Vectra front coil springs

[John]

Im I correct in thinking that the design of the front strut assembly is
slightly different to the conventional setup?

Usually the inner wng has 3 securing nuts to release the strut assembly from
the vehicle. It appears te Vectra does not have the conventional suspension
top, ant the nut on the inner wing will directly release the coil spring, is
this correct?

Can the spring be changed with the hub, drive shaft etc still connected, or
does the lower arm, track rod end and caliper have to be removed first

Apart from spring compresssors are any other special tools needed?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Mike]

Hi.

Just wondering if you have a broken spring? My 96 vectra seems to like them,
had 3 sets in, always seems to break the last 3 inches off them. Maybe its a
tempering thing.

Mike

 

[me140]

What year Vectra are we talking about?

 

[John]

What year Vectra are we talking about?

I know a neighbour that had both springs break within 2 days. The first one
broke and the broken coil punctured his tyre. A garage told him this is very
common on Vectra's. The Vectra I am asking about is a 51 plate 2.6 V6, and
the MOT has reported the springs as being corroded.

 

[me140]

Not that common on the old shape Vectra but a real problem with the new
shape ones.
Back to yours - the nut under the bonnet just allows the strut to be
removed it doesn't release the spring-there is another nut underneath the
plate for that.
Leave all the hub alone, just undo the anti roll bar link and brake pipe
clip and then the 2 bolts that hold the strut to the hub.
No special tools apart from compressors but treat it with respect cos the
spring can cause serious injuries if it comes loose.