1973 OPEL GT-R parking brake

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.

5C- 241973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL-~ - -----*““YBRAKE LICFigure 5C-43 Parking Brake Equalizer (Opel 1900 and
Mallta)Figure 5C-45 Brake and Clutch Pedal Arrangement
-GT
Figure 5C-44 Parking Brake Equalizer
(GT)The brake pedal on the GT is suspended from a pivot
shaft. The pivot shaft inserts through the support
bracket which is mounted on the cowl. The pedal is
stopped in
“off position by the thrust rod coming in
contact with the support plate on the cowl. The
thrust rod (master cylinder push rod) connects di-
rectly into the brake pedal providing no pedal height
adjustment. See Figure
5C-45.
OPERATION OF HYDRAULIC SERVICE BRAKEA dual master cylinder, equipped with one (1)
static pressure valve
- for rear brake circuit - and
used along with a power booster, is used on all
models.
Each rear wheel cylinder contains two pistons and
two rubber cups which are held in contact with the
pistons by a central coil spring. The wheel cylinderFigure 5C-46 Brake Light Switch
- Opel 1900 andManta

DRUM BRAKES5C- 27MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTSBRAKE ADJUSTMENT
Preliminary Checks
1. Depress brake pedal firmly. If pedal travels to
within two inches of toeboard and has a hard feel,
brake shoes require adjustment or relining. However,
if pedal has a spongy feel, brake system needs bleed-
ing.2. Remove one rear drum if lining is worn nearly to
rivets. Reline both rear brakes (drum brakes only).
3. Check fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and
add fluid if necessary.
4. Fully release parking brake lever and place trans-
mission in neutral.
5. Pull on both ends of rear brake cable a number of
times to make sure that cables operate rear brake
shoes freely and do not bind in conduits. Check for
free movement of cable in brake cable sheave and
check brake cable spring for tension. Replace a weak
or broken cable spring.
Pedal Height Adjustment
Brake pedal height can be adjusted by first removing
the nut and lock tab from the brake pedal to clevis
attaching bolt and then by turning the head of the
bolt and rotating the eccentric until there is approxi-
mately
l/4 of an inch play in the brake pedal. See
Figures
X-49 and 5C-50. Replace lock tap and nut.
If one of the tabs on lock tap breaks replace lock tab.5c49
Figure 5C-49 Brake Pedal Attaching Bolt and
EccentricFigure 5C-50 Brake Pedal Height Adjustment
If binding does occur, take pedal assembly apart and
clean. Check for broken parts. Lubricate and replace.
Adjustment at Wheels
At each rear wheel brake assembly there are two (2)
brake shoes, and each brake shoe has an individual
adjustment eccentric. Therefore, each shoe must be
adjusted separately by turning its adjustment
ccccn-tric which is mounted on the brake backing plate.
Arrows on backing plate circumference show direc-
tion in which eccentrics should be turned to get
brake shoe-to-drum contact. See Figure X-51.
When adjusting front brake shoe ofrear brakes, turn
wheel forward. When adjusting rear brake shoe of
rear wheel brakes, turn wheel rearward. Adjust as
folio ws:1. Raise car and support in a safe manner so that all
wheels clear ground. Prior to wheel brake adjust-
ment, check that all brake drums rotate freely.
2. Revolve drum in forward direction and turn front
brake shoe eccentric in direction of arrow until brake
shoe contacts brake drum. See Figure
5C-49, then
turn eccentric in opposite direction until brake drum
is just free to turn. Adjust rear brake shoe in the same
way but revolve brake drum in backward direction.
3. Remove car jacking and support equipment, and
road test car for brake performance.
Disc brakes do not require adjustment.
Parking Brake Adjustment
Adjustment of parking brake cable is necessary
whenever the rear brake cables have been

