rod OPEL 1900 1973 Workshop Manual

REAR AXLE48. 9
MAJOR REPAIRREMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF REAR AXLE
ASSEMBLYRemoval
1. Raise rear of car with floor jack under differential
carrier and position jack stand under jack bracket on
each side of car. Remove rear wheel assemblies and
one brake drum.
2. Disconnect parking brake cable equalizer and re-
turn spring from brake rod.
3. Detach parking brake cable from actuator lever
and backing plate at wheel with brake drum
removed. Disconnect cable from lower control arm
brackets and pull loose end over exhaust system.
4. Disconnect shock absorbers at lower end.
5. Disconnect track rod at left end.
6. On cars equipped with a stabilizer rod, disconnect
the shackles at rear axle housing.7. Disconnect universal joint from pinion flange and
support or tie propeller shaft out of way after mark-
ing mating areas. If propeller shaft is removed, install
plug in rear of transmission to prevent loss of lubri-cant.8. Disconnect brake hose from brake pipe at differen-
tial and remove retaining clip.
9. Lower rear axle assembly far enough to remove
coil springs.
10. Remove central joint support bracket to under-
body retaining bolts.
11. Disconnect lower control arms at rear axle assem-
bly bracket and roll the assembly from under the car.
See Figure
4B-2.Installation
CAUTION: Fasteners in the following steps are impor-tant attaching parts in that they could affect the
performance of vital components and systems, and-
/or coo/d
resuJt in major repair expense. They must
be rep/aced with one of the same part number or withREAR SHOCK ABSORBERS
SPRING SEAT
4B-1Figure
4B-l Differential and Rear Suspension Assembly

4B- 101973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Figure 48-Z Removing Rear Axle Assemblyan equiva/entpart ifreplacement 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 reten-
tion of these parts.1. Roll rear axle assembly under car on floor jack and
loosely attach lower control arms to rear axle hous-
ing.
2. Attach central joint support, to underbody with
bolts only finger tight.
3. Lower rear axle assembly, install lower damper
rings in spring seats, coil springs and upper damper
rings on springs. Make certain the damper rings and
springs are properly positioned.
4. Install track rod on axle housing.
5. On Opel 1900 and Manta, place a load of approxi-
mately 350
Ibs. in luggage conipartment or on the
GT, place a load of approximately 150 lbs. on drivers
seat and raise rear axle far enough for underbody to
clear jack stands.
6. Torque central joint support t$ underbody bolts to
36 lb.ft.
7. Torque lower control arm to
Axle housing bolts to
18
Ib.ft. on the GT and 22 lb.ft. dn the Opel 1900 and
Manta.
8. Torque track rod to rear axle attaching nut to
40lb.ft. on the GT and to 76
lb.ft. on the Opel 1900 and
Manta and remove added weight.
9. Install shock abosrbers and tighten nuts to 15
Ib.ft.on the GT and to 47
Ib.ft. on the Opel 1900 and
Manta.10. If car is equipped with stabilizer rod, connect
shackles to axle housing. Tighten to 25 lb. ft.
11. Connect brake hose to brake pipe and install
retaining clip.
12. Thread parking brake cable over exhaust system
and connect to lower control arm brackets, parking
brake actuating lever and brake backing plate. Install
brake drum.
13. Align mating marks and connect propeller shaft
to pinion flange. Tighten universal joint attaching
bolts to 11
Ib.ft. Bend respective lock plate tabs to
secure nuts or bolts.
14. Connect parking brake cable equalizer and return
spring to brake rod and adjust to specifications.
15. Bleed rear brake system and fill master cylinder.
16. Install wheel assemblies and tighten lug nuts to
65
lb.ft.17. Remove jack stands and lower car to the floor.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF AXLE SHAFT
ASSEMBLY
Removal1. Raise and support rear of car at jack brackets.
2. Remove wheel and brake drum as necessary.
3. Unscrew rear axle shaft retaining plate and with
axle shaft puller J-8805 coupled with slide hammer
J- 2619 on axle shaft flange, remove axle shaft.
4. For replacement of the bearing parts, first remove
retaining ring by cutting off with a chisel. See Figure4B-3.
5. Press off bearing, using rear pinion bearing
remover J-22912.
Installation
CAUTION: Fasteners in the following steps b are im-
portant attaching parts in that they could at&t
tee
performance of vital components and systems, and-
/or could result in major
repair expense.They must
be replaced with one of the same part number or with
an equivalentpart ifreplacement 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 reten-
tion of these parts.1. Check radial runout of axle shaft at ball bearing

