Removal and installation of the exhaust system (Opel Vectra C)

Removal

Raise and place the vehicle on stands; if equipped, remove the engine sump guard (see Chapter 2). Tie the exhaust system sections to the bottom of the car with wire.

On 4-cylinder petrol engines, disconnect the connector (see accompanying illustration) post-catalytic lambda probe wiring. On the Z22YH engine, also release the wiring harness from the holder. On diesel engines with a volume of 1.9 liters, remove the diesel particulate filter (see below)



If only one section of the exhaust system is being replaced, disconnect adjacent sections at the connecting clamps (see illustrations 21.1 and 21.13).

On 4-cylinder petrol engines, remove 3 nuts (see illustration 21.13) and disconnect the exhaust pipe. On a 6-cylinder petrol engine, disconnect the exhaust pipe from both pre-catalysts by unscrewing 4 nuts.



On diesel engines, disconnect the exhaust pipe from the front catalytic converter by removing three nuts.

Remove the exhaust system components from the damper holders (see illustration 21.13) and remove them with the help of one or two assistants (depending on the model). If necessary, separate the exhaust tract sections.

Installation

To prevent fasteners from "sticking", it is recommended to lubricate all threaded connections with copper-containing grease during installation (for example Liqui Moly LM-508-ASC) Used clamps and nuts must be replaced with new ones. Check the rubber holders for porosity and damage, replace if necessary - with high mileage of the car, the holders must be replaced without fail.

If the exhaust system sections were separated, connect them and tighten the clamps. Pay attention to the tightness of the section mating, otherwise the exhaust gas composition analysis may yield an unreliable result.

Install the exhaust system with an assistant (two assistants) into the holders, without fully tightening the fastening nuts, secure the inlet pipe to the catalytic converter with a new seal.

Install the rear muffler and insert it into the holders and without tightening the fastener connect it to the central muffler. On Z19DT(H) engines install a soot filter (see below).

Check that the exhaust system is installed in accordance with the profile of the bottom and that there is no stress on the exhaust pipes due to bending. At the same time, make sure that there is sufficient distance between the exhaust system and the body everywhere, the holders with elastic rubber elements must be evenly loaded.



Tighten the exhaust system fasteners.

Reinstall the lambda probe and crankcase guard if they were removed and lower the car. Check the system for leaks (see above).