1973 OPEL GT-R service

2H-381973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
BUMPERS
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION: Protective Moldings
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DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS: (Not
Applicable) MAJOR REPAIR: Removal and Installation
1900
- Manta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
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GT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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Trailer Hitch Installation, . , . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
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SPECIFICATIONS: (Not Applicable) Page No.
2H-38
2H-38
2H-39
2H-41
DESCRIPTION ‘AND OPERATION
PROTECTIVE MOLDINGS
All 1973 Opel bumpers are equipped with rubber
protective moldings as standard equipment. The
moldings are easily removed by removing the attach-
ing nuts located on the inboard side of the bumper.
MAJOR REPAIR
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT
BUMPER AND BUMPER GUARDS
(OPEL 1900 -
MANTA)
Removal
1. Remove bumper attaching screws on inside
- left
and right
- and from left and right brackets. See
Figure
2H-2.
2. From the front, unscrew bumper guard attaching
screws. See Figure‘
2H-2.
Remove bumper and bumper guards.
Installation
1. Attach bumper guards to bumper.
Figure ZH-2 Bumper Attaching Screws
2. From the front, secure bumper guards with attach-
ing screws. See Figure
2H-2.
3. Install attaching bolts on left and right brackets,
and on left and right inside. See Figure
2H-2.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT
BUMPER BRACKETS (OPEL 1900
- MANTA)
The front bumper brackets are attached with three
screws. Removal of the three screws will allow re- moval and installation of the front bumper brackets.
See Figure
2H-3.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF REAR
BUMPER AND GUARDS (OPEL 1900
- MANTA)
1. Remove license plate lamp.
2. Remove bumper attaching screws and bumper
brackets. See Figure
2H-4.

z-l-401973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
2. Install grille.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF REAR
BUMPER ASSEMBLY (GT)
Removal1. Remove tail lamp assembly. See Figure 2H-6.2. Remove bumper attaching nuts accessible through
lamp opening. See Figure 2H-7.Installation1. Install bumper and secure with attaching nuts
accessible through lamp opening. See Figure 2H-7.
2. Install tail lamp assembly. See Figure 2H-6.

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
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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.

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.

3A. 8 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
HOUSING
Figure
3A-14 Lower Ball Joint
1
CHECKING
I
Figure 3A-15 Ball Joint Checking Gauge Installed
3. Remove cotter pin from castle nut on ball joint
stud and back off castle nut two (2) turns. Hit ball
stud a sharp blow to break it loose. DO NOT REMOVE NUT.
4. Install spring compressor (J-21689) and compress spring until a distance of
3-l/8” is achieved between
spring compressor and lower spring leaf. See Figure
3A-16.
5. Disconnect shock absorber to lower control arm
\3cz
Figure 3A-16 Spring Compressa
attachment bolt and swing shock absorber out of the
Way.
6. Remove castle nut from ball joint stud. Prior to the
removal of the lower ball joint from the control
arm,
note the position of the locating notch, shown in
Figure
3A-17, in the rim of the ball joint housing.
Scribe or mark the control arm to facilitate align-
ment of the replacement ball joint during installa-
tion.
DIRECTION OFELONGATED
- 2” OF THE LOWER‘ELONGATED SLOT
CONTROL ARM CENTER LINE.w-17
Figure 3A-17 Lower Ball Joint Notch - GT
7. Pry off dust cap retainer and remove dust cap
being careful not to damage it.

3A- 101973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Figure 3A-18 Lower Ball Joint Notch Opel 1900 -
MantaUPPER CONTROL ARM REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION
Removal GT1. Raise car and support at rear of front frame rails.
2. Remove front wheel.
3. Install spring compressor and compress spring
until there is 3-l/8” between compressor and lower
spring leaf.
4. Remove cotter pin and castle nut from upper ball
joint stud. Discard cotter pin.
5. Use tie rod remover J-21687 remove ball jointfrom.steering knuckle. 6. Support brake drum to
relieve tension on brake hose.
7. Remove hex nut from upper control arm shaft.
Remove shaft and washers from shock absorber sup
port. Do not damage threads on control arm shaft.
8. Remove control arm from car. Do not lose inner
toothed washers. Note size and location of toothed
washers.Removal
Opel 1900 . Manta
1, Raise car and support at rear of front frame rails.
2. Remove front wheel
3. Unscrew upper control arm to cross member
self-locking attaching nut.4. Unscrew ball joint from upper control arm. Do not
turn upper control arm ball joint flange, as this
would result in a change of camber.
5. Support front wheel hub so that brake hose is not
stressed.6. Pull out upper control shaft to cross member at-
taching bolt and remove control arm. Shims have to
be reinstalled in their original location to maintain
the proper caster setting.
Installation GT
CAUTION:
Fasteners are important attaching parts in
that they could affect the the
perfonmmce of vital
components and systems, and/or could result in ma-
jor 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 specified during reas-
sembly to
assure proper retention of these parts.If rubber bushings on control arms are worn, arms
must be replaced.
1. Slide rubber rings over bushings. Slide rings over
inner sleeves of bushings. Place control arm in posi-
tion on shock absorber support, installing toothed
washers in their original positions. See Figure 3A-
19.2. From front to rear, install control arm shaft. If
necessary, align washers and control arm bushings
with a small drift prior to installing control arm
shaft. See Figure
3A-19.3. Tighten hex nut on control arm shaft finger tight.
4. Increase tension on spring compressor in order to
relieve tension on control arm shaft. Then torque hex
nut on control arm shaft to 33
Ib.ft.5. Press ball joint stud into steering knuckle and
torque castle nut to 29 lb.ft. Install new cotter pin.
6. Remove spring compressor and lower car.
7. Check front end alignment.
Installation Opel 1900. Manta
CAUTION:
Fasteners are important attaching parts in
that they could at?&
the performance of vital 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 equivalent parts, if
replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a
re-

3A- 121973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Figure 3A-20 Lower Control Arln Attachment
jack so that spring and lower control arm assembly
is removed from the front cross member and steering
knuckle.
8. Lower jack, spring compressor, and front spring
with control arm assembly. Remove lower control
arm to spring nuts.
9. Release spring compressor and remove controlarm attaching bolts and control aRn.
Removal Opel 1900. Manta1. Prior to raising car, install upper control arm
hooks J-23697.
2. Raise car and support with stands. Hoist should
be left in the raised position to maintain pressure on
lower control arm.
3. Remove front wheel.
4. Detach both stabilizer supports from cross mem-
ber to body support.
5. In lower control arm, remove self-locking hex
head bolt from stabilizer support and remove
washer.6. Using a pry bar, pry stabilizer bar out of lower
control arm support.
7. Remove shock absorber.
8. At lower control arm ball joint, remove castle nut
cotter pin and remove nut.
9. With suitable drift, detach lower control arm ball
joint from steering knuckle.10. Loosen nut that retains lower control to front
cross member.
11. Slowly lower hoist to release spring tension.
12. Swing lower control arm downwards and remove
front spring.13. Remove nut that retains lower control arm to
front cross member and remove lower control arm.
Installation GT
CAUTION:
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 expeme. 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 parts1. Attach lower control arm to front spring eye.
Torque bolts to 18
1b.R.2. Install spring compressor and with a jack raise
spring compressor with spring and control arm as-
sembly into position for pressing ball joint into steer-
ing knuckle.
3. Press ball joint into steering knuckle. Use
J-;lYN;: as installer and J-21690 as a supporting
4. Install castle nut on ball joint stud and torque to
54
lb.ft. Install new cotter pin.
5. Attach lower control arm to frame cross member
using new lock nuts.