wheel OPEL GT-R 1973 User Guide

Tigure lG-2 Horn Button and Contact
HAZARD; WARNING FLASHER
The hazard warning flasher is operated by the button
on the
toi, of the steering column. When the button
is
press&@ down and released, all four turn signal
lights
WIU flash. To turn the flasher system off, press
down
oni the button and release. When the hazard
warning
hystem is operating, a flashing light in the
iristrumeht cluster will operate. The hazard warning
flasher
&itch is part of the directional signal switch.
BRAKE $YSTEM WARNING LIGHT
The brak; system warning light is located in the left
side of
tpe instrument cluster assembly. The light
will
come on when the brake pedal is depressed and
the ignition is on if there is a hydraulic leak in the
brake system. The light will go out when the foot is
removed!from the brake pedal. The light will also
glow with the parking brake applied and the ignition
on. (On
Iautomatic transmission equipped vehicles,
light is
a! reminder to release parking brake; and on
manual
fransmission equipped vehicles, light glows
when
the clutch pedal needs adjustment,)
I
DlAGNfXlS
SIGNAL SYSTEM
The indiLator light on the dash will show defects in
the directional signal system as follows:
1.
Indic One of
tie switched-on directional signal lamp bulbs
is defective. The other signal lamp will continue to
flash.
Thi most common defect is a burned out bulb.
2.
Indicdtor light on dash stays on when directional
signal
leier is switched to either side. Check flasher
unit. I
SIGNAL SYSTEMSlG- 55
MAJOR REPAIR
Removing and Installing Directional Signal Switch
Proceed as outlined in Group 3, Section E.
HORN REMOVAL
1. Remove grille (GT only).
2. Remove horn bracket attaching bolt.
3. Disconnect wires and remove horn.
Installation
1. Install horn with bracket attaching bolt.
2. Connect horn wire.
3. Install grille (GT only).
Removing Horn Contact
1. Disconnect battery.
2. Remove horn cap.
3. Bend lockplate tabs down and remove steering
wheel nut, lockplate, and washer.
4. Mark shaft and wheel hub for reassembly align-
ment.
5. Remove steering wheel using Wheel Puller
J-
21686.
6. Remove horn contact from wheel.
installation
1. Replace horn contact.
2. Before installing steering wheel, lubricate return
pin and slide area on directional signal switch return
cams and contact ring.
3. With steering wheel properly aligned to shaft, in-
stall washer, lockplate, and nut. Torque nut to 15
lb.ft.
4. Bend up lockplate tab and install horn cap.
5. Connect battery.

/
I1 H- 601973 OPEL SEW& MANUAL
1. Remove headlight switch button by depressing
retaining clip on shaft and pulling back on switch
knob. See Figure lH-3.
Figure 1 H-5
- Removing Cluster Screws
Figure lH-3
- Removing Headlight Switch Knob,
2. Remove two (2) plugs on cluster panel. See FigurelH-4.301H6
-Figure 1 H-4 Removing Plugs
3. Remove two (2) sheet metal screws behind plugs
on cluster. See Figure lH-5.
4. Pull off heater control knobs toward front.
j5. On top, carefully pull instrument ‘trim plate
:to-wards steering wheel and remove plate.
6. Remove two screws for lower housing
attach&t.See Figure lH-6.Figure 1 H-6 Lower Housing Attaching Screws
7. Disconnect speed0 cable at cluster by turning cou-
pling counterclockwise.
8. If equipped, pull heated rear window or fog lamp
switch out of instrument housing and disconnect
wires from switches.
9. Pull cluster right and left sides partially out and
disconnect wires on back of cluster. See Figure lH-7.
Installation
1.
P&e instrument cluster in position and connect
wires on back of cluster.
2. Pull fog light or heated back glass switch wires
into opening, if equipped, and connect wires and
replace switch.
3. Connect two screws on lower housing attachment.

