Opel 1900 1973, Service Manual

Page: 218 / 625

REAR SUSPENSION 51
REAR SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Description and Operation of Rear Suspension . . . . . .
DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS: (Not
Applicable)
MAJOR REPAIR:
Rear Shock Absorber Removal and Replacement . .
Rear Spring Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lower Control Arm Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stabilizer Rod Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Track Rod Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SPECIFICATIONS:
Rear Suspension Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page No.
1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF REAR
SUSPENSION
All Opels utilize the three link rear suspension ar-
rangement. This rear suspension consists of coil
springs, track rod, shock absorbers and lower control
arms.
The coil springs set between two seats which arc
situated ahead of the rear axle housing.
The track rod is utilized on all models to control the
lateral stability of the rear axle assembly. It is of
tubular design. A stabilizer rod is used on all Wagons
as well as Fast Backs and Sedans. The GT is not
equipped with a stabilizer rod.
The lower control arms are of tubular design and
function as two links of the three link suspension
system. They are attached to the underbody through
brackets welded to the side rails and to the rear axle
assembly through the front portion of the spring seat
bracket. The lower control arms control the fore and
aft movement of the rear axle assembly.
The third link in this suspension system is the torque
tube which is connected to the differential carrier
and also to the underbody through rubber bushings
in the central joint support bracket.
The torque tube in conjunction with the lower con-
trol arms absorb all acceleration and braking torque.
MAJOR REPAIR
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER REMOVAL
AND INSTALLATION
Removal
NOTE: The trim panel under the spare tire must be
removed on the GT to gain access to attaching nuts.
1. Remove upper attaching nut, retainer and rubber
grommet.
2. Remove lower attaching nut and rubber grommet
retainer, compress shock absorber and remove from
lower mounting pin.
Installation
1. Replace upper and lower rubber grommets, if
necessary, before installing shock absorber.
2. Extend shock absorber and position in car. Attach
at lower end first, torque nut to 15 lb.ft. on the GT,
and torque to 47 lb.ft. on the Opel 1900 Manta.