DIY Service adice for Vauxhall Astra

[foolsgold99]

Hi,
I've got 2004 Mk 4 Vauxhall Astra (G model not the new one). I'm hoping to do some of the basic service things myself (although I think that oil and filter changes from National is good a £20).

Can anyone point me in the direction of finding instructions on changing the spark plugs and air filter for a Astra G?

Thanks very much

[keith1950]

Hi, you might find some advice on here- www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk

[anewman]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vauxhall-Opel-Astra-Zafira-Petrol/dp/1844251659/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211891151&sr=8-1

If you're doing those mayaswell do the oil and filter as well. If you can get hold of a halfords trade card (see the thread here - if you don't work at a garage or have a mechanics qualification, a pile of parts invoices should get you one) oil filter should not be more than £5, 5 litres of oil depending on spec needed for car should be about £10, and you'll need a crush washer. You should be able to get a pair of ramps for £30, you may also need a special socket to undo the sump bolt, and a drain can. National is cheap and saves the hassle but in time you'll save money.

[jimbo_the_jetset]

Get a Haynes manual off ebay for a few quid or get one from a local library on loan.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Opel-Astra-Zafira-Haynes-Manual-1998-2004_W0QQitemZ290233372725QQihZ019QQcategoryZ18424 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

You'll need a long socket for the plugs, air filter is just a replacement (might be a squeeze getting to it depending on location). Oil change is easy once you know how (you'll need a sump plug tool and something to catch the oil in). Got my copper crushable washers off ebay.

Forget Halfords/Motorworld. A local motor factors should do you a better deal. And if you do it yourself you will probably use better oil than a garage who does it for £20 all in, and then there's the satisfaction of course.

Just did fuel, air, oil filter and coolant change for ~£25 on my Peugeot. Took less than a morning with ample tea breaks!

[foolsgold99]

That's brilliant. thanks very much to all for your help. I'll start bidding on a manual and hopefully get cracking soon.

All the best to you

[kitchpoo]

Vauxhalls are very oil specific and prone to noisy tappets. Make sure you dont skimp on the type of oil used and the correct rating. Magnatec is often recommended.

[foolsgold99]

That's me ordered a Haynes manual from dvd.co.uk + quidco.

Can anyone recommend good retailers for getting parts for the service?

Thanks

[kitchpoo]

Ebay = £38 delivered for genuine parts

Item number: 110230580452

We have a few locally who supply......
For Non Genuine parts -

Motorfacts (renamed from Brown and Co)
Unipart

Nationally Genuine Parts

www.LMFVauxhall.co.uk (http://www.LMFVauxhall.co.uk)
www.vauxallparts.co.uk (http://www.vauxallparts.co.uk)

Might be worth trying Vauxhall themselves

Or as an alternative have a look at the trade account application route for Halfords.

ps - dont forget to do the pollen filter - it is often forgotten about.

[foolsgold99]

Excellent. I'll need to get my hands on other stuff I suppose like drain can, sump tool, ramps, etc.

May as well buy the stuff now and hopefully it'll pay for itself in the long run.

[newbuilder]

Sorry to hijack the thread but had a quick look in the engine bay today and could not find the oil filter for the 2005 new model astra.

Any ideas where it is hiding.

Have done renault oil changes before but this is the first Vauxhall I think the oil filter is a metal case rather than a cardboard one inside a plastic case.

[hewhoisnotintheknow]

i would rather do the oil my self than trusting large garage chains with it

i often leave my car draining overnight, its amazing how much oil drips out over time

[anewman]

i would rather do the oil my self than trusting large garage chains with it

i often leave my car draining overnight, its amazing how much oil drips out over time

I just send in some cheap oil through the filler cap while the bolt is off to help the crap from the bottom out the hole.

[hewhoisnotintheknow]

I just send in some cheap oil through the filler cap while the bolt is off to help the crap from the bottom out the hole.

yeah i do that too :)

[newbuilder]

Excuse me but could someone answer where the oil filter actually is. Tried to find out where on the 55 model astra but haven't discovered it. Right enough I only had a quick look.

[hewhoisnotintheknow]

Excuse me but could someone answer where the oil filter actually is. Tried to find out where on the 55 model astra but haven't discovered it. Right enough I only had a quick look.

some cars have the oil filter paper or whatever it is inside a plastic container

[goldspanners]

Excuse me but could someone answer where the oil filter actually is. Tried to find out where on the 55 model astra but haven't discovered it. Right enough I only had a quick look.

maybe rather than being cheeky to others on a public forum you could go and take a closer look for yourself.
im sure if they knew they would have answered.:mad:

[newbuilder]

I had already stated that I did have a look myself and could not see it.

I don't know what is cheeky in saying excuse me.:huh:

Quite often people overlook posts as they are skimming the thread to get a just for what it is about.

Sorry to those that are feeling a little put out.

Thanks to Heehoisnotintheknow who looked again at my post and gave me an idea to look behind plastic casings.:idea:

[goldspanners]

Right enough I only had a quick look.

no this is what you said. i read the full thread,no skimming involved.

dont look behind plastic casings, look in them, take them apart, there will probably be a paper element inside. but dont know for sure as ive never been under the bonnet of these astras. if theres no metal cased filter then it will be in a plastic holder with a screw on top.

[Wig]

On some vauxhalls, they have started putting a black (who agrees it should be yellow?) plastic cover ontop of the oil filter. This cover looks similar to an oilfilter anyway so it should be easy to spot. Sometimes at the front/top of the engine.

I have one on my corsa, but I am yet to unscrew it..... can anyone confirm it is just a cover with the filter underneath, or is the plastic cover, the oil filter itself? And would unscrewing it therefore lead to a big spill of oil?

thx

[vansboy]

By far the best place for Vauxhall parts, is to join their Trade Club, you get bigger discounts than usual 'trade' prices, as well as special offers.

The most amazing deal they run - constantly - is 4 for price 3 on 5ltr oils, right accross the range. It's not as expensive as Halfords, anyway, so this is a TRUE bargain.

You do need to be a mechanic or garage, in theory, to get a card, but if you are sensible in approaching the parts department, they'll more than likley let you but at some sort of discount!!

VB

[moneypooh]

accident on the way home tonight, some guy wnated my side of the road and took out my door mirror, thanks for the tips on spares websites - thanks :)

-sorry to hijack thread O/T I know :o

[oldagetraveller]

On some vauxhalls, they have started putting a black (who agrees it should be yellow?) plastic cover ontop of the oil filter. This cover looks similar to an oilfilter anyway so it should be easy to spot. Sometimes at the front/top of the engine.

I have one on my corsa, but I am yet to unscrew it..... can anyone confirm it is just a cover with the filter underneath, or is the plastic cover, the oil filter itself? And would unscrewing it therefore lead to a big spill of oil?

thx

Yellow, yes I agree.Try and find it on a Diesel Meriva!
Paper element is either under or attached to the black plastic cap. On my daughters Corsa the cap screws off and filter remains to be pulled off a plastic retainer in the alloy housing, just pushes back into place. In others the element is over a tube in the cap and again is just pulled off - a couple of "o" rings to renew.
Also the plastic cover has a sealing "o" ring. These should all be supplied with the new filter.
32mm socket to fit the hexagon. I can check the tightening torque if you wish?
Minimal oil spillage but just have some rags or paper towel handy!

Edit - just checked, it's 10Nm in foreign and 7lbf ft in proper units.:D

If the Astra is similar, which is highly likely, if you're not familiar with this type of filter then they are easily missed.