5C- 281973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Figure 5C-51 Rear Wheel Brake Adjustment
disconnected, or when cables have been stretched
through extended use. Need for parking brake ad-
justment is indicated if the service brake operates
with good reserve, but the parking brake handle
can be engaged, more than eight ratchet clicks
under heavy pressure.
After making certain that service brakes are in good
adjustment, adjust parking brake mechanism as fol-lows:1. Fully release parking brake lever; check parking
brake cable for free movement.
2. Loosen equalizer nut or adjusting nut, depending
upon whether. tension is to be increased or decreased
on cable.
3. Pull parking brake lever up by three (3) clicks. In
this position, adjust equalizer with adjusting and
lock nuts so that rear brakes just begin to bind. Take
care that rear brake action is equal on both rear
wheels. In case of unequal brake action, apply lubri-
cant to equalizer and brake cable.
4. After adjustment, tighten lock nut. Be certain that
equalizer is in horizontal position. Check operation
of parking brake. If parking brake adjustment doesnot result in proper brake action, inspect linings on
both rear wheels for possible replacement.
Filling Brake Master Cylinder
ReservoirThe master cylinder reservoir must be kept properly
filled to insure adequate reserve and to prevent air
from entering the hydraulic system. However, be-
cause of expansion due to heat absorbed from brakff
and from engine, master cylinder must not be over-
tilled.
The plastic brake fluid reservoir is attached to the
master cylinder which is located under the hood on
the left side of the cowl.
Thoroughly clean reservoir cover before removal to
avoid getting dirt into reservoir. Remove cover and
add fluid as required to bring level up to “MAX.”
marked on reservoir.
Use Delco Supreme No. 11 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
or equivalent.
Do not use shock absorber fluid or any other fluid
which contains mineral oil. Do not use a container
which has been used for mineral oil. Even a trace of
mineral oil will cause swelling and distortion of rub-
ber parts in the hyrdaulic brake system.
Bleeding Brake Hydraulic SystemA bleeding operation is necessary to remove air whe-
never it is introduced into the hydraulic brake sys-
tem. Since air is compressible and hydraulic fluid is
not, the presence of air in the system is indicated by
a springy, spongy feeling of the brake pedal accom-
panied by poor braking action.
Air will be introduced into the hydraulic system if
the brake pedal is operated when the fluid is too low
in master cylinder reservoir. Air will also enter the
system whenever any part of hydraulic system is
disconnected.
It will be necessary to bleed both hydraulic systems
if air has been introduced through low fluid level or
by disconnecting brake pipes at master cylinder. If
brake pipe is disconnected at any wheel cylinder,
then that wheel cylinder only need be bled. If pipes
are disconnected at any fitting located between mas-
ter cylinder and wheel cylinders, then the wheel
cylinder(s) served by the disconnected pipe must be
bled.
Sequence for Bleeding Wheel
Cylinders or CalipersIt is advisable to bleed one wheel cylinder or caliper

Figure 5C-53 Rear Brake Assembly
10. Check all backing plate attaching bolts to make
sure they are tight. Using line emery cloth, clean all
rust and dirt from shoe contact surfaces on plate. See
Figure Z-53.
Relining Brake ShoesIf old brake shoes are to be relined, inspect shoes for
distortion and for looseness between the rim and
web; these are causes for discarding any shoe. If
shoes are serviceable, be governed by the following
points in installing new linings:
1. Remove old rivets by drilling them out. Punching
out rivets will cause distortion of shoe rim. Care5C- 301973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
must also be taken to support shoes properly while
drilling.
2. Thoroughly clean brake shoes and remove all
burrs around rivet holes.
3. Use Opel brake lining or equivalent. Install in
place and rivet in sequence shown in Figure
Z-54.Keep hands clean while handling brake lining. Do
not permit oil or grease to come in contact with
lining.
Installation and Adjustment
1. If any hydraulic conne&tions were disturbed, bleed
hydraulic system. If new parts were installed in
brake system, flushing of hydraulic system is recom-
mended.
2. Adjust rear wheel brakes.
3. Adjust parking brake.
4. Check fluid level in master cyliner and add fluid
if necessary.
5. Check brake pedal for proper feel and for proper
return.
6. Remove jacks and road test car for proper brake
action. Brakes must not be severely applied immedi-
ately after installation of new brake shoes or linings.
Severe application may perinanently injure new lin-
ings and may score brake drums. When linings are
new, they must be given moderate use for several
days until burnished.
INSPECTING AND RECONDITIONING
BRAKE DRUMSWhenever brake drums are removed, they should
bethoroughly cleaned and inspected for cracks, scores,
deep groves, and out-of-round. Any of these condi-
tions must be corrected since they can impair the
efficiency of brake operation and also can cause
premature failure of other parts.
Cracked, Scored or Grooved DrumA cracked drum is unsafe for further service and
must be replaced. Welding a cracked drum is not
recommended.
Smooth up any slight scores by polishing with tine
emery cloth. Heavy or extensive scoring will cause
excessive brake lining wear and it will be necessary
to rebore in order to true up the braking surface.
Figure 5C.54 Brake Lining Riveting
SequenceIf the brake linings are slightly worn and drum is
grooved, the drum should be rebored just enough to