REAR AXLE40- 11
Figure
48-3 Removing Axle Bearing Retaining Ring
seat and lateral runout of axle shaft flange near larg
est diameter.
Permissible radial runout is .002”, and permissible
“lateral runout is
.OO4”. An axle shaft which exceeds
these tolerances, or one which has been otherwise
damaged during removal, must be replaced.
2. Using installer ring J-21721-2, press on bearing so
that oil seal groove on bearing faces shaft splines.
3. Using installer ring J-21721-2, press on retainer
ring so that shoulder faces bearing.
Figure 48.4 Measuring for Axle Shaft Bearing Depth4. Check axle shafts end play as follows:
a. Using a depth gauge, measure depth of rear axle
bearing seat in axle housing (backing plate and gas-
kets in place). See Figure
4B-4.b. Measure width of bearing outer race. The differ-
ence between the two measurements indicates the
required thickness of the shims. The maximum per-
missible end play is .002”. If necessary to reduce end
play, add
,004” shims behind bearing as necessary. A
slight crush fit (up to ,006”) is desirable.
5. Coat rear axle shaft splines with hypoid gear lubri-
cant prior to installation.
6. Insert axle shaft into housing; using a mallet, drive
axle shaft completely into housing.
7. Install lock washers and nuts. Torque to 20
Ib.ft.8. Install brake drum and wheel assembly.
9. Remove supports and lower rear of car to floor.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY OF THE
DIFFERENTIALRemoval and installation of parts for service de-
scribed in the following sub-paragraph can be per-
formed with the rear axle assembly in the car. The
car must be raised and adequately supported to per-
mit access to the parts to be serviced.
Removal and Disassembly of Differential Case1. With car suitably supported at rear jack bracket
on each side, remove differential cover bolts and let
lubricant drain into suitable container.
2. Disconnect left end of track rod and wire to left
shock absorber.
3. Remove both rear wheels and brake drums.
4. Working through access holes in axle shaft flange,
remove four nuts and washers that retain the axle
shaft dust shield and brake backing plate to the axle
housing.
5. Unscrew rear axle shaft retaining plate.
6. Install axle shaft puller J-8805 coupled with slide
hammer J-2619 on axle shaft flange to remove rear
axle. In removing axle shaft, care should be exercised
to avoid damage to the oil seal. See Figure
4B-5.7. Remove differential cover and discard gasket.
8. Check and record ring gear backlash.

49- 241973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Torque
Lb.Ft.
1.9Nut and BoltPropshaft to Drive Pinion Shaft Extension Flange
......11
NutFlange
toDriveShaftExtension........................................87
BoltRing Gear to Case................................................................
BoltSideBearingCaptoCarrier.............................................i;
BoltDifferentialHousingCover.................................................22
NutTrackRodAttaching(GT)....................................................40
Nut and BoltStabilizer
RodtoRearAxleShackle................................25
BoltStabilizer Rod to Body........................................................15
NutTrack Rod to Rear Axle (Opal1900 & Manta)..............76
NutTrack Rod to Side Member (Opel 1900 & Manta)......22
10 MM Bolt Nut
....................................................................................................................368 MM Bolt Nut
......................................................................................................................156 MM Bolt Nut
........................................................................................................................5

CONTENTS
SubjectPage No.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Power
BrakeBooster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Master
Cylinder
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS:
Power
Brake
,UnitTroubleDiagnosis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
Checking Brake Booster Operation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brake Booster Filter Service
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Vacuum Control Valve Service
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAJOR REPAIR:
5A-2
5A-2SA-4SA-5
5A-65A-6
Brake Booster Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Master Cylinder Overhaul
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:
General
Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SA-6
5A-7
5A-95A. 21973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
POWER BRAKE BOOSTERThe vacuum power cylinder contains the power pis-
ton assembly which houses the control valve and
reaction mechanism and the power piston return
spring. The control valve is composed of the air valveand the floating control valve assembly. The reaction
mechanism consists of a hydraulic piston, reaction
plate, and a series of springs. An air filter element is
assembled around the push rod and fills the cavity
inside the hub of the power piston. This keeps dirt
and dust from entering the vacuum booster. The
push rod, which operates the air valve, projects out
of the end of the power cylinder ‘housing through a
boot.MASTER CYLINDER
The master cylinder is composed pf a primary pistonand secondary piston; it is supplied with fluid from
two separate reservoirs. A check valve is mounted onthe primary circuit which supplies fluid to the rear
brakes. This keeps a slight static pressure in the rear
brake system. When the pedal is depressed, the pushrod moves the two pistons forward simultaneously
until the seals of the two pistons cover the compen-
sating ports in the cylinder. The pressure is increasedin the two chambers simultaneously, thus supplying
fluid to both front and rear brake systems.Figure
5A-1 Brake Booster Attachment (Opel 1900
and Manta)
In the GT, the brake fluid container is arranged at
right angles to the tandem brake master cylinder. SeeFigure
5A-3. It is pushed over the feed port of the
rear brake circuit onto the brake master cylinder and

POWER BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER5A- 3
Figure 5A-2 Exploded View Master Cylinder (Opel 1900 and Manta)
held in position by a retaining plate. The front brake
circuit is connected to the brake fluid container by a
hose and a connector. See Figure
5A-4.An offset brake actuating rod, consisting of pedal
rod, adjuster and connecting tube, is used between
the brake pedal, the tandem brake master cylinder
and brake booster respectively. The connecting tube
is pressed onto the pedal rod and adjuster. The speci-
fied brake pedal free travel of
l/4 inch is obtained by
adjusting the brake booster piston rod and lock nut
of the adjuster.
VACUUM CONTROL VALVEhose between the intake manifold and the brake
booster and serves to prevent air from flowing back
(vacuum release) when the engine is shut off. See
Figure 5A-5.
This valve cannot be disassembled andmust be replaced when defective. To do this, the
short hose should be used between the intake mani-
fold and the vacuum control valve and the long hose
between the vacuum control valve and the brake
booster. Arrows on the valve housing indicate its
correct position in the line. Should a vacuum control
valve be installed backward no air could be drawn
out of brake booster, thus rendering it inoperative.
Hose clamps should be installed to prevent the possi-
bility of vacuum leaks.
A vacuum control valve is installed into the vacuum

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.