1 H- 62 1973 OPEL SERVICE, MANUAL
4. Remove flasher unit. See Figure IH-12.
5. Position steering so that wheels are straight ahead.
6. Pull off heads of both tear bolts by first drilling a3/16 inch pilot hole and then using a stud extractor
to remove tear bolts. See Figure lH-13.
Figure 1 H-10 Removing Right Aicess Cover andSWW3. Remove left access cover and f”rnove screw. See
Figure lH-11.
Figure 1 H-l 3 Steering Column Attaching Bolts
7. Disconnect ignition (white) and directional signal
(black) wire set plugs.
8. Support steering column assembly and remove
both hex head bolts. See Figure lH-13.
9. Drop steering column assembly to floor.
10. Disconnect speedometer cable.
11. Remove six (6) screws on instrument cluster. See
Figure
lH- 14.
Figure lli-1 1 Removing Left Access Cover and
SC&Figure lH-14 Instrument Cluster Screws
12. Pull back on instrument cluster from top to
remove. See Figure lH-15.
Figure l H-12 Flasher Unit Installed13. Disconnect wires on back of radio. See FigurelH-16.

2F-321973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
3. Carefully detach a portion of headlining around
window corner post involved.
4. Detach water drain hose from sun roof hose iit-
ting.
5. Remove cowl side kickpads.
6. Pull out from upper end front water drain hose.
Installation of Front Water Drain Hose
1. Insert from above water drain hose (wider end
upward) into door hinge pillar.
NOTE: Do not mistake front and rear water hoses.
The front hose is thinner than the rear hose and is
wider at the end which connects to hose fitting on
sun roof. The rear hose is uniform over its entire
length.
2. Work water drain hose downward through lower
half of door hinge pillar and be sure hose terminates
behind door sill flange at bottom of frbnt fender.
3. Cement upper portion of water drain hose to sun
roof hose fitting.
4. Cement detached portions of headlining into place
by use of rubber cement or nitrile vinyl trim adhesive
(3M Vinyl Trim Adhesive, Permalastic Vinyl Trim
Adhesive or equivalent).
5. Complete installation reverse of removal proce-
dures.
Removal of Rear Water Drain Hose1. Remove rear seat and rear seat back.2. Pry out plastic fasteners securing cardboard parcel
shelf in position and remove shelf.
3. Remove rear quarter trim pad.
4. Detach headlining only as required from area
around rear window pillar.
5. Pull out rear water drain hose.
Installation of Rear Water Drain Hose1. Install rear water drain hose in original position.
Insert hose from above and work downward. Ce-
ment both ends of hose in place.
2. Secure water drain hose in place along wheel-
house.3. Complete installation reverse of removal proce-
dures.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
OF LUGGAGE
RACKAll 1973 luggage racks will be dealer installed, and
are held to the roof at the 4 corners. Removal and
installation is accomplished by removing the attach-
ing screw at each corner. See Figure
2F-14.Figure ZF-14 Luggage Rack

I
GROUP 3
SUSPENSION
AND
STEERING I
SectionTitlePage No
3AFrontSuspension. . . . . . . . . .3A- 2
3BSteering Linkages38-l 9
3C Front End Alignment3C-22
3DSteering Gear.._........3D-27
Steering Column
3E1900 - Manta ,._________...3E-35
GT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3E-42
3FRear Suspension. . . . . . . . .3F-51
3GWheelsand Tires. . . . . . . . . .36-55

3A- 21973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
FRONT SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:SuspensionDescription. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
FrontWheel
BearingAdjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAJOR REPAIR:
Removal and Installation of Front Suspension . . . . . . . .Upper Ball Joint Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lower Ball Joint Removal and
Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Upper Control Arm
Removal andInstallation
. . . . . . . . . .Lower Control Arm Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . .Steering
Knuckle
RemovalandInstallation. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shock Absorber
RemovalandInstallation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Front Spring Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:Page No.
3A- 2
3A- 4
3A- 4
3A- 7
3A- 73A-103A-113A-133A-153A-15
Bolt Torque and Front End Alignment Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-18
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
SUSPENSION DESCRIPTION
GTThe 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

