1966-73 OPEL SPECIFICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS
TIRE INFLATION (COLD)
Before attempting to check or adjust wheel alignment, ensure that tires are properly inflated.
CASTER
All Models - 1) Raise front of vehicle and place jack stands below control arm (Manta and 1900) or below front frame side members (Kadett and GT). Remove wheel if caster is to be adjusted. Install suitable front spring compressor (J-21689) and compress spring (Kadett and GT only). Remove upper control arm shaft. Remove upper control arm for shock absorber support.
2) Adjust caster by changing shim between upper control and shock absorber support. Shims are available in .12", .24" and .36" thickness. To increase caster, place one .12" shim at front of control arm and one .36" shim at rear. To decrease caster, reverse shims. NOTE - Never use more than one shim at either location. The total thickness of front and rear shims combined must equal .48". Install control arm and shaft making sure crown of both shims shows inward. Remove spring compressor, replace wheel and lower vehicle. Recheck caster.
CAMBER
All Models - Raise front of vehicle and place jack stands below lower control arms. Remove wheel if camber is to adjusted. Remove ball joint from upper control arm and front steering knuckle. To adjust camber , lift upper control arm and turn ball joint flange 180 degrees. NOTE - Only two camber adjustments are possible. Manufacturer adjusted camber to smallest possible positive camber (Kadett and GT) and smallest possible negative camber (1900 and Manta). Rotating flange will make camber more positive on Kadett and GT or more negative on 1900 and Manta. To reassemble reverse disassembly procedures.
TOE-IN
Kadett (1966-72) and GT (1969-73) - 1) Position front wheels in straight ahead position. Remove wire clamps on left and right tie rods and push bellows back. Loosen tie rod clamp bolts. To adjust toe-in, rotate tie rod sleeves until toe-in within specifications. NOTE - Never grip tie rod on inner ball joint stud. To avoid ball stud resting against side of hole in tie rod outer end, center outer end of each tie rod to ball stud.
2) Pull bellows over tie rods and secure wire clamps. Bellows must not be twisted and wire ends showing forwards steering gear adjusting screw opening. Tighten clamp bolts. Rotate wheel back and forth several times to check bellows for correct attachment to tie rods.
1900 Models (1971-73) and Manta (1973) - Position front wheels in straight ahead position. Loosen and back off lock nuts on left and right tie rods. Remove hose clamps from bellows and adjust toe-in to specification by turning tie rods. NOTE - Do not allow bellows to become twisted. Tighten the rod lock nuts. Attach clamps and secure bellows to tie rods with clam bolt facing forward. Rotate wheel back and forth several times to check bellows for correct attachment to tie rods.
