steering wheel adjustment OPEL GT-R 1973 Service Manual

CC-10 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
wiper blades. Check amount and direction of fluid
sprayed by washers during use.,
E. Defrosters - Check performance by moving con-
trols to “DEF” and noting
am$nmt of air directed
against the windshield.
I
F. Wheel Alignment and
Balabce - In addition to
abnormal tire wear, the need fbr wheel alignment
service may be indicated by a pull to the right or
!eftwhen driving on a straight and level road. The need
for wheel balancing is usually
iddicated by a vibra-
tion of the steering wheel or
se;+ tihile driving at
normal highway speeds.I
IG. Brakes
- Be alert to illumiriation of the brake
warning light or changes in braking action,
SUCK as
repeated pulling to one side, unusual sounds when
braking or increased brake pedal travel. Any of thesecould indicate the need for
brakk system inspection
and/or service.
H. Parking Brake and Transmission “PARK”
Mechanism
- Check parking brake holding ability by
parking on a fairly steep hill and restraining the vehi-
cle with the parking brake only.
eon cars with auto-
matic transmissions, check the holding ability of the
“PARK” mechanism by releasing all brakes after
the transmission selector lever hak been placed in the“P” position.
I. Glass
- Check for broken, scrritched, dirty or da-
maged glass on vehicle that
coulld obscure vision’or
become an injury hazard.
J. Lights and Buzzers
- Check all instrument panel
illuminating and warning lights,’ seat belt reminder
light and buzzer, ignition key
b&er, interior lights,
license plate lights, side marker! lights, headlamps,
parking lamps, tail lamps, brake lights, turn signals,
backup lamps, and hazard warding flashers. Have
someone observe operation of
&ach exterior light
while you activate the controls: The operation of
instrument panel warning lights is covered in the
“Starting and Operating“ section of your
Own&%
Manual.K. Transmission Shift Indicator
‘- Check to be sure
automatic transmission shift
indiCator accurately i”-
dicates the shift position selected.
I
CAUTION: Before making thk check below,I
be sure to have a clear dist&e ahead and:
behind the car, set the parking brake and
firmly apply the foot brake.
Do not depress
accelerator pedal. Be prepared to
turn off ’
ignition switch
immediat+y if engine
should start.L. Starter Safety Switch (Automatic Transmissibn
Cars)
- Check starter safety switch by placing the
transmission in each of the driving gears while
at-tempting to start the engine. The starter should oper-ate only in the Park (“P”) or Neutral (“N”)
positions.
M. Horn
- Blow the horn occasionally to be sure thatit works. (Ignition switch must be in the “ON” posi-
tion.)
N. Seat Back Latches
- Check to see that seat back
latches are holding by pulling forward on the top of
each folding seat back.
0. Rearview Mirrors and Sun Visors
- Check that
friction joints are properly adjusted so mirrors and
sun visors stay in the selected position.
P. Door Latches
- Check for positive closing, latch-
ing and locking.
Q. Hood Latches - Check to make sure hood closesfirmly by pressing on the hood at the latching point
after each closing. Check also for broken, damaged
or missing parts which might prevent secure latch-
ing.R. Fluid Leaks
- Check for fuel, water, oil or other
fluid leaks by observing the ground beneath the vehi-cle after it has been parked for a while. If gasoline
fumes or fluid are noticed at any time, the cause
should be determined and corrected without delay
because of the possibility of fire.
S. Exhaust System
- Be alert to any change in the
sound of the exhaust system or a smell of fumes
which may indicate a leak.
Head Restraints
- Check that no head restraint
components are missing, damaged or loose. (Does
not apply to GT Models).
Disc BrakesCheck brake pads and condition of rotors while
wheels are removed during tire rotation. (Note belowregarding more frequent checks also applies to disc
brakes.)
Parking and Drum BrakesCheck drum
brake linings and other internal brake
components at each wheel (drums, wheel cylinders,
etc.). Parking brake adjustment also should be
checked whenever drum brake linings are checked.
NOTE: More frequent checks should be
made if driving conditions a.nd habits result
in frequent brake application. When brakes
require relining, it is recommended thatyou use those genuine General Motors
parts specified for your car,and Delco fluid
as required.