3A- 41973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
The two cross-members to body supports are at-
tached to the horizontal part of the cross-member
with two bolts. The oufererbolt serves simultaneously
as support for the lower control arm. As the bolt is
inserted from the front, the cross-member to body
support can be removed without the lower control
arm. The inner bolt attaches simultaneously to the
steering.
The stabilizer is U-shaped and supported in rubber
bushings in the two cross-members to body supports.
The complete front suspension is attached to the
underbody in four places.
The engine damper blocks are bolted to the inside of
the inclined parts of the cross-member.
The front wheel bearings are roller bearings.
All front suspension joints are maintenance-free.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTSFRONT WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT
1. If wheel has not previously been removed from the
car, remove grease cap, cotter pin, and spindle nut.
Discard cotter pin.
2. Torque spindle nut to 18
lb.ft. while rotating
wheel. This will allow the bearings to settle.
3. Back offspindle nut
l/4 turn. If slot and cotter pin
hole are staggered, further back off nut
l/l2 turn,
but do not tighten, until next slot in nut is in align-
ment with hole in spindle. Install new cotter pin. A
properly adjusted wheel bearing has a small amount
of end play and a loose nut when adjusted in the
above manner.
MAJOR REPAIRREMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT
SUSPENSION
(COMPLETE ASSEMBLY)
Removal GT1. Prior to raising front end of car, apply parking
brake and block rear wheels.
2. Raise front end of car with a jack. It is recom-
mended that a wood block be placed between thejack and the front cross member to prevent damage
to the cross member.
3. Support front end of car by placing floor standsunde:r jacking brackets.
4. Support engine-transmission assembly in upper-
most position with jack stand at rear of engine, or an
alternate method would be to use Engine Holding
Fixture, Tool J-23375. See Figure 3A-5.
Install tool by removing upper kngine mount nut and
installing fixture. Replace nut and tighten. The en-
gine will now be supported by the tool between the
frame rails.
Figure
3A-5 Engine Holding Fixture Installed
5. Loosen steering mast at the lower universal joint
and take out clamp bolt. Loosen clamp at the upper
universal joint and lift steering mast upwards until it
is free at the lower universal joint. See Figure
3A-6.6. Disconnect brake lines at brake hose.
7. Disconnect shock absorber at upper mounting. It
is necessary to remove air cleaner. See Figure
3A-24.8. Disconnect engine mounts at cross member.
9. Remove front suspension cross member attaching
nuts and lower the cross member.
Removal Opel 1900 - Manta1. Prior to raising front end of car, apply parking
brake and block rear wheels.

FRONT SUSPENSION3A- 5
Figure 3A-6 GT Steering Mast Joint
2. Install Hooks J-23697 before jacking up car to
assure proper loading of suspension bushings and
mounts. See Figure
3A-7.3. Raise front of vehicle and support with stands.
4. Remove front wheels.
5. Remove guard plate. See Figure
3A-8,6. Remove brake line retainers on both sides. The
brake system remains closed. Unscrew brake calipersand suspend them in wheel house.Figure
3A-9 Removing Guard Plate
7. Suspend engine with a suitable engine lifter, simi-
lar to the one shown in Figure
3A-9.8. Unscrew lower steering mast clamp bolt out of
pinion flange. See Figure
3A- 10.
9. Unscrew front left and right engine mount from
damper block.
10. On top and in the rear, unscrew front suspensionFigure
3A-7 Installing Hooks J-23697Figure 3A-9 Suitable Engine Liftel

