Powertrain suspensions — inspection, removal and installation (Opel Vectra B)

Examination

1. To improve access to the powertrain suspension, raise the front of the vehicle and secure it on stands.

2. Check the condition of the rubber engine mounts for cracks, aging and delamination.

3. Check the reliability of the engine mounts.

4. By moving the engine from side to side, check the play in the engine mounts. Play should be insignificant even with new suspension components.

Removal and installation

Right suspension

1. Remove the air cleaner housing and the right air intake duct.

2. Place a jack under the engine and lift the engine using a wooden block until the entire weight of the engine is supported by the jack.

3. Unscrew the nuts securing the support to the support bracket and remove the engine mount.

4. Raise the engine and unscrew the lower support mounting nut and remove the engine mount.

5. Check suspension components for wear or damage and replace if necessary.

6. Secure the powertrain suspension to the body and tighten the mounting nuts to the required torque.

7. Install the support bracket to the engine and tighten the mounting bolts to the specified torque. Install the right suspension on top of the support and tighten the mounting nut to the specified torque.

Left suspension

8. Unscrew the nut securing the right powertrain mount.

9. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on stands.



10. Place a jack under the engine and lift the engine using a wooden block until the entire weight of the engine is supported by the jack. Remove the nut securing the left suspension to the front lower frame (indicated by the arrow).



11. Raise the engine, unscrew the bolts securing the left suspension to the gearbox and remove the suspension.

12. Check all suspension components for signs of wear and replace if necessary.

13. Install the left suspension and lightly tighten the mounting nut.

14. Tighten the bolts securing the left suspension to the gearbox.

15. Lower the engine and tighten the nut securing the left suspension to the lower frame.

16. Lower the vehicle and tighten the left suspension mounting nuts to the specified torque.

Rear suspension

17. Remove the right drive shaft.

18. Remove the front exhaust pipe.

19. Loosen the shift rod mounting bolts and disconnect the shift rod from the transmission control rod.

20. Unscrew the right suspension mounting nut.

21. Place a jack under the engine and use a wooden block to lift the weight of the engine until the entire weight of the engine is supported by the jack.

22. Remove the bolts securing the rear suspension to the lower frame. If necessary, remove the bolts and remove the rear suspension from under the vehicle.

23. Install the rear suspension and secure it to the power unit.

24. Secure the rear suspension to the lower frame by tightening the mounting bolts to the specified torque.

25. Tighten the right suspension mounting nut to the specified torque.

26. Connect the shift rod and adjust the shift mechanism.

27. Install the right drive shaft.

28. Install the front exhaust pipe.