5C- 321973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Never use copper tubing because copper is subject to
fatigue cracking which would result in brake failure.2. Cut tubing to length. The correct length may be
determined by measuring the old pipe using a cord
and adding l/8” for each double lap flare.
To make up a brake pipe assembly, proceed as fol-
lows:3. Double lap flare tubing ends, using a suitable flar-
ing tool such as J-8051. Follow the instructions in-
cluded in the tool set. Make sure fittings are installed
1. Procure the recommended tubing and fittings of
the correct size. (Outside diameter of tubing is used
to specify size.)before starting second flare.
4. Bend pipe assembly to match old pipe.
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS
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
accurage measurement of tightness.
PartName
TorqueNut
BoltBrakeHose to Front WheelBrake Cylinder
Brake Backing Plate to Steering Knuckle(Uccer
Bolts)Lb&.
22
22...BoltBrake Backing’Plate to Steering Knuckle and
SteeringArm(Lower
Bolts)............................................
BoltBackingPlatetoRearAxleHousing................................
NutMaster Cylinder Actuator Rod to BrakePedal
..............
BoltWheelBrake Cylinder to Brake Backing Plate
..............
General Specifications47
43
5
5OperatingMechanism,ServiceBrakes
....................................................................Hydraulic
Parking Brakes
..........................................................................................Lever and Cables
Operation of Service Brakes Independent of
ParkingBrakes
..................................................................................................................Yes
WheelBrakes,Service
......................................................................................FrontandRear
Parking.
..................................................................................................................Rear Only
BrakePedalHeightAdjustment......................................................................................None
Static Pressure in Hydraulic System When Brakes
are Released
- Drum Brakes................................................................................4 psi Min.
Static Pressure in Hydraulic System to Rear
BrakesOnly
-DiscBrakes..................................................................................
4psiMin.
Brake Master Cylinder (for Drum Brakes) Bore
............................................................13/16
Wheel Cylinder Size
- Rear - All.......................................................................................: 5/8
Approved Hydraulic Brake ,Fluid
..........................................GM or Delco Supreme No. 11
Fluid Level in Reservoir
..........................................................................Fill to “Max.” Level
BrakeDrumRebore,Max&urnAllowable Inside
Diameter........................................
9.090Max. Allowable Out-of-Round
...........................................................................................CKl4Rear Brake Drum Size. New
............................................................................................
9.060

7A- 41973 dPEL SERVICE MANUALConditionPossible CauseCorrectionHeat-blued driven plate
and pressure plate
assembly.
1. Improper pedal1. Replace only driven plate, and
adjustment.adjust clutch pedal and cable.
Grab and chatter with
oil present on clutch
assembly.1. Oil leak.1. Correct oil leakage, clean
pressure plate in solvent, replace
driven plate and adjust pedal lash.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
CLUTCH LASH ADJUSTMENT
GTPedal lash, free pedal travel must be adjusted occa-
sionally to compensate for normal wear of the clutch
facings. As the driven plate wears thinner, pedal lash
decreases. Adjust clutch pedal free travel only with
ball stud located on right side of clutch housing if
cable length is not to be changed. To adjust pedal
lash proceed as follows:
1. Loosen lock nut on ball stud end located to the
right of the transmission on the clutch housing. Posi-
tion ball stud so that the outer end protrudes 3/4
inches out of housing and finger tighten lock nut. See
Figures
7A-1 and 7A-6.
2. Adjust ball stud, pivoting clutch release fork, to
obtain 3/4 to
l-1/4 inches pedal lash, free pedal. See
Figure 7A-6.
Opel 1900 and MantaThe clutch actuation works without clutch pedal free
travel. A readjustment of the clutch is only required
if the indicator lamp at the instrument panel lights
up.In synchronism with the gradual wear of the clutch
linings the clutch pedal travels from its basic adjust-
ment position upwards,
ie., towards driver. If the
clutch lining wear has reached such an extent that
the clutch pedal rests against switch, the indicator
lamp at the instrument panel lights up.
This is an indication that the clutch pedal position
has to be corrected to ensure proper clutch operat-
ion.
To
&~sure proper clutch operation, observe the fol-
lowing adjustment instructions.. For all adjustment
dimensions, refer to Figure 7A-7.
1. If the parking brake is provided with an indicator
lamp, the parking brake has to be disengaged, other-wise the same indicator lamp as for the clutch lights
UP.2. Carry out adjustment only with ball stud on clutch
housing whereby the distance (Item 20, Figure 7A-7)
between clutch housing contacting surface and
clutch release lever has to be adjusted in the rear to
4
l/4 inches.
Clutch Control Cable Adjustment(Only on
Installation of a New Clutch Disc or
Bowden
Control Wire)
GT1. Adjust ball stud so that outer end protrudes ap-
proximately 3/4 inches out of clutch housing.
2. Adjust distance between release lever and clutch
housing face at eye for control cable to approxi-
mately 4
l/4 inches. See Figure 7A-6. Hold cable in
this position and place E-ring two grooves ahead of
washer on rubber grommet. Clutch pedal free travel
is now between 3/4 and 1
l/4 inches and clutch
release bearing has proper clearance from pressure
plate.
Opel 1900 and Manta1. Adjust ball stud on clutch housing to basic dimen-
sion of approximately 3/4 inch. With lower end ofbowden control wire unhooked, push clutch release
lever towards the front so that the clutch release
bearing rests against clutch spring. Now, adjust ball
stud so that the dimension (Item 20, Figure
7A-7)between clutch housing contacting surface and
clutch release lever amounts in the rear to 4
l/4
inches.2. Pull reattached bowden control wire out of dash
panel so that clutch pedal rests against switch (in-
dicator lamp lights up).
3. In this position, install lockwasher at upper con-
trol wire attachment three grooves towards the front,
thereby completing control wire adjustment.

