Inspection of suspension and steering components (Opel Vectra C)

Note: The condition of the suspension and steering components should be checked regularly, as their wear or damage can cause a reduction in the service life of the tires, lead to a decrease in vehicle control and an increase in fuel consumption.

Checking the condition of shock absorbers

1. Park the car on a level, horizontal surface, if possible with a hard surface. Firmly apply the parking brake and check the tire inflation pressure.

2. Press down on one corner of the car. When you release the corner, the body should return to its original position, making no more than one or two oscillations.

3. Rocking of the body most likely indicates wear or weakening of the corresponding shock absorber.

4. Repeat the procedure, moving on to the remaining corners of the car one by one.

5. Jack up the car and place it on supports or lift the car on a lift.

6. Carefully inspect the shock absorbers for signs of fluid leaks (see accompanying illustration). The presence of a thin oil film should not cause concern. Be sure to make sure that the source of the leak is the shock absorber, if necessary, replace the shock absorbers as a set (front and back).

(Source is on this resource: opelbook.ru)





7. Check the reliability of the shock absorbers on their supports. If defects are detected, replace the shock absorbers (also included).

8. The procedure for replacing shock absorbers is described in Chapter 10.

Checking the condition of the suspension and steering components

9. After raising the car on a lift or driving it into an inspection pit, visually inspect the suspension and steering components for deformations and mechanical damage. Assess the condition of the sealing cuffs, protective boots and rubber-metal bushings - try not to miss signs of developing leaks (see accompanying illustrations).









10. Check the reliability of the fastening of the nuts of the ball joints, but do not unscrew the nuts. Clean the lower surface of the steering knuckle from traces of dirt, ask an assistant to grab the lower edge of the wheel and pull it in the transverse direction. Try to visually assess the play in the ball joints connecting the knuckle to the suspension control arm yourself. If there is play, the worn joint is subject to replacement.



11. Grasp the front and rear edges of the wheel, then push down on the front edge and pull on the rear edge. If there is play in the joints of the steering components, check the condition of the tie rod ends (see accompanying illustration). Wear of the outer tips can be detected visually, and wear of the inner tips can be detected by touch through the protective cover of the steering gear (when rocking the color). Move to the other side of the car and repeat the procedure, holding the opposite wheel.



13. To check the steering rods for play before lifting the car, set the wheels in a straight-ahead position and lock the steering column by removing the key from the ignition switch. Grasp the steering rods from below with both hands and alternately perform axial (left and right) and rotational movements. In this case, there should be no play in the steering rod joints. Otherwise, replace the corresponding steering rod joint.

Checking the condition of wheel bearings

14. Pull the front wheel with both hands at the top and bottom edges - the presence of any noticeable play indicates a weakened/damaged wheel bearing or suspension components. Ask an assistant to firmly press the foot brake pedal and repeat the check - if the play disappears or is reduced to a minimum level, then you should take care of the bearing, otherwise check the condition of the articulation units of the suspension components.

15. Grasp the front and rear edges of the wheel and repeat the above check - if the play disappears when the brake pedal is depressed, the wheel bearing should be tightened or replaced, otherwise check the condition of the steering gear components (see paragraph 11).

Checking the condition of the protective boots of the drive shafts

16. Corrugated rubber boots installed at both ends of each drive shaft are designed to protect the constant velocity joints (CV joints) from damage caused by dirt. Oil and grease getting on the surface of the boots can lead to their premature destruction. It is advisable to wash the boots with a solution of soapy water from time to time. Due to constant bending when turning the wheels, the boots of the outer CV joints wear out faster and should be checked more often and regularly.





17. Carefully check the anthers for cuts, cracks and other damage, assess the reliability of their fixation with bandage tapes (see accompanying illustration). If defects or traces of grease leaks are detected, the damaged boot must be replaced (see Chapter 8).