1F. 46 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
’
/
Headlight High-Low Beam Control and Passing:
SignalI
When the headlights have been switched on, high
and low beam selection is made by raising the direc-
tional signal lever toward steering wheel. Each
ti&the lever is raised, beam position, will change.
When the headlights are not on, a flashing headlight
signal may be given by raising and lotiering the di-
rectional signal lever. With the headlights on and
inlow beam position, raising and lowering the direc-
tional signal lever will also cause the headlights to
flash.
Fog Light SwitchAll Rallye models are equipped with two white f?g
lights mounted below the front bumper.
The fog light toggle switch is located on the
insty-ment cluster to the left of the temperature and
fuelgauge cluster.
/
The fog lights can be turned off at any time by the
toggle switch, but can only be tyrned on when: :
1. The ignition switch on or the
?gine running.!
2. The fog light toggle switch lower half is pushed
in.3. The parking lights and/or low beam headlights
are
OKThe fog lights are automatically turned off if the
ignition switch is on and the headlights are switched
to high beam position.
Courtesy LightThe courtesy light illuminates the interior of the Car
when any door is opened. The courtesy light can also
be turned on with all doors closed by tilting the l&s.
GT Headlamp MechanismThe concealed headlamps are moved mechanically.
Pushing actuating lever on left side of console opens
headlamps and pulling lever closes headlamps. Two
(2) meshing gear segments convert the movement, of
the lever to a rotation of 180 degrees. The pivots of
the headlamps lie below the centerline so that with
headlamps in closed position, the headlamp housing
is flush with front sheet metal. Refer to Group 110,
Section “F”, for service procedures on the GT head-
lamp mechanism.
A white indicator lamp in the instrument panel lights
if the headlamps are not completely opened lorclosed The switches of the headlamp electrical sys-
tem are located behind the left headlamp operating,
mechanism.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTSHEADLAMP AIMING
The headlamps must be properly aimed in order to
obtain maximum road illumination and safety that
has been built into the headlighting equipment. With
the Guide T-3 type sealed beam units, proper aiming
is even more important because the increased range
and power of this lamp make even slight variations
from recommended aiming hazardous to approach-
ing motorists. The headlamps must be checked for
proper aim whenever a sealed beam unit is replaced
and after an adjustment or repairs of the front end
sheet metal assembly.
Regardless of method used for checking headlamp
aim, car must be at normal weight, that is, with gas,
oil, water, and spare tire. Tires must be uniformly
inflated to specified pressure. If car will regularly
carry an unusual load in rear compartment, or a
trailer, these loads should be on car when headlamps
are checked. Some States have special requirements
for headlamp aiming adjustment, and these require-
ments should be known and observed.
Horizontal and vertical aiming of each seal beam
unit is provided by two adjusting screws which move
the mounting ring in the body against the tension of
the coil spring. There is no adjustment for focus,
since the sealed beam unit is set for proper focus
during manufacturing assembly.
MAJOR REPAIRHEADLIGHT SWITCH
- OPEL 1900. MANTA
Removal1. Remove instrument cluster cover panel. See Sec-
tion H.
2. Compress retaining springs and pull switch out.
See Figure 1 F-
1.3. Pull multiple socket off switch.
Installation
1: Plug multiple socket in switch and push switch in
panel until clips lock in place.
2. Replace instrument cover and secure with two (2)
screws.

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.

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.

