1973 OPEL 1900 rod

5A- 61973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
ing on dusty and sandy roads - the filter and sound
deadener should occasionally be replaced. To do so,
brake booster has to be removed without detaching
brake master cylinder.
Proceed as follows:
1. Remove protective cap (boot).
2. On the GT only, pry retainer from housing
using a screwdriver. See Figure
SA-6.Figure 5A-6 Brake Booster Filter (GT)
3. With a pointed tool remove air silencer and filter
out of control housing bore and pull it off thrust rod.
4. Install new filter and air silencer. On the GT, the
smooth side of the filter must face towards the inside.
The radial slots in filter and deadener must be stag-
gered to each other by 180 degrees.
5. Slide retainer over control housing (GT only) and
seal it with light plastic hammer strokes. Slide pro-
tective cap over control housing and slip it onto
brake booster housing.
VACUUM CONTROL VALVE SERVICE
A vacuum control valve is installed into the vacuum
hose between intake manifold and brake booster. It
serves to prevent air from flowing back (vacuum
release), when engine is shut off.
The vacuum control valve cannot be disassembled
and has to be replaced, if defective. On replacement,
note the following:
1. The vacuum control valve should be located near
the intake manifold. Therefore, the short vacuumhose has to be installed between intake manifold and
vacuum control valve and the long hose between
vacuum control valve and brake booster.
2. The arrows on the vacuum control valve housing
must point towards the intake manifold, otherwise
no air can be drawn out of the brake booster which
renders the brake booster ineffective.
3. The connections of the vacuum hoses to the intake
manifold, vacuum control valve and brake booster
must be airtight. For this reason make sure. that the
hose clamps are properly installed.
MAJOR REPAIR
BRAKE BOOSTER REMOVALAND INSTALLATION
Removal
1. Disconnect brake pipes from master cylinder.
Place a cloth under the master cylinder and brake
pipes to absorb any brake fluid drippings.
2. Disconnect vacuum hose from brake booster.
3. Remove four nuts and washers attaching brake
booster to brake booster support.
4. On the GT only, remove master cylinder support
to fender skirt bolts.
5. On the GT, loosen thrust rod lock nut and un-
screw the piston push rod while holding the master
cylinder brake booster assembly. On the Opel
1900and Manta, remove the nut and bolt attaching clevis
on the pedal.
6. Remove assembly from car.
7. Disconnect master cylinder from brake booster.
Installation
CAUTION: Fasteners in the folkwing steps are im-
portant attaching parts in that they could affect the
performance of vital components and systems, and-
/or could result in major repair expense. They must
berep/aced, with one of the same part number or with
an equivalent part if replacement becomes necessary.
Do not
use a replacement part or lesser quality or
substitute design. Torque values must be used as
specified during reassembly to assure proper reten-
tion of these parts.1. Using a new front housing seal, assemble master

POWER BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER5A- 7cylinder to brake booster and torque nuts to 14
Ib.ft.on the GT and 12
lb.ft. on the Opel 1900 and Manta.
2. Position assembly into brake booster bracket and,
on the GT only, thread piston push rod onto the
thrust rod.
3. Install brake booster to support attaching washers
and nuts and tighten to 11
lb.ft. of torque.
4. On the GT install master cylinder support to inner
fender skirt bolts.
5. Connect vacuum hose to brake booster.
6. By turning the piston push rod on the thrust rod,
(GT only) adjust until the brake pedal free travel is
l/4 inch and tighten the lock nut.
7. Connect brake pipes to master cylinder and bleed
brakes.
MASTER CYLINDER OVERHAUL. GT
Removal of Master Cylinder1. Disconnect the two brake pipes from the master
cylinder.
2. Remove the front support to skirt attaching bolts,
the cylinder to booster retaining nuts and lift out
master cylinder.
Disassembly1. Prior to brake master cylinder disassembly, pour
brake fluid out of brake fluid reservoir, remove reser-
voir from master cylinder and take sealing plugs out
of housing.
2. Screw static pressure valve(s) out of housing.
3. To facilitate disassembly, push piston somewhat
into cylinder and insert a rounded off piece of weld-
ing rod approx.
.12 in. thick into feed port to retain
piston in this position.
4. Remove stop screw and snap ring out of housing
and take out both pistons together with springs.
5. Remove stop screw from piston for rear brake
circuit and remove all component parts. Remove
also all component parts from intermediate piston of
front brake circuit.
Cleaning and Checking1. Clean parts with genuine brake fluid, Delco Su-
preme No. 11, or equivalent. Do not use any other
cleaning solvents. Dry with compressed air. Free up
compensating and feed ports.2. Polish cylinder bore of housing with crocus cloth.
If lapping scores and rust spots are still noticeable,
replace brake master cylinder assembly.
3. Check inner components for damage and replace,
if required. The rubber seals and static pressure valve
always have to be replaced.
Assembly1. Assemble front and rear brake circuit pistons.
Prior to assembly coat rubber seals with brake fluid.
2. Coat cylinder bore, piston sliding surfaces and
seals with brake fluid.
3. Insert preassembled intermediate piston for front
brake circuit together with thrust spring and spring
seat into clyinder bore. The smaller diameter of the
tapered thrust spring must face piston.
4. With a drift, push piston (against spring pres-
sure) into housing and insert a piece of welding rod
into feed port of front brake circuit to retain piston.
5. Install stop screw with new seal ring into housing
and tighten.
6. Insert preassembled piston for rear brake circuit
into cylinder bore and install snap ring into groove
in housing.
7. Check piston fof free movement by moving it to
and fro. If required, place washers under the head of
the stop screw.
8. Lightly push piston into housing and remove
piece of welding rod out of feed port of front brake
circuit.
9. With a rounded off piece of welding rod
(.020 -
,024 in.) check whether compensating ports are free.
10. Screw in new static pressure valve(s).
11. Coat new sealing plugs with brake fluid and in-
sert them into housing. Push twin brake fluid con-
tainer into sealing plugs and install screen and cover
with seal ring.
Installation1. Install master cylinder onto brake booster with
washers and nuts. Torque to 14
lb.ft.2. Attach the front mounting bracket.
3. Install brake lines on master cylinder, and bleed
brakes.

