If there are scuffs, deep scratches and other defects on the working surface of the disc that increase pad wear and reduce braking efficiency, as well as in the case of increased lateral runout of the disc, causing vibrations during braking, replace the disc.To preliminary check the correct adjustment of the parking brake drive, lift the drive lever up to the stop, and you should hear approximately 3-4 clicks of the ratchet device.
Adjusting the hand brake
If the number of clicks does not fall within the specified interval or if the vehicle is not held by the parking brake, adjust the drive. The parking brake drive adjustment unit is located in the passenger compartment under the floor tunnel lining. You will need a “10” wrench (a socket head is more convenient). Further:
If this is possible, the drive is incorrectly adjusted or faulty. In this case, repeat the adjustment, performing it more carefully. If repeated adjustment does not lead to the desired result, check the condition of the brake pads of the rear wheel brakes, brake discs and drive cables. Replace faulty parts and adjust the parking brake drive as described above. Install the parking brake lever boot.
1. The adjustment is made in accordance with the Routine Maintenance Schedule (), as well as each time after replacing or removing/installing rear brake mechanisms, pads or discs. At service stations, a special key HAZET 4965-1 is used for adjustment.
Astra models
2. Remove the diagnostic connector cover under the parking brake lever.
3. Using a plastic wedge or other handy tool, use a plastic wedge or other handy tool to release the boot of the parking brake lever from the console and lift it to provide access to the adjusting nut in front of the lever (see accompanying illustration).
4. Using a special wrench (HAZET 4965-1), loosen the adjusting nut, completely release the parking brake lever and slightly unscrew the nut to obtain slack in the cable.
5. Depress the foot brake pedal at least five times until significant resistance appears to the pedal stroke.
6. Fully cock 5-6 times, then release the lever again.
7. Support the front wheels with wheel chocks, jack up the rear of the car and place it on stands.
8. Cock the lever 2 clicks, then tighten the adjusting nut until the rear wheels begin to stick - it should be possible to turn them manually. Both rear wheels should turn with the same resistance, otherwise check the free movement of the drive cables in their sheaths.
9. Cock the lever until the third click - the rear wheels should be completely blocked. Release the lever - both wheels should begin to rotate freely. Repeat the adjustment if necessary.
10. Lower the vehicle onto the wheels, secure the parking brake lever boot in the center console and reinstall the diagnostic connector cover.
11. To allow the brake linings to get in, drive the vehicle for approximately 300 m at low speed and with the parking brake slightly applied.
Zafira models
12. Release the parking brake lever and remove the cover above the diagnostic connector on the center console (see accompanying illustration).
13. Remove the protective cap (see illustration 12.12) of the rear threaded rod and unscrew the adjusting nut to the end of the thread stroke.
14. Depress the foot brake pedal at least five times until significant resistance to the pedal movement appears.
Note: The brake pedal must return completely to its original position after each press.
15. Support the front wheels with wheel chocks, jack up the rear of the car and place it on stands.
16. Tighten the adjusting nut so that when the parking brake is released, the distance “a” (see accompanying illustration) between the parking brake actuator lever and the corresponding caliper stop is 0.1 mm. The same measurement on the caliper of another wheel should not exceed 0.1 mm.
17. Apply the parking brake lever to the first click - the parking brake is adjusted correctly if the rear wheels move hard or are almost locked. The braking force on both rear wheels should be equal. When the lever is released, the rear wheels should rotate freely. If necessary, repeat the adjustment.
18. To allow the brake linings to get in, drive the vehicle for approximately 300 m at low speed and with the parking brake slightly applied.
The Opel Astra J car is popular in the Russian market. This article is devoted to the operation of its brake system, namely to those cases that require replacing the handbrake cable.
Opel Astra J car repair
If you want your car to serve you for a long time, you need a competent car service. Our technical center offers a wide range of repair and maintenance services for the Opel brand. Our technicians know thoroughly the structure of these cars, which allows them to quickly find and eliminate the cause of the breakdown. Our car services provide services for minor, routine and major repairs of cars of this brand.
When and why might it be necessary to replace the Opel Astra J parking brake cable?
It is necessary to immediately clarify that the Opel Astra J is equipped with two brake systems that are independent of each other:
- Main hydraulic;
- Parking cable
The parking brake system has a cable drive to the brake mechanisms of the rear wheels. Upon request, this vehicle can be equipped with an electric parking brake.
In what cases is it necessary to replace the handbrake cable on an Opel Astra J?
- The parking brake does not hold the car on a 25% slope when the lever in the passenger compartment is moved by 7–9 teeth (clicks) of the ratchet device;
- Lack of fixation of the handbrake when lifting it;
- When removing the handbrake, it takes a lot of effort to lift it and press the button.
Most likely, for all of the above signs of a breakdown of the parking brake system, the cause of the malfunction is as follows: it may be a break in the handbrake cable due to natural wear or extreme loads. In this case, the only correct solution is to change this element of the technical device.
On Opel Astra J cars, replacing the handbrake cable is not complicated and is well established by our craftsmen, and it is better to entrust its implementation to the experienced professionals of our car service center. Our employees will select the required cable specification and order it from a trusted manufacturer. It is quite difficult to do this on your own, since for some car models these parts are in real short supply.
IMPORTANT! It is a big misconception that if you use the handbrake a little, it will preserve the integrity of the cable. The opposite trend is observed: elements lose their mobility in the shells if they are inactive, and therefore can jam and break off more often, especially if there has been a sharp jerk.
If the electro-mechanical parking brake malfunctions, a text message appears on the Driver Information Center display. You can try turning the element off and then on. If the problem persists, contact our car service center, our consultants will promptly assist you. It is likely that the reason the indicator lights up is a broken cable.
If your car requires replacement of this part, be sure to contact the service. Firstly, this procedure requires two people; it will be very difficult for one to cope. It is necessary to strictly follow the sequence of operations, starting with dismantling the wheel brake drum and ending with pulling the cable out of the grooves of the bracket. The need to change this element of the handbrake is a common problem, but in our car service repairs are carried out in the shortest possible time. Our technicians know the Opel Astra parking brake system very well and are ready to do the job efficiently.
Fair pricing for servicing the brake system of the Opel Astra J
Most car owners know that car repairs and servicing take up a significant portion of the budget, even if this procedure is on a local scale, such as replacing the parking brake cable of an Opel Astra J.
ATTENTION! Some car owners do the work themselves, but you should remember that in this case you endanger not only yourself, but also other road users. It is much safer to contact a trusted service center, where the price is favorably combined with high quality service.
Our car service offers its customers a favorable pricing policy for repairing Opel Astra. How did we achieve such results?
- Highly qualified craftsmen.
- High-quality auto parts.
- Search for the optimal price ratio. There is always the opportunity to select spare parts of different prices: from different companies and manufacturing countries.
Quality guarantees of our car service
Our car service center is responsible for the maintenance and repair of any Opel systems, including the replacement of the handbrake cable. Our service center provides warranties for the spare parts used and for their installation.
ADVICE. Before leaving your car for maintenance, study in advance and find out both the warranties provided by the manufacturer of the spare parts that will be replaced, and the deadlines for installation work. Remember that the car service does not provide a guarantee for previously used parts or for those purchased by the customer himself. In this case, liability will only apply to the installation of parts.
Our employees are always ready to advise you on repairing the Opel Astra parking brake cable and schedule an appointment for diagnostics at a convenient time.
