Lower control arm front suspension — removal and installation (Opel Vectra A)

Note: When installing, use a new locking cotter pin for the ball joint nut connecting the lower arm to the suspension strut, and (where it is applied) new nut securing the anti-roll bar to the lower arm.

Removal

1. Where applicable, remove the hubcaps, then loosen the front wheel bolts. Apply the handbrake, then jack up and support the front of the vehicle on axle stands. Remove the front wheel.

2. Loosen and remove the nut securing the end of the anti-roll bar to the lower arm. Remove the concave washers and rubber pads.

3. Remove the locking cotter pin, then unscrew the castle nut of the ball joint connecting the lower arm to the suspension strut.

4. Using a special puller, separate the ball joint.

5. Loosen and remove the two pivot bolts securing the lower arm to the subframe (see illustration).



Note that the rear pivot bolt also holds the subframe to the underbody. Both bolts are very tight and require a long rod to loosen.

6. Move the lower arm away from the engine subframe and remove it from under the vehicle.

7. Please note that some 2.0L models are equipped with a vibration damper bolted to the right lower control arm. If the right lower control arm on such a vehicle is to be replaced, be sure to transfer the vibration damper to the new control arm.



8. Please note that when installing the lower arm, the metal sleeves in the rear mount bushing can be discarded.

9. If any sign of damage or deformation of the lower front suspension arm is found (see around front pivot bolt), replace the lever (opel dealers are now offering a new, reinforced version of the lever).

10. A new modification of the lower arm, which can be identified by a flange on the weld on the front side of the arm, has been installed as standard since mid-1993.

11. The modified lower control arm and the earlier version are completely interchangeable. Note that if the new version of the arm is installed on a model whose lower arm is equipped with a vibration damper, the vibration damper should not be transferred to the new arm.

Installation

12. Install the lower arm onto the subframe.

13. Install the two pivot bolts, then tighten the bolts to the specified torque Specifications, holding the lower arm in a horizontal position. Note that the rear bolt must be tightened in stages (see Specifications).

14. Install the ball joint connecting the lower arm to the suspension strut and tighten the castle nut to the specified tightening torque Specifications. Secure the nut with a new locking pin.

15. Connect the end of the anti-roll bar to the lower arm, remembering that the concave washers securing the rubber pads must face the concave side towards the lower arm.

16. Tighten the anti-roll bar mounting nuts to the lower arm to achieve the specified compression of the rubber bushing (see illustration). Replace the rubber bushings if necessary.





17. Install the wheel and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the wheel bolts completely and, where applicable, install the wheel cover.

18. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front wheel alignment angles as described in Chapter 45.