Opel Corsa B 1993–2000 Service and Repair Manual: Rear shock absorbers - removal and refitting

1. Shock absorbers should be renewed in pairs, but they should only be removed from one side at a time. Proceed as described under the relevant sub-heading

Hatchback and Saloon

2. Inside the vehicle, remove the cap from the shock absorber top mounting. Grip the flats on the piston rod with pliers or a small spanner and unscrew the top mounting nut.

Remove the nut, washer and rubber buffer (see illustration).

Rear shock absorber upper mounting - Hatchback

3. Raise and support the rear of the vehicle.

4. On vehicles with the level control system disconnect the pressure line from the shock absorber by undoing the union nut.

5. Unbolt the shock absorber lower mounting (see illustration). Free the shock absorber from the bracket and remove it from the vehicle.

Rear shock absorber lower mounting bolt (arrowed) - Hatchback

6. Commence refitting by introducing the shock absorber to the lower mounting bracket. Use a plastic or wooden mallet if need be.

7. Wedge the shock absorber so that the lower mounting hole is aligned. Fit the lower mounting bolt, tapping it gently through the shock absorber eye, and tighten it to the specified torque.

8. Partly lower the vehicle, guiding the top of the shock absorber into position. Make sure that the washer and rubber buffer for the underside of the top mounting are in position.

9. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Fit the top mounting rubber buffer and washer. Tighten the mounting nut or nuts to achieve an exposed piston rod length as shown (see illustration). Refit the cap.

Rear shock absorber top mounting setting

1. Without level control
2. With level control or two locknuts

X = 9 mm
Y = 6 mm

10. Repeat the operations on the other side of the vehicle. Where necessary, on completion, reconnect the pressure line unions and inflate the system to 0.8 bar.

Estate and Van

11. Raise and support the rear of the vehicle.

12. On vehicles with the level control system, disconnect the pressure line from the shock absorber by undoing the union nut.

13. Unload the shock absorber mounting by jacking up under the axle arm. Remove the lower mounting nut, washer and rubber buffer (see illustration). Lower the jack.

Rear shock absorber lower mounting - Estate

14. Remove the top mounting bolt (see illustration) and extract the shock absorber from its mountings.

Rear shock absorber top mounting bolt (arrowed) - Estate

15. Commence refitting by securing the top end of the shock absorber, but only tighten the bolt loosely at first.

16. Secure the bottom mounting, making sure that the rubber buffers and washers are in position, and tighten the cap nut to the specified torque.

17. Tighten the top mounting to the specified torque.

18. Repeat the operations on the other side of the vehicle, then lower it to the ground. Where necessary, on completion, reconnect the pressure line unions and inflate the system to 0.8 bar.