3C-22 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL.
FRONT END ALIGNMENT
CONTENTS
SubjectPage No.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
FrontWheelAlignment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..“...........................DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
Inspection Before Checking Front Wheel Alignment
AdjustingCaster
. . . . . . . . ...’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adjusting Camber
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adjusting Toe-In
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .King Pin Inclination
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAJOR REPAIR: (Not Applicable)
SPECIFICATIONS:3C-223C-223C-233C-253C-253C-26
Wheel Alignment Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3C-26
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATIONFRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Wheel alignment is the mechanics of adjusting the
position of the front wheels in order to attain the
least steering effort with a minimal amount of tire
wear.handling, but require only reasonable accuracy to
provide normal tire life. With the type of front sus-
pension used, the toe-in adjustment is much more
important than caster and camber are as far as tire
wear is concerned.
Correct alignment of the chassis is essential to proper
alignment of front and rear wheels. Briefly, the es-
sentials are that the frame must be square in plain
view within specified limits, that the top and bottom
surfaces of the front cross member must be parallel
fore and aft, and that the upper and lower control
arm must be at correct location in respect to shafts
and the front cross member. All bushings, ball joints
and bolts must be of proper torque and in usable
condition.Caster and camber adjustments need not be consid-
ered unless visual inspection shows these settings to
be out, or unless the car gives poor handling on the
road. In the majority of cases, services consisting of
inflating tires to specified pressure and interchanging
tires at recommended intervals, balancing all wheels
and tires, adjusting steering gear and setting toe-in
correctly will provide more improvement in car han-
dling and tire wear than will other front end align-
ment adjustments.
Wheel and tire balance has an important effect on
steering and tire wear. If wheels and tires are out of
balance, “shimmy” or “tramp” may develop or tires
may wear unevenly and give the erroneous impres-
sion that the wheels are not in proper alignment. For
this reason, the wheel and tire assemblies should be
known to be in proper balance before assuming that
wheels are out of alignment.The correct use of accurate front end alignment
equipment is essential to determine whether front
suspension parts have been damaged by shock or
accident, and to obtain correct alignment settings
after new parts have been installed.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
Inspection Before Checking Front Wheel AlignmentClose limits on caster, front wheel camber, andBefore making any adjustment affecting caster, cam-
theoretical king pin inclination are beneficial to carber, toe-in, theoretical king pin inclination, or
steer-

FRONT END ALIGNMENT 3C-25
Figure 3C-6 Adjusting Toe-In (GT)ADJUSTING CAMBER
Camber is adjusted by turning the upper ball jointflange 180 degrees. This means that only two possi-
ble camber adjustments can be made. At the factory
camber is set at the smallest possible positive camber
setting for GT and smallest possible negative camber
for Opel
1900 - Manta. Rotating the flange will make
camber more positive on GT and more negative on
Opel
1900 - Manta.
1. Raise front end of car using wood block on jack
to prevent damage to front cross member.
2. Support car below lower control arm and remove
front wheel on side to be adjusted.
3. Remove ball joint from upper control arm and
front steering knuckle.
4. Lift upper control arm and turn the ball joint
flange through 180 degrees.
5. First tighten both ball joint attaching bolts on
upper control arm and then the ball stud castle nut.
Torque to 29 ft. lbs. on GT and 44
ft.lbs. on Opel
1900 - Manta. Install new cotter pin.
6. Install front wheel and torque wheel nuts to 72
lb.ft. on GT and 75 Ib.ft. on Opel 1900 - Manta.
7. Recheck camber.
ADJUSTING TOE-IN
(GT)Toe-in is adjusted by rotating the tie rod sleeves.
Refer to Figure
3C-6.1. Recheck caster and camber before proceeding
with toe-in adjustment. If correct, adjust toe-in.2. Set wormshaft and ball nut to steering gear high
point by turning steering wheel half way from one
stop to the other, noticing the following:
(a) With the steering wheel hub button removed, the
“marking” on the steering shaft end should be in a
horizontal position.
(b) The steering wheel spokes should also be in a
centered position.
3. Remove wire clamps on left and right tie rod and
push back bellows.
4. Loosen clamp bolts and tie rods. See Figure
3C-4.5. The toe-in should be
l/32” - l/8”.When adjusting toe-in, never grip tie rod on inner
ball stud joint. To avoid ball stud resting against
inside of hole in tie rod outer end, center outer end
of each tie rod to the ball stud.
6. Pull bellows over tie rods and attach with wire
clamps. The bellows must not be twisted and wire
ends must show towards steering gear adjusting
screw opening.
7. Torque clamp bolts to 12
Ib.ft.8. After toe-in adjustment, turn steering wheel sev-
eral times completely towards the left and right to
determine whether bellows are properly attached to
the tie rods and steering gear housing.
ADJUSTING TOE-IN (OPEL 1900. MANTA)
The adjustment of the toe-in has always to be carried
out on both tie rods.

