel alignment is correct and the vehicle is loaded evenly.

When braking, the car pulls to the side:

• brake pads on one side of the vehicle are worn or dirty;
• the piston of the working brake cylinder or caliper is jammed;
• brake pads with different properties are installed on different sides of the car;
• the caliper mounting bolts are not tightened securely;
• suspension components are worn or damaged.

Extraneous noise when braking:

• brake pad wear down to metal;
• corrosion of the brake disc or brake drum;
• foreign objects (stones) got between the brake disc and the brake shield.

Increased brake pedal travel:

• the brake master cylinder is faulty;
• air in the brake drive system;
• the brake booster is faulty.

Lightly pressing the brake pedal:

• air in the brake drive system;
• defective rubber brake hoses;
• the nuts securing the brake master cylinder are not tightened securely;
• the master brake cylinder is faulty.

Too much force must be applied to the brake pedal to stop the car:

• the brake booster is faulty;
• brake booster vacuum hose is leaking;
• the brake pipes are pinched or deformed;
• the piston in the working brake cylinder is jammed;
• brake pads are not installed correctly;
• the brake pad type does not match the required one;
• contamination of brake pads;
• the vacuum pump is faulty (diesel engines).

Vibration when braking:

• brake disc runout exceeds permissible limits;
• brake pads are worn out;
• the brake shield or caliper mounting bolts are not tightened securely;
• wear of suspension elements.

Brake sticking:

• the piston of the working brake cylinder is jammed;
• the handbrake mechanism is not adjusted correctly;
• the master brake cylinder is faulty.

Rear wheel locking when braking:

• rear brake pad contamination;
• deformation of the rear brake drum.