5A- 81973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
4. If required, adjust mechanically actuated stop
light switch. Pedal travel of 5/S” to 1” should actu-
ate switch. Add or subtract washers between bracket
and switch to obtain proper adjustment.
5. Road test car for proper brake performance.
MASTER CYLINDER OVERHAUL. OPEL 1900
AND MANTA
Ramoval of Master Cylinder1. Remove master cylinder from brake booster by
disconnecting brake pipes and removing two
self-tightening nuts that secure master cylinder to brake;ia;;ter. Be careful not to loosen the front housing
Disassembly1. Prior-to brake master cylinder disassembly, pour
brake fluid out of brake fluid reservoir.
2. Remove reservoir from master cylinder body by
removing reservoir clips with snap ring pliers. See
Figure 5A-7.
Figure
5A-7 Removing Reservoir Clips
3. Remove the piston stop screw which is fitted in
master cylinder body.
4. Place master cylinder in a vise and push piston
forward and insert a rod with a spherical end into the
hole nearest the mounting flange. This will retain the
piston in a forward position and allow for removal of
snap ring. See Figures
SA-8 and 5A-9,Figure 5A.8 Retaining Piston in Forward Position
Figure 6A-9 Removing Snap Ring

5B- 141973 OPEL SERVICE MANUALConditionPossible CauseCorrection2. Partial system failure.2. Check front and rear brake system
and repair, if necessary. Also, check
brake warning light, if a failed
system is found and light did not
function.
3. Excessively worn shoe
and lining.3. Check and replace in axle sets.
4. Piston in caliper stuck
or sluggish.4. Remove caliper and rebuild.
5. Fading brakes due to
incorrect lining.
6. Vacuum leak.5. Remove and replace with original
equipment lining.
6. Check for ruptured hose or loose
attachment.
Excessive Pedal Travel1. Partial brake system
failure.1. Check both front and rear system
for a failure and repair. Also, check
warning light
- it should have indi-
cated a failure.
2. Insufficient fluid in
master cylinder.
3. Poor rear brake
adjustment.2. Fill reservoirs with approved
brake fluid. Check for leaks.
3. Adjust rear brake per
specifications.
4. Air trapped in system.4. Bleed system.
5. Bent shoe and lining.5. Replace axle set of shoe and
lining.
Dragging Brakes (A very
light drag is present in
all disc brakes
immediately after pedal
is released.)1. Master cylinder pistons
not returning correctly.1. With reservoir cover off, check
for fluid spurt at bypass holes as
pedal is depressed. Adjust push rod,
if necessary, or rebuild master
cylinder.
2. Restricted brake tubes2. Check for soft hoses or damaged
or hoses.tubes and replace with new hoses and
new double-walled steel brake tubing.
3. Incorrect parking brake
adjustment on rear brakes.3. Check and readjust to correct
specifications.
Grabbing or Uneven Braking
Action (All conditions
listed under “Pulls”
.)4. Check valve installed in
outlet to front disc brakes.
1. Malfunction of power
brake unit.4. Check master cylinder outlet and
remove check valve if present.
1. Check operation and repair, if
necessary.

