Checking the condition and replacing the powertrain suspension supports (Opel Vectra C)

Examination

1. The engine is rigidly connected to the transmission assembly and has a common suspension with it, which is made in the form of a subframe and 4 supports - the right and left supports are attached to the side members, the front and rear supports are attached to the subframe. The general layout of the powertrain suspension supports is shown in the accompanying illustration.



2. If necessary, jack up the front of the vehicle and support it to ensure free access. If equipped, remove the crankcase guard.

3. Check the condition of the rubber support cushions. If cracks, delamination, separation from the metal base, signs of rubber hardening, or other similar defects are detected, replace the support.

4. Using a torque wrench, check the tightening force of the support fasteners.



5. Using a crowbar, check the bearings for signs of excessive play - if necessary, ask an assistant to rock the unit in different directions and observe the behavior of the bearings. Play present in new components leads to rapid wear of the bearings. Replace defective components.

Replacement

Note: Before removing components, mark their installation positions with paint.

Right support

6. To remove the right support, it is necessary to install special devices and unscrew the bolts securing the support to the side member and to the engine bracket

Front and rear supports

7. To remove the front support, set the parking brake, then jack up the front of the vehicle and place it on supports.

8. To unload the support, support the engine with a trolley jack - to distribute the load, place a wooden block between the jack head and the oil pan. If you have the appropriate equipment, you can hang the power unit as when replacing the right support.

Attention! When jacking up the power unit, be careful - do not load the exhaust system, if necessary, disconnect the inlet pipe from the exhaust manifold

9. Loosen the nut that secures the support to the bracket and remove it along with the washer. Remove the mounting bolt (see illustration).





10. Remove the bolts securing the support bracket to the transmission housing (see illustration) and remove it together with the pillow.



11. Check the condition of all support components. Replace worn or damaged parts.

12. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal, tighten the mounting bolts and nut to the required force. Lower the car to the ground.



13. The rear support fastening is shown in the accompanying illustration. The procedure for removing the rear support is completely similar to that described above.

Left support

14. Set the parking brake, jack up the front of the vehicle, place it on supports and remove the crankcase guard.

15. Remove the battery, unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the battery support tray

[Original posted on the website OPELBOOK]

16. To remove the left support, you can use the same set of tools as for removing the right one, or support the transmission with a trolley jack, placing a wooden block between the jack head and the pan to distribute the load.

17. Remove the mounting bolts and remove the transmission mounting support bracket from the transmission (see illustration).



18. Remove the four TORX-head mounting bolts and remove the support, separating it from the body (see illustration).





19. If necessary, the support can be disassembled by unscrewing a single bolt threaded through the center of the cushion (see illustration).



20. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Make sure that all fasteners are tightened to the required force.