3A- 6 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Figure 3A-10 Steering Mast Clamp Bolt
assembly at the cross member to body support from
frame and let it down onto jack. See Figure
3A-11.
Figure 3A-1 1
Installation
GT
CAUTION: Fasteners are important attachingparts in
that they could affect the performance of vitaI com-
ponents and systems, and/or
coo/d result in major
repair expense. They must be replaced with one of the same part number or with an equivalent part if
replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a re-
placement part or lesser quality or substitute design. Torque
values
must be used as speciiied during reas-
sembly to assure proper retention of these parts.
I. Support front suspension and cross member on
jack and raise into position.
2. Attach cross member to front frame rail. Torque
to 36
lb.ft.
3. Install engine mounting nut? Remove engine sup-
port.
4. Install shock absorber mounting bolts and install
air cleaner.
5. Connect brakes hoses and bleed brakes as outlined
in Group 5.
6. Install radiator mounting bolt in support cross
member.
7. Push steering column downwards until a
l/8”
clearance is obtained between steering wheel hub and
switch cover.
8. With steering wheel in centered position and front
wheels straight ahead, tighten the clamp bolt at the
lower universal joint to 22
fbs.fi. and the clamp at
the upper universal joint to 14
lbs.ft. See Figure
3A-6.
9. Inr;tall mast guide sleeve stop bolt. Always install
new lock plate. See Figure
3A-7.
10. Remove front support stands and lower vehicle.
Installation Opel 1900 - Manta
1. With jack, lift up front suspension assembly so
that the individual attaching points coincide. At the
same time, insert lower steering mast into pinion
flange. See Figure
3A-12.
2. In the rear bolt cross member to body support.
Torque to 58
ft.lbs. When doing this with a suitable
tool, counterhold damper bushing which is installed
in a certain position, to prevent it from turning. For
this purpose, detach heat
deflectqr plate on right
vehicle side.
3. Torque front suspension assembly to frame attach-
ment to 47
ft.lbs.
4. Torque lower steering mast to pinion flange at-
tachment clamp bolt to 22
ft.lbs.
5. Reinstall both brake calipers. Torque to 72 ft.lbs.
Install brake line retainer.
6. On both sides install upper control arm ball joint.
Torque bolts to 29
ft.lbs.

FRONT SUSPENSION3A- 7
Figure 3A-12 Front Suspension Attaching Points
Always use new self-locking nuts.
7. Reinstall guard plate.
8. Crosswise torque wheel nuts to 65 ft.lbs.UPPER BALL JOINT REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION
RemovalI. Place jack under spring eye and raise car. Remove
wheel from car.
2. Remove cotter pin and castle nut from upper ball
joint stud. Discard cotter pin.
3. Press ball stud from steering knuckle using puller
J-21687, and remove two (2) bolts attaching ball
joint to upper control arm. See Figure 3A-13.
4. If dust cap on upper ball joint is torn or missing,
the ball joint should be replaced.
Installation
CAUTION:
Fasteners are important attachingparts in
that they could
afEct the pertkmance of vital com-
ponents and systems, and/or could result in major
repair expense. They must be replaced with one of
the same part number or with an
equivaknt pa-t if
replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a re-
placement part of lesser quality or substitute design.
Torque values must be used as specified
durikg reas-
sembly to assure proper retention of these parts.Figure 3A-13 Upper Ball Joint
1. Install upper control arm ball joint with the off
center holes in flange showing towards the steering
knuckle spindle.
2. Install two (2) bolts attaching ball joint to upper
control arm. Torque nuts to 29 Ibft.
3. Install upper ball joint stud in%eering knuckle
and torque castle nut to 29
Ib.ft. on GT and 40 lb&.
on Opel
1900 - Manta.
4. Install new cotter pin, and replace wheel.
5. Always check caster and camber after installing
new ball joints.
LOWER BALL JOINT REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATIONNew lower ball joints have an axial play of up to
,020inch. The maximum permissible axial play of older
ball joints is
,080 inch. At an axial play of more than
,080 inch, the lower ball joint must be replaced. If the
dust cap is torn, loose, or missing, the lower ball joint
must also be replaced. See Figure
3A-14.The lower ball joints are checked for wear by using
Checking Gauge J-23402 for the GT, and using
Checking Gauge J-23745 for the Opel 1900
- Manta.
See Figure
3A-15.
Removal GT1. Raise car and support at rear of front frame rails.
2. Remove front wheel.