DISC BRAKES5B- 15
ConditionPossible Cause
2. Binding brake pedal
mechanism.Correction
2. Check and lubricate, ifnecessary.3. Corroded caliper
assembly.3. Clean and lubricate.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTSDISC BRAKE MAINTENANCE
Checking Brake Fluid Level
The brake fluid level in the brake fluid container
must be checked during predelivery inspection, then
every 3,000 miles during inspection and preventive
maintenance servicing.
The brake fluid level must not be higher than the
inscription “MAX” and must be at least up to
“MIN”. Replenish brake fluid, if necessary.
Because of the relatively large brake caliper bore
cross section and the self-adjustment of the disc
brakes, resulting in a greater piston travel to compen-
sate for friction pad wear, the brake fluid level drops
faster than in fluid containers for drum brakes with
their smaller wheel brake cylinders. For this reason
pay special attention to the fluid level in the brake
fluid container.
Drop of brake fluid level can be due to friction pad
wear and may not be due to leakage in the braking
system.On loss of brake fluid due to leakage, the brake sys-
tem must be checked thoroughly.
Friction Pad Adjustment
Friction pad adjustment is not necessary on the front
wheel disc brakes as this is done automatically by the
pistons in the brake calipers.
Lubricating Front Wheel Bearings
When removing one or both brake discs, check lu-
brication of front wheel bearings and the cavity of
the wheel hub and replenish if necessary (see operat-
ion
“Removing and Reinstalling Brake Disc”).
When carrying out other work on disc brakes which
does not necessitate the removal and installation of
the brake disc, lubricating wheel bearings is not
necessary.Checking Disc Brake Friction Pads for Wear
Whenever a disc brake equipped car is in for periodic
service, while the car is raised, the friction pads in
both brake calipers should be checked for wear by
making a simple measurement. Worn or oily friction
pads must be replaced.
Measure friction pad wear as follows:
1. Remove friction pads.
2. Using a one-inch micrometer, measure the thick-
ness of the pad and friction plate. See Figure
5B-23.Figure 58-23 Checking Brake Friction Pad Thickness
3. If any one of the four measurements is less than
-.280, replace all four friction pads. (Partial replace-
ment of friction pads would cause unequal braking.)
Removal and Installation of Friction Pads
1. Raise car and remove front wheels.
2. Drive dowel pins out of brake calipers toward
center of car. See Figure
5B-24. Dowel pins must be
driven inward because they are secured by enlarge
fluted inner ends.
3. Remove friction pads from brake calipers. See
Figure
5B-25.

DISC BRAKES5B- 21caliper half collars and the clamp rings are correctly
positioned on rubber seals.
12. Install brake caliper on steering knuckle, torqu-
ing bolts to 72 lb.ft.or with an equivalent part, if replacement becomes
necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser
quality or substitute design. Torque values must be
used as specified during reassembly to assure proper
retention of this part.
CAUTION: This disc brake caliper attachments fas-
tener is an important attaching part in that it couldatExt the performance of vital components and sys-
tems, and/or could result in
ma@r repair expense. It
must be replaced with one of the
same part number13. Attach brake pipe to caliper and torque to 22
lb.ft.14. Bleed brakes as necessary.
SPECIFICATIONSDISC BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS
General Specifications
DiscBrakeType. . . . . . . . . . .
Location
..,,.,..__....__.,,.,,,................,,,................,....Disc Type
.._.......................................................I.-. -.
......................2 Piston Fixed Caliper - Disc
........................................Front Wheels Only
..............................................Solid Cast Iron
useuameter...................................................,..............................................................9.370Disc Lateral Runout (Maximum)
......................................................................................,004DiscThickness
(New).........................................................................................................430DiscThickness(Minimum)
................................................................................................,394DiscParallelism(ThicknessTolerance)
...........................................................................0006Brake Shoe and Lining Type
........................................................................................Bonded
Brake Shoe and Lining Thickness (New)
..........................................................................
,550Brake Shoe and Lining Minimum Thickness Before
Replacement
....................................................................................................................,280Disc Brake Master Cylinder Bore
.......................................................................................8 10Disc Brake Caliper Cylinder Bore
- GT..........................................................................1.770Disc Brake Caliper Cylinder Bore Opel
1900 and Manta..............................................
1.890Disc Brake Shoe Adjustment
..............................................................................Self-Adjusting
Torque Specifications
Use a reliable torque wrench to tighten the parts listed, to insure proper
tightness without straining or distorting parts. These specifications are for
clean and lightly-lubricated threads only; dry or dirty threads produce in-
creased friction which prevents accurate measurement of tightness.
Bolt
Bolt
Bolt
NutName
BrakeCalipertoSteeringKnuckle
BrakeDisctoWheelHub
Brake Disc Shield to Steering Knuckle and Steering
Arm.
Brake Pipe to Caliper
.,.,...............................,......................Torque
Lb.Ft.
72
36
47
22