3C-26 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
1. Loosen lock nut of left and right tie rod and
slacken back nut.
2. Remove hose clamp for rubber bellows attach-
ment from respective axial joint and adjust toe-in by
turning axial joint. When doing this, observe that the
rubber bellows, having a tight seat on thejoint, is not
twisted. If necessary, lubricate seat of bellows and
hold back bellows when turning. See Figure 3C-7.Figure
3C-7 Adjusting Toe-In Opel 1900 Manta
3. Toe-in should be l/S”
- 3/16”.
4. Torque lock nut of left and right tie rod to 47
ft.lbs.5. Attach respective rubber bellows with hose clamp,
making sure that clamp bolt points towards the
front. The rubber bellows must not be twisted, i.e.,
SpecificationsFRONT END ALIGNMENTthe individual grooves of bellows must be in vertical
position.
6. After adjustment, turn steering several times to the
left and right to determine if a proper attachment of
both rubber bellows to the steering gear housing is
warranted.
CHECKING THEORETICAL KING PIN
INCLINATION
When checking theoretical king pin inclination, car
must be on a level surface, both transversely and fore
and aft, must have trim heights within limits, and
must be at curb load.
With camber known to be within specitied limits,
theoretical king pin inclination should check to 8.5
degrees for Opel 1900
- Manta, and 6 degrees for GT.
If camber is incorrect beyond limits of adjustment
and theoretical king pin inclination is correct, or
nearly so, a bent steering knuckle is indicated.
There is no adjustment for theoretical king pin incli-
nation as this factor depends on the accuracy of the
fronts suspension parts. Distorted parts should be re-
placed with new parts.
The practice of heating and bending front suspension
parts to correct errors must be avoided as this may
produce soft spots in the metal in which fatigue and
breakage may develop in service.
MODELCASTER
’CAMBER ’TOE-INOUTER WHEEL
MIN.. MAX.WHEN INNER
WHEEL AT 20
’1900‘3
l/2-61/2-1?1/2I/% - 3/1619 l/4GT3+1
1+1/2l/32 - l/818 l/2* Permissable deviation from left to right wheel
- maximum 1”.

STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY3D. 27
STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Description and Operation of Steering Gear. . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
AdjustmentofSteeringGear
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAJOR REPAIR:
Removal and Installation of Steering Gear
Assembly
andTieRods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Disassembly and Reassembly of Steering Gear
Assembly With Tie Rods
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:
TighteningSpecifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page No.
3D-27
3D-273D-28
3D-303D-33
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATIONDESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF
STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLYThe Opel 1900
- Manta and GT steering gear is the
rack and pinion type. The steering gear pinion shaft,
connected to the lower end of the steering column,
moves the rack to the left or right thereby transmit-
ting the turning motion of the steering wheel to the
tie rods and steering arms.
The steering gear housing is held to the cross mem-
ber by rubber bushings and clamps. The bushings
serve to prevent driving noises and vibrations from
being transmitted into the passenger compartment.
A pinion shaft is seated in the upper portion of the
steering gear housing and is supported by a needle
bearing in the upper housing, and a bushing in the
lower housing. The pinion is not adjustable.
A rubber “0” ring seal is provided for sealing needle
bearing, and a second “0” ring for sealing pinion
bushing. The rack and pinion shaft are held in mesh
by a thrust spring and shell. See Figure
3D-2.The pressure of the thrust spring may be varied by
means of an adjusting screw. The spring forces the
sintered bronze shell against the rack, which in turn
is held against the pinion shaft. Backlash in the steer-ing gear is avoided, and road shocks are effectively
absorbed.
The rack is seated in the long neck of the steering
gear housing in a self-lubricating sintered metal
bushing. It is laterally guided by the sintered bronze
shell in the adjusting screw opening, and in the short
gear housing neck by the rack guide bushing. See
Figure
3D-3.MAINTENANCE
AND ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENTS OF STEERING GEAR
Adjustment of Steering GearAdjustment of the steering gear assembly is accom-
plished by turning the adjusting screw in or out. See
Figure
3D-2.Positioning of the adjusting screw exerts a pressure
on the rack, thereby varying the backlash between
the pinion and rack.
1. Set steering gear to high point by positioning front
wheels straight ahead with steering wheel centered.
Flexible coupling bolt hole will be positioned hori-
zontal (or parallel) to the rack.
2. Thread adjusting screw into steering gear housing

