Flexible bushings of the closing lever — replacement (Opel Ascona C)

1. Support the body under the jacking points. Remove the wheels (see Chapter 9, Section 3).

2. The rear axle needs to be supported, preferably with a jack-trolley, and it is necessary to remove the brake hose rings from under the body.

3. Unscrew and remove the axle bolts that secure the locking levers to the bottom (photo).



4. Lower the lever very slowly and at the same time release the brake hoses and hard tubes, bending the latter if necessary to prevent them from being pulled.

5. Once the flexible bushings in the locking levers are clear of the bottom, support the rear axle on axle stands.

6. Cut off the flange from the flexible bushings with a sharp knife (Figure 10.30).





7. Tap around the bushing housing to release the bushing.

8. Using the bolt and shims, remove the bushing from the locking lever. This will be easier if you heat the case to a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Celsius (from 140 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not use an open flame to do this, but heat the case with a soldering iron or rags soaked in boiling water.

9. Lubricate the new bushing with grease and install it in place, but make sure that the bushing is positioned as shown in Figure 10.32.



10. Always replace bushings on both master links at the same time.

11. Install the bridge by performing the operations in reverse order. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque value - see Section 17, paragraph 11(A).