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- https://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_W0QQitemZ290233372725QQihZ019QQcategoryZ18424QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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
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