Checking the technical condition of the front suspension parts on the car (Opel Astra J)

All checks and work should be carried out from underneath the vehicle, installed on a lift or inspection pit (with front wheels up).

During each maintenance and repair, it is necessary to check the condition of the protective covers of the suspension ball joints; there should be no mechanical damage on the covers.

Find out if there are any cracks or traces of contact with road obstacles or the body on the suspension parts, deformation of the levers, the stabilizer bar and its struts, or parts of the front of the body in the places where the suspension units and parts are attached.

Check the condition of the rubber-metal hinges, rubber cushions, suspension hinges, and the condition (settlement) of the upper supports of the telescopic suspension struts.

Rubber-metal hinges and rubber cushions are subject to replacement in case of ruptures and one-sided bulging of the rubber, as well as in case of cutting of their end surfaces.





The location of the front suspension elements on the vehicle is shown in Fig. 1.

The following is not allowed on rubber suspension parts:

• signs of rubber aging;
• mechanical damage.

The following are not permitted on rubber-metal hinges:

• signs of aging, cracks, one-sided bulging of the rubber mass;
• separation of the rubber mass from the reinforcement.

Replace faulty parts.

Attention! Pay special attention to mechanical damage (deformations, cracks, etc.) suspension elements, especially levers.

1. Check the condition of the ball joint protective boots. If the boots are damaged, replace the ball joints as an assembly.

2. Check the ball joints for play. To do this, insert a mounting blade between the steering knuckle and the suspension arm and, leaning on the arm, try to rock the steering knuckle. If there is play in the ball pin, replace the front suspension arms as a whole.



3. Check the condition of the front… using a tire iron





4. …and the rear hinges of the front suspension arms. Using a mounting blade against the subframe, try to rock the suspension arm. If there is play in the hinges, they must be replaced.



5. Check the condition of the upper…



6. ...and the lower hinges of the anti-roll bar struts.

Material copied from this portal: OPELBOOK





7. By swinging the anti-roll bar by hand, check the condition of the cushions that mount it to the subframe. If there is knocking, replace the cushions.



8. Check the condition of the shock absorber strut protective cover.