3D- 301973 OPEL SERVICE MANUALFigure 3D-8 - Removing Clamp Bolt3. Remove cotter pin located on left and right tie rod
end and unscrew nut.
4. Using Tool J-21687, press tie rod ends out of
steering arms.
5. Disconnect steering gear housing from front sus-
pension cross member and remove steering gear
together with tie rods.
Installation . GTCAUTION: Fasteners are important attaching parts in
that they could affect the performance 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 equivalent part if
replacement becomes necessary. Do not
use a re-
placement part of lesser quality or substitute design.
Torque values must be used as specified during reas-
sembly to assure proper retention of these parts.
1. Position steering gear on front suspension cross
member and torque attaching bolts to 18
lb.ft.2. Position tie rod ball studs in steering arms; install
nuts and torque to 29 lb.ft. Lock in position with new
cotter pins.
3. Fully turn steering wheel so that flat or cutout
surface on lower portion of steering shaft is parallel
to flexible coupling bolt hole.
4. Install the lower end of steering shaft to the flexi-
ble coupling and adjust dimension between steering
wheel hub and direction signal switch housing cover
to
l/8 and 3/32 inch. Maintain adjustment by tight-
ening flexible coupling bolt and nut to 15 lb.ft. Lock
the bolt and nut in position with lock-plate tabs.5. Reinstall stop bolt into steering column.
6. Full turn steering wheel both right and left. If any
resistance is noticeable, it will be necessary to remove
the sleering column and correct the cause.
D. Installation (Opel 1900. Manta)CAUTION: Fasteners are important attachingparts in
that they could affect the performance of vital com-
ponents and systems, and/or could result in
maJbrrepair 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 oflesser
quaky or substitute design.
Torque values must be used as specified during reas-
sembly to assure proper retention of these parts.
1. Prior to installation, set steering gear to high
point. The steering wheel spokes point downwards in
an oblique angle. The elongated cutout of the lower
steering mast must coincide with the clamp bolt hole
of the pinion flange.
2. Position steering gear on front suspension cross
member and torque attaching bolts to 29 lb.ft.
3. Position tie rod studs in steering arms. Install nuts
and torque to 29
Ib.ft. Lock in position with new
cotter pin.
4. Install the lower end of the steering shaft to flexi-
ble coupling and torque clamp bolt to 22
lb.ft.5. Attach guard plate to both side members and
lower deflector panel.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY OF
STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WITH TIE RODS
Disassembly - GT1. Carefully clamp gear assembly in soft jaw vise and
slip clamps and rubber bellows off gear housing to
expose area where ball joint screws into rack.
2. Bend up round edges of lockplates from tie rod
ball studs and disconnect tie rod ball studs from rack.
See Figure
3D-9). It is important that rack be held
secure with open end wrench to prevent damage to
rack teeth.
3. Loosen adjusting screw lock nut; remove adjusting
screw from steering gear housing, and take out thrust
spring and sintered bronze shell. See Figure
3D-11.4. Rotate gear assembly in vise so that pinion shaft
portion of assembly is held by vise, and remove pin-
ion nut, flat washer, and special washer.