Removal and installation the front spring (Opel Kadett D)

Removal

Remove the shock absorber strut.

Caution: When disassembling the strut, the spring must be compressed. Never disassemble the strut without compressing the spring.

Compress the spring with a special device.



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OPEL workshops use compressors KM-329, KM-465 and KM-465-1 for this purpose.

Attention: Make sure that the hooks catch the spring well and do not break off. Compress the spring from two opposite sides. Use only a special, serviceable tool. Never tie the spring with wire.

Unscrew the support ball bearing with a bent open-end wrench, holding the Allen key with a socket wrench. Use an open-end wrench with a bending depth of 19 mm to unscrew.





Remove the thrust bearing assembly with ball bearing from the shock absorber rod.

Note: If you need to change the spring, then release it. If you need to change the shock absorber, the spring remains compressed.

Installation

Caution: Replace both springs together on one axle.

Place the new spring on the shock absorber strut and compress it. The end of the spring should fit into the stop of the lower cup.

Install the damping ring for the spring.



Install the upper spring plate so that the cut hole with a diameter of 5 mm (installation marking) was located opposite the hole of the steering knuckle hub (black arrow).

Lubricate the ball bearing with plastic grease. The thrust bearing is supplied only with the ball bearing.

Warning: The structure must not be disassembled.

Place the thrust bearing on the shock absorber rod. Position the flat cup -A- with the edges facing up under the ball bearing and the washer -B- above the ball bearing.



Tighten the new thrust bearing self-locking nut to 55 Nm while holding the shock absorber rod.

Release the spring.

Install the shock absorber strut.