5C- 221973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
DRUM BRAKES
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Description of Brake Mechanism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OperationofHydraulicServiceBrake
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS:
BrakeTrouble
Diagnosis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
BrakeAdjustment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Filling, Bleeding and Flushing Brake
Hydraulic System
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAJOR REPAIR:
Replace or Reline Brake Shoes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inspecting and Reconditioning Brake Drums
. . . . . . . . . .Brake Wheel Cylinder Overhaul
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ReplacingBrakePipes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:
Brake Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION - DRUM
BRAKES
DESCRIPTION OF BRAKE MECHANISM
Wheel Brake Assemblies
Each rear wheel brake assembly uses two brake shoeswhich are actuated by a single wheel brake cylinder.
The center of the brake shoes are held against the
backing plate by a hold down pin, spring and re-
tainer. The bottom of the shoes pivot in a support
plate, and the top of the shoes rest directly on the
wheel brake cylinder push rods. The brake shoes are
connected by upper and lower return springs which
pull the sh6es back to resting position after applica-
tion. See Figure
5C-40.Two adjusting eccentrics at each wheel provide in-
dividual adjustment for each brake shoe to obtain
clearance with. the brake drum. An arrow on the
brake backing.plate circumference,shows direction in
which eccentrics must be turned to make adjust-
ment.
A hydraulic wheel cylinder is mounted on the back-Page No.5C-225C-245C-26
5C-275C-275C-28
5c-30
5c-305c-315c-31
Figure 5C-40 Rear Wheel Brake
ing plate between the upper ends of the brake
shoeand forces the shoes against the drum when pressure
is applied on the brake pedal. A lever mounted on
each rear shoe is used for applying parking brakes.

DRUM BRAKES5C- 23
Parking Brake Control System
The hand-operated parking brake lever is mounted
between the front seats on the propeller shaft tunnel.
A paw1 is riveted into the parking brake lever and is
actuated by a control rod provided with a spring
loaded push button. When the parking brake is ap-
plied, the parking brake lever is locked by the
paw1which engages the teeth on a stop plate. The parking
brake is disengaged by pressing the spring loaded
push button. See Figure
5C-41.
SPRING LOADED,-PUSH BUTTON
BRAKE LEVER
s\., \\,Figure
5C-4 1 Parking Brake Lever (Opel 1900 and
Manta)The GT arrangement of the parking brake is, with
the exception of the additional transmittal lever at
the floor panel, identical with that of the Opel mod-
els. The transmittal lever is attached to the propshaft
tunnel by means of a mounting support. See Figure
5C-42.The parking brake lever is connected with the front
parking brake pull rod. By means of an equalizer, the
front pull rod is connected to the forward portion of
a center cable. The center cable is routed rearward
through retaining guides and attaches at either end
to the lower end of a parking brake lever. See Figure
5C-43. The parking brake levers and struts actuate
the rear wheel brakes.
Service Brake Control System
-Standard Brakes
The service brake control system is a pedal operated
hydraulic system which applies the brakes at all four
wheels with equal pedal pressure. The hydraulic sys-
tem consists of a master cylinder (and attached trans-
parent fluid reservoir) connected by pipes and
1.PUSH BUTTON
2.THRUST SPRING
3.WASHER
4. PAWL CONTRO ROD
5. PARKING BRAKE LEVER
6.RIVET
7. HEX. HEAD BOLT
8.TOOTHED SEGMENT
9. PAWL WITH TWO TEETH
10.RUBBER CAP
11.THRUST ROD
12.PULL ROD
13.TRANSMITTAL LEVER
14.MOUNTING SUPPORT
15.BOLT
16. PARKING BRAKE CABLE
17. RETURN SPRING
sea2Figure 5C-42 Parking Brake Lever
(GT)flexible hoses to a wheel cylinder mounted between
the brake shoes at each rear wheel.
A mechanically-operated stop light switch is
mounted on a bracket just forward of the brake pedal
on the GT and just rearward of the brake pedal on
the Opel 1900 and Manta. With brake pedal released,
the switch plunger is fully depressed against the
switch actuating lever. See Figures
5C-45 and 5C-46.Any time the stop light switch fails, the stop lights
will stay on at all times.