3A- 2 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
FRONT SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Suspension
Description
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DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
Front Wheel
Bearing
Adjustments
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MAJOR REPAIR:
Removal and Installation of Front Suspension . . . . . . . .
Upper Ball Joint Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lower Ball Joint Removal and
Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Upper Control Arm
Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . . . .
Lower Control Arm Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . .
Steering
Knuckle
Removal and
Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shock Absorber
Removal and
Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Spring Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SPECIFICATIONS:
Page No.
3A-
2
3A-
4
3A-
4
3A-
7
3A-
7
3A-10
3A-11
3A-13
3A-15
3A-15
Bolt Torque and Front End Alignment Specifications
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3A-18
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
SUSPENSION DESCRIPTION
GT
The GT uses a maintenance-free independent front
wheel suspension and features unequal length con-
trol arms and a transverse three-leaf spring. The en-
tire front suspension is attached to the front cross
member and can be removed as a unit if so desired.
The engines installed in the GT are not supported by
mounting brackets but rest on a separate cross mem-
ber. The front suspension cross member is reinforced
in the area of the attachment to the frame. A one-
part damper plate is installed between cross member
and frame.
Ball joints are employed in the conventional manner
to provide pivoting joints between the control arms
and steering knuckles. Upward movement of the
control arms is limited by two large rubber bumpers
attached to the cross member.
Road shock is dampened by the double direct acting
shock absorbers and a transverse double or triple
steel band spring. In addition, the shock absorber
limits downward travel of the control arms.
All moving parts, including ball joints, have no need
for lubrication as they have been pre-lubricated for
the life of the vehicle.
For distinguishing the individual front suspension
cross members,.a red label with black letters is stuck
onto the front side of the shock absorber support. See
Figure 3A-3.
Opel
1900. Manta
The front wheel suspension has coil springs and con-
trol arms of different length.
The stabilizer is designed to act as a tie strut. The end
is supported in a rubber bushing which is located in
a piece of tubing welded into the longer control arm.
To minimize brake torque, the horizontal shafts of