Replacing the steering rod and its protective cover (Opel Astra J)

You will need: keys "22", "32", pliers, side cutters.

1. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle (see Replacing the steering gear).

2. Remove the outer tie rod ends (see Replacing the outer tie rod end), counting the number of revolutions so that when reinstalling, the wheel alignment angles are not disturbed as much as possible.



3. Squeeze the bent ears of the clamp…



Original posted on the website [www.OPELBOOK.ru]

4. …slide the clamp along the steering rod and remove it.



5. Cut the second clamp of the protective cover…

Note: The protective cover mounting clamp is disposable. Be sure to replace it with a new one during assembly.

6. …and remove the protective cover.



7. While holding the rod from turning, unscrew the nut..



8. …and remove the steering rod.

Note: The steering rod parts are shown in Fig. 1.

9. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal. In order to maintain the wheel alignment as much as possible, when assembling the rod, screw the tip onto the steering rod, making as many turns as calculated in step 2. Tighten the bolts and nuts to the specified torques.

10. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front wheel alignment angles (see Checking and adjusting wheel alignment angles) at a service station with special equipment.