Opel 1900 1973, Service Manual

Page: 190 / 625

FRONT END ALIGNMENT
ing geometry, the following checks and inspections
must be made to insure correctness of alignment
equipment readings and alignment adjustments.
1. The front tires should have approximately the
same wear and all tires must be inflated to specified
pressures (see Wheel and Tire Specifications Sec-
tion 3G).
2. Check front wheel bearings for looseness and ad-
just if necessary (see Front Suspension Adjustments
Section 3A).
3. Check for run-out of wheels and tires, (see Section
3G).
4. Check wheels and tires for balance and correct if
out-of-balance (See Section 3G).
5. Check for looseness at ball joints and tie ends;
if found excessive, it must be before align-
ment readings will have any value.
Figure
Spring Compressor J-2 1689
6. Check shock absorber action and correct if neces-
sary. Consideration must be given the optional
equipment on the car, undercoating, dirt, etc.
7. It is advisable to check the condition and accuracy
of any equipment being used to check front end
alignment and to make certain that instructions of
the manufacturer are thoroughly understood.
ADJUSTING CASTER
4. Remove upper control arm shaft,
5. Remove upper control arm from shock absorber
support, being careful not to lose toothed washers.
6. Adjust caster by installing selective toothed wash-
ers on both sides of control arm shaft, between con-
trol arm and shock absorber support. Never use
CAUTION:
Front suspension fasteners are impor-
more than one washer at any one location. The total
tant attaching parts in that they could
affect
thickness, front and rear washer, must equal
the performance
of components
and sys-
tems, and/or could result in major repair expense.
There are only two possible caster changes that can
be made.
They must be replaced with one of
the same
part
number or with an ifreplacement
becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part
Of
lesser quality substitute design.
Torque
must be used as specified during reassem-
bly to proper retention of these parts.
7. Using a drift to align holes, replace control arm
shaft in the direction as shown in Figure
Torque hex nut to 33
Make certain that crown
of both plate washers shows outward.
To change caster, three washers are available one
with a
thickness, one that is thick, and one
thick.
caster
place one of the thin
washers at the front of the control arm shaft and one
of the thick washers at the rear.
decrease caster
place one thick washer at the front of the control
arm shaft and one thin washer at the rear.
1. Position jack below front suspension cross mem-
ber and raise front end of car.
8. Remove spring compressor, and install front
wheel and torque wheel nuts to 72 ft. Ibs.
9. Recheck caster.
ADJUSTING CASTER (OPEL 1900. MANTA)
2. Place jack stands below front frame side members
and remove front wheel on side which caster is to be
adjusted.
1. Jack up vehicle and remove front wheel on the side
on which caster is to be adjusted.
3. Install front spring compressor J-21689 and com-
press spring. See Figure
2. Support vehicle below both lower control arms.
See Figure
3. Unscrew hex nut from upper control arm shaft
and pull out shaft.
4. Adjust caster by replacing washers (A) (front) and