78.221973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
3. Install new bellows. Adhere to distance A
- 8.07”.
See Figure 7B-I 1.
4. Heat up new gearshift lever knob in boiling water
to 176 degrees F. and push it onto gearshift lever
tube. Adhere to distance A .3”, see Figure
7B-15.The gearshift lever tube end is provided with trans-
verse grooves for which reason the old button cannot
be reused. Install gearshift lever.
REPLACING RUBBER DAMPENING PARTS IN
GEARSHIFT LEVER1. Remove gearshift lever.
2. Knock off gearshift lever button and loosen
threaded pin for Bowden control wire attachment.
3. Remove lower snap ring from gearshift lever tube
and pull tube off shift finger.
4. Take off and replace rubber dampening parts.
5. After installation of tube, tighten Bowden control
wire with threaded pin. Prior to tightening, pull ring
must rest on gearshift lever tube and clamping block
on pull ring. See Figure
7B-15.6. Heat up new gearshift lever knob in boiling water
to 176 degrees F. and push it onto gearshift lever
tube. Adhere to distance A
- .3”, see Figure 7B-15.The gearshift lever tube end is provided with trans-
verse grooves for which reason the old button cannot
be reused.
7. Install gearshift lever.
MAJOR REPAIR
TRANSMISSION REMOVAL1. Remove air cleaner. Remove throttle rod from
carburetor and rear support and disconnect battery.
2. Remove screws from fan shroud.
3. Remove gearshift lever (refer to paragraph on ser-
vicing gearshift lever).
4. Support car with frame or wheel stands in the
front or frame stands in the rear.
5. Loosen front exhaust pipe to manifold flange.
6. Remove clutch cable from fork by pushing fork to
disengage the clutch and unsnap cable from slot.
7. Disconnect both wires from backup lamp switch.8. Disconnect speedometer cable from transmission
case extension housing.
9. Unhook parking brake cable return spring and
remove cable adjusting nut, equalizer, and spacer.
See Figure
7B-16.PARKING BRAKE CABLE
PARKING BRAKE
Figure 78-16 Parking Brake Equalizer and Return
Spring
9. Disconnect drive shaft at central joint and remove
as follows: See Figure
7B-16.a. Disconnect parking brake cable equalizer from
rod.b. Mark the mating parts of U-Joint and the drive
pinion extension shaft flange.
c. Loosen bolt locks and remove bolts or nuts.
d. Work propeller shaft slightly forward, lower rear
end of shaft and slide assembly rearward. Remove
thrust spring.
e. Install a plug in the rear of the transmission to
prevent loss of lubricant.
10. Remove rear engine mount bolts and lower trans-
mission as far as possible.
11. Remove transmission case to clutch housing at-
taching bolts and remove transmission.
INSTALLATION OF TRANSMISSION WITH
ENGINE IN CAR1. Make certain main drive gear splines are clean and
dry. Also, make certain the transmission is in Neu-
tral so that the main drive gear splines may be in-
dexed when making the installation.
2. Install transmission and support weight while in-
stalling transmission case to clutch housing bolts.
3. Install rear engine mount.
4. Install propeller shaft, align, and tighten U-Joint
to pinion flange U-Bolt nuts and torque to 11 lb. ft.