Vauxhall Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

SHOCK ABSORBERS, STABILIZER, DAMPING PARTS

Shock Absorber, Remove and Install

All Vehicles except Models 35, 36, 38, 45, 46 and 48

Due to the axle design, the shock absorbers can only be removed and installed one after the other. The following text describes removal and installation for one side. Removal and installation on the other side is analogous.

Remove protective cap from shock absorber dome.

Unscrew hex nut and remove washer and rubber buffer.

Raise vehicle.

On vehicles with car level control, remove pressure line from shock absorber.

Unscrew hex bolt for fastening shock absorber from rear axle arm.

Remove shock absorber from bracket.

Lever shock absorber out of shock absorber bracket using mounting iron if required.

Place new shock absorber in bracket on rear axle arm.

If necessary, secure shock absorber in holder with plastic mallet as shown in illustration.

Using a suitable drift, push shock absorber into holder as far as mounting hole in axle arm.

Gently tap in fastening bolt with plastic mallet until it rests against rear axle arm.

Tighten fastening bolt to 70 Nm/51.6 lbf. ft.

On vehicles with car level control, mount pressure line.

Lower vehicle - not completely.

Insert shock absorber with washer and rubber buffer in shock absorber dome.

Ensure that washer is in correct installation position.

Lower vehicle further.

Mount rubber buffer, washer and hex nut.

Adjust hex nut to A = 9 mm/0.36 in.

On vehicles with car level control, maintain

A =   6 mm/0.24 in.

Place protective cap on shock absorber dome.

Subsequently inflate system to 80 kPa (0.8 bar)/11.6 psi.

Models 35, 36, 45 and 46

Raise vehicle.

On vehicles with car level control, remove pressure lines from shock absorber.

Raise rear axle arm using hydraulic jack and workshopmanufactured special mount and unscrew hex nut from shock absorber bracket.

Remove washer and rubber buffer.

Remove shock absorber from bracket.

Remove shock absorber fastening - hex bolt - from vehicle underbody.

Insert new shock absorber in vehicle underbody and fasten with hex nut.

Insert shock absorber with washer and rubber buffer in bracket on rear axle arm and fasten.

Tighten hex cap nut to 10 Nm/7.4 lbf. ft.

Tighten fastening nut to vehicle underbody - 70 Nm/51.6 lbf. ft.

Mount pressure lines to shock absorber.

Lower vehicle and inflate system to 80 kPa (0.8 bar)/11.6 psi.

On Models 38 and 48 (Combo/Astramax)

Raise vehicle.

Place hydraulic jack under rear axle and raise slightly.

Remove hex bolt for shock absorber attachment from rear axle.

Remove shock absorber from bracket.

Unscrew shock absorber fastening bolt - hex bolt - from vehicle underbody and remove.

Insert new shock absorber in vehicle underbody and tighten hex bolt.

Insert shock absorber in rear axle bracket.

Mount fastening bolt and tighten - 70 Nm/51.6 lbf. ft.

Lower hydraulic jack and remove.

Lower vehicle.