Holden Astra front shocks

[jx2mad]

How easy is it to change these and can it be done without upsetting the steering geometry? Jim

[Homestar]

What year is it? My first thought is yes, they are a straight swap and you should encounter no issues with alignment. They are a straight forward McPherson type setup, and if they are similar to the Vecra's, then they should only take 20 minutes each side to replace the strut. Not sure how much more is involved replacing the shocker in it - you may need a set of spring compressors.

[jx2mad]

Thanks BACICAT 2000. A long way from my L322. Just had it serviced. There is a rattling seemingly on both sides on a corrigated road but service centre cannot find any problem. They say that suspension and shocks are (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/bacicat2000.html) ok but it has me beat. Jim

[Landy Smurf]

my dad did his vectra it is a 99 model without any probs

[Homestar]

A long way from my L322.

I think you may have answered your own question here mate... Nothing else I have driven comes close to the L322, and your Astra will be close to the other end of the scale - my Vectra is...:D

[PhilipA]

If you have to fit a new strut, you need to swap over the spring to the new strut.
This can usually be done on a bench with spring compressors.
Taking out the strut is nearly always a case of undoing the top bolt,which is not always easy as a special tool may be needed to hold the shaft, but this can USUALLY be done with a pair of multi grips.
The bottom is usually just 2 or three bolts which go through 2 flanges on the strut and through the cast hub upright.
I would fit new top isolators as sometimes it is the bearings in these that rattle, and also buy new isolators for the bottom, if it has them.
It may also be gone stabilizer bar bushes that are rattling, so a good look before you start pulling things apart may be in order.
Regard sPhilip A

[Landy Smurf]

i love our vectra it has around 245,000kms and its auto nice easy car to drive, and it is a good size. Besides general maintenance, and the shocks nothing else has been done, but it does give my hair a new look if i dont lower the seat

[shorty943]

Nissan Pulsar is the same car, parts may be cheaper that way.
Damned things are exported from here, assembled and re-badged in Japan and sold back here cheaper than the original Holden versions. Or were, that info is a few years old now.

[pawl]

If it is making clunking noises from the front end and your shocks are OK it is the front sway bar links. Common issue, the ball joints get a little worn as the strut/link is only plastic but very easy to replace. When you replace them go for the steel ones and not the plastic ones that come from the factory. I got mine from UK soooo much cheaper than here.

[BigJon]

Nissan Pulsar is the same car, parts may be cheaper that way.
.

Only if it is a really old one. Not many of them left anymore.

[BigJon]

i love our vectra it has around 245,000kms and its auto nice easy car to drive, and it is a good size. Besides general maintenance, and the shocks nothing else has been done, but it does give my hair a new look if i dont lower the seat

That must be the one good one they sold. If someone gave me one I would take it on a one way trip to the scrappies.