Final drive mechanism — removal and installation (Opel Omega A)

1. Block the front wheels. Jack up the rear of the car and secure it to axle stands. Remove both rear wheels.

2. Remove both drive shafts as described in Chapter 8.

3. Loosen the center clamping nut of the slider on the cardan shaft approximately one full turn.

4. Disconnect the rubber hangers of the exhaust system and lower the rear of the system approximately 300 mm. Support or tie the system in this position.

5. Unscrew the central bearing suspension of the propeller shaft from the bottom.

6. Unscrew the flange of the rear part of the cardan shaft from the flexible joint of the drive, move the cardan shaft away from the joint. Support the cardan shaft on the axle support.

7. Support the final drive mechanism with a jack.

8. Loosen only the bolts securing the rear end cap to the final drive mechanism.

9. On models equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS), remove the speed sensor hangers from the rear of the final drive mechanism.



10. Unscrew the rear muffler suspension from the bottom (photo).



11. Disconnect the rear brake high pressure lines from the diagonal arms by pulling out the mounting brackets.



12. Lower the final drive mechanism and rear suspension crossmember a few centimeters, then remove the bolts securing the rear stabilizer bar clamps to the crossmember. Rotate the stabilizer bar upward.



13. Unscrew the front and rear main gear mounting bolts from the top of the rear suspension crossmember (photo).



14. Lower the final drive mechanism and remove it from under the car. Unbolt and remove the rear damper hanger and rubber coupling disc.

15. Installation is carried out in the reverse order, tighten all nuts and bolts with the tightening torque specified Specification. Install the drive shafts as described in Chapter 8. Check the final drive oil level as described in Chapter 2.