Opel Corsa B 1993–2000 Service and Repair Manual: Braking system

Note: Before assuming that a brake problem exists, make sure that the tyres are in good condition and correctly inflated, that the front wheel alignment is correct, and that the vehicle is not loaded with weight in an unequal manner. Apart from checking the condition of all pipe and hose connections.

Vehicle pulls to one side under braking

• Worn, defective, damaged or contaminated front brake pads or rear brake shoes/pads on one side .
• Seized or partially-seized front brake caliper or rear wheel caliper/cylinder piston.
• A mixture of brake pad/shoe lining materials fitted between sides.
• Front brake caliper mounting bolts loose .
• Rear brake backplate mounting bolts loose .
• Worn or damaged steering or suspension components.

Noise (grinding or high-pitched squeal) when brakes applied

• Brake pad or shoe friction lining material worn down to metal backing.
• Excessive corrosion of brake disc or drum. (May be apparent after the vehicle has been standing for some time.
• Foreign object (stone chipping, etc) trapped between brake disc and shield .

Excessive brake pedal travel

• Rear brakes incorrectly adjusted - early models.
• Inoperative rear brake self-adjust mechanism - later drum brake models.
• Faulty master cylinder.
• Air in hydraulic system.
• Faulty vacuum servo unit .

Brake pedal feels spongy when depressed

• Air in hydraulic system.
• Deteriorated flexible rubber brake hoses.
• Master cylinder mounting nuts loose .
• Faulty master cylinder.

Excessive brake pedal effort required to stop vehicle

• Faulty vacuum servo unit.
• Disconnected, damaged or insecure brake servo vacuum hose .
• Primary or secondary hydraulic circuit failure .
• Seized brake caliper or wheel cylinder piston(s) .
• Brake pads or brake shoes incorrectly fitted.
• Incorrect grade of brake pads or brake shoes fitted.
• Brake pads or brake shoe linings contaminated .

Judder felt through brake pedal or steering wheel when braking

• Excessive run-out or distortion of front discs or rear discs/drums.
• Brake pad or brake shoe linings worn .
• Brake caliper or rear brake backplate mounting bolts loose.
• Wear in suspension or steering components or mountings.

Brakes binding

• Seized brake caliper or wheel cylinder piston(s).
• Incorrectly-adjusted handbrake mechanism.
• Faulty master cylinder.

Rear wheels locking under normal braking

• Rear brake shoe linings contaminated.
• Faulty brake pressure regulator valve(s) .