488 replies to this topic

[mandarinvx]

In the instructions for the Eliseparts removal tool it says to cut away the rubber boot. Did you not bother? Only ask as it is not clear in the picture but also because I cut away most of the rubber but did not remove all of it and ended up sandwiching the metal wire ring that holds the rubber boot in place between the wishbone and the removal tool Grrr

I didn't bother removing the boot, but as with your experience the retaining rind got caught up so took a bit of effort to remove the spacer

Hopefully I'll be getting some 12.9 bolts to replace the 8.8s that come with the kit

[slindborg]

did the drivers side today with my bodge modded tool taking the boot off is a piece of p*ss and makes the job 100 times easier I now use the slim spacer that you use to remove the joint, to install it too as I found on a couple of joints the press stopped and the joint wasnt home fully. Gonna get a friend to make me a new tool with strong threads etc

[mandarinvx]

If you need some 12.9 bolts let me know When Matt did my first one we managed to stretch the 8.8's (by quite a bit!)

[mandarinvx]

Thought I best add this, as effectively it's my service history

I had the oil changed about 5k ago when I had the geo done at Guglielmi's, but they couldn't get the oil filter cap to budge whatsoever. I've also tried and failed since

So last weekend had another go, and it finally gave (by using one of the socket adaptors available on ebay - linky)

In fairness the 'adaptor' piece came with it too, so the cap itself is still stuck tight (which is actually a good thing) thankfully the filter can still be withdrawn without removing the inlet manifold - I'm not sure why Vaux made the whole thing so complicated

Pic of the housing with new filter and the two oil cooler rings



Then drained the oil, despite looking a bit black it was actually very clean



The old filter - again not in bad nick



And refill with Silkolene Pro-S bought from Opie Oils for the same price as Halfords sell their generic stuff!



Re-assembled it all and went for a spin - bugger - slight oil leak, only very small but enough to make me want to put it right

Searched around and came to the conclusion it was likely to be the oil cooler rings, so went down to Vaux earlier in the week and they actually had them in stock - only £2.80 each too There is a small ridge in the ring that gets compressed when tightened, I guess that's why they tend to need replacing quite regularly after an oil change



All seems to be fixed now


Also sprayed the tow eye (because I was bored )

[Zoobeef]

Then drained the oil, despite looking a bit black it was actually very clean

I change the oil on my vectra every 5 years and last time i did it i filled it 4 times with fresh oil letting it warm up between draining, just done it again 5k later and even the first lot i dropped wasnt very black, and its a diesel so it usually goes black when you show it to the car

[mandarinvx]

every 5 years

[Zoobeef]

Haha thats me writing and thinking of something else again, dont know how many times ive been picked up for my writing, that should be 5k

[theolodian]

Haha thats me writing and thinking of something else again, dont know how many times ive been picked up for my writing, that should be 5k

Sorry, defo a waste of money on a Vectra.

[Zoobeef]

I think not, I paid £800 for it 3 years ago and never caused me a moments trouble, and i do 4-500 miles a week. And all my oil is free for it

[theolodian]

I think not, I paid £800 for it 3 years ago and never caused me a moments trouble, and i do 4-500 miles a week. And all my oil is free for it

Well, it's hard to waste free!

[Zoobeef]

I think not, I paid £800 for it 3 years ago and never caused me a moments trouble, and i do 4-500 miles a week. And all my oil is free for it

Well, it's hard to waste free!

Its does make me cringe using 20ltrs of oil to service it but as long as my car stays happy then im happy

[theolodian]

I think not, I paid £800 for it 3 years ago and never caused me a moments trouble, and i do 4-500 miles a week. And all my oil is free for it

Well, it's hard to waste free!

Its does make me cringe using 20ltrs of oil to service it but as long as my car stays happy then im happy

Totally excessive.

[slindborg]

Adam, I trust you got anew oil seal for the filter cap.... and the lovely fisting that vaux give you for a new one these days new dampers soon huh

[mandarinvx]

Adam, I trust you got anew oil seal for the filter cap.... and the lovely fisting that vaux give you for a new one these days

new dampers soon huh

There was an O-ring in the box with the filter, but as the top cap wouldn't come off I haven't changed it

[mandarinvx]

New Gaz monotubes fitted last weekend - first impressions are great

[mandarinvx]

Decided to remove the rear clam today - I have loads to do under there, but the priorities are to fit the Piper 2.5" and get the Spitfire toe link kit on

Despite what Joe may try and tell you it isn't easy, and it doesn't take 30 minutes

Did it the full way so I can remove the sound deadening behind the parcel shelf





At last...



And this may explain the mild tick whilst cold



Thankfully to be replaced with the Piper 4-1

[vocky]

now thats a cracked manifold

[mandarinvx]

I must admit, after seeing it, I'm surprised it didn't sound much louder!

[Rocky]

Why the change of shocks so soon? Were you not happy with the Gaz Gold pro's? Whats the differance between the golds and the monotubes?

[mandarinvx]

The Golds were great But Gaz needed a car to play with to make sure the monotubes have the correct level of damping adjustment, so I volunteered ; they also made a few mods to the body lengths on the day