Remove Drop Links..

[tucpal]

This How to covers How to Remove and Replace
the Drop Links from the Astra J.

Step one...

Jack the car up and Remove the wheel from the car
a Trolley jack and Axes Stands are best for this job
a Level Surface is a must make sure the Handbrake is on.

Step two.......

Place a Trolley jack under the Strut
the Bottom of the HUB is a good place to put it
do not Jack up on the Disc.





lift the Strut with the Trolley jack
till the Drop Link bolt is straight
at the top of the Drop Link.



Use an 18mm Socket to Brake the Torque
on the Nut and Bolt and get the Nut moving.

Then use an 18mm Spanner and a T30 Torque bit
and Remove the Nut from the Drop Link
it is best to Turn the Spanner and keep the T30 in Position
to save Damaging the Torque bit.





Now you need to Turn the Steering wheel
with the Jack still under the Strut
so the Strut turns and you can Remove the Drop Link
from the Strut.





You can now lower the trolley jack.

step three........

keep the Hub turned as this will give you better access
to the Bottom Drop Link nut and Bolt
Remove the Plastic lug at the Bottom of the wheel Arch Liner
so you can pull it back and get the Tools on to the Nut and Bolt.



Again Brake the Torque on the Nut with a 18mm socket
and then use a 18mm Spanner and T30 Torque bit
then Remove the Drop Link.







REPLACE..The Drop Link.....

STEP ONE......

Start at the Bottom and place the Drop Link in the Hole on the Stab Bar
add the Nut and do it up with the 18mm Spanner and T30 Torque bit
and then over check it with a 18mm Socket.







STEP TWO......

Lift the Strut with the Trolley jack with the HUB still turned as it was
till the top Bolt on the Drop Link goes back in the Hole on the Strut
add the nut and then do it up with the 18mm Spanner and the Torque bit
and then over Check with the 18mm Socket.









And that is it Remove the jack from the Strut
Straighten the Steering wheel back up and Replace the wheel etc..

WARNING...

Just take care when Jacking the Strut up and Down
as you do not want to Jack it up to much from the Strut
as you may take the Waite of the car.

Also make sure the car is on a good Level Surface
as you will need to Turn the Steering wheel with the car Jacked up
Trolley jacks and Axle stands are a Must.

Hope this helps...

[Rusty2009]

Nice write up mate

That drop link looks plastic mate?

[tucpal]

The standard ones are lol

[Rusty2009]

Think I would prefer metal ones

[tucpal]

they come with the diesels and flex ride models.

to be honest there was nothing wrong with the old ones
i just wanted to change then after i took the lower springs off

[Lewis6317]

very good write up mate...

Did you stick to the plastic ones or go to metal?

[tucpal]

replaced with the original ones