Contents: Removal ⬇ Installation ⬇
Note: You will need the proper equipment to support the engine during this procedure. You will also need a ball joint puller. When installing, use a new locking pin on the ball joint nut that secures the strut to the lower control arm.
Removal
1. The sub-engine frame is removed together with the lower arms and anti-roll bar.
2. Before removing the subframe, support the weight of the engine near its left bracket. There is a special Opel tool, shown in one of the illustrations Section 7A. Alternatively, the weight of the engine can be supported using a winch and lifting device. However, in this case, the winch must be designed to support the engine on the jacked up vehicle.
3. Where applicable, remove the hubcaps, then loosen the bolts on both front wheels. Apply the handbrake, then jack up and support the front of the vehicle on axle stands. Remove the front wheels.
4. Remove the front exhaust system compartment as described in Section 4C. On models with two overhead camshafts (DOHC), unscrew the oil cooler hose bracket from the right side of the sub-engine frame.
5. Working on one wheel, remove the locking cotter pin, then unscrew the castle nut of the ball joint connecting the lower arm to the suspension strut.
6. Using a special puller, remove the ball joint connecting the lower arm to the suspension strut.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 on the second lower arm.
8. Make sure the engine is supported securely, then loosen and remove the two nuts and washers securing the rear engine/transmission mount bracket to the subframe.
9. Support the engine subframe with a jack, placing a piece of board between them to prevent the frame from tilting when removing it.
10. Loosen and remove the six bolts securing the subframe to the underbody of the vehicle. Note that the rear bolts also secure the lower control arms (see illustrations).
11. Lower the jack supporting the engine subframe and remove the assembly from under the front of the vehicle.
12. If required, remove the anti-roll bar and/or lower arms from the subframe as described in Chapter 8 and Chapter 5.
Installation
13. Perform installation in reverse order, paying attention to the following.
14. If the anti-roll bar and/or lower arms were removed from the subframe, install them (see Chapter 8 and Chapter 5).
15. Tighten all nuts and bolts to the specified tightening torque Specifications, remembering that the rear bolts securing the subframe to the bottom must be tightened in stages (see Specifications).
16. Secure the nuts of the ball joints connecting the lower arms to the suspension struts with new locking cotter pins.
17. Install the front exhaust system compartment as described in Section 4C. For models with two overhead camshafts (DOHC), install the oil cooler hose bracket on the right side of the sub-engine frame.
18. Lower the vehicle to the ground, tighten the wheel bolts completely and, where applicable, install the hubcaps.
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