Hinge And Lock Lubrication; Bodywork Damage/Corrosion Check; Corrosion Protection Check; Exhaust Mountings - Opel Zafira B MPV 2006 Owners Workshop Manual

signs of cracking, splits or deterioration of the
rubber which may allow the grease to escape
and lead to water and grit entry into the joint.
Also check the security and condition of the
retaining clips. Repeat these checks on the
inner CV joints. If any damage or deterioration
is found, the gaiters should be renewed as
described in Chapter 8.
3 At the same time, check the general condition
of the CV joints themselves by first holding the
driveshaft and attempting to rotate the wheel.
Repeat this check by holding the inner joint
and attempting to rotate the driveshaft. Any
appreciable movement indicates wear in the
joints, wear in the driveshaft splines or loose
driveshaft retaining nut.
1 With the engine cold (at least an hour
after the vehicle has been driven), check the
complete exhaust system from the engine to
the end of the tailpipe. The exhaust system is
most easily checked with the vehicle raised
on a hoist, or suitably-supported on axle
stands, so that the exhaust components are
readily visible and accessible (see Jacking and
vehicle support).
2 Check the exhaust pipes and connections
for evidence of leaks, severe corrosion and
damage. Make sure that all brackets and
mountings are in good condition, and that all
relevant nuts and bolts are tight. Leakage at
any of the joints or in other parts of the system
will usually show up as a black sooty stain in
the vicinity of the leak.
3 Rattles and other noises can often be traced
to the exhaust system, especially the brackets
and mountings (see illustration). Try to move
the pipes and silencers. If the components
are able to come into contact with the body
or suspension parts, secure the system with
new mountings. Otherwise separate the joints
(if possible) and twist the pipes as necessary
to provide additional clearance.
1 Chock the front wheels, then jack up the
rear of the vehicle and support securely on
axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support).
2 Inspect the rear suspension components
for any signs of obvious wear or damage. Pay
particular attention to the rubber mounting
bushes, and renew if necessary (see Chap-
ter 10).
3 Grasp each roadwheel at the 12 o'clock and
6 o'clock positions (see illustration 9.4), and
try to rock it. Any excess movement indicates
wear in the wheel bearings. Wear may also be
accompanied by a rumbling sound when the
wheel is spun, or a noticeable roughness if the
Every 20 000 miles - diesel m
wheel is turned slowly. The wheel bearing can
be renewed as described in Chapter 10.
4 Check for any signs of fluid leakage around
the shock absorber bodies. Should any fluid
be noticed, the shock absorber is defective
internally, and should be renewed. Note:
Shock absorbers should always be renewed in
pairs on the same axle.
5 With the vehicle standing on its wheels,
the efficiency of each shock absorber may be
checked by bouncing the vehicle at each rear
corner. Generally speaking, the body will return
to its normal position and stop after being
depressed. If it rises and returns on a rebound,
the shock absorber is probably suspect.
Note: This work should be carried out by
a
Vauxha/1/0pel dealer in order to validate
the vehicle warranty. The work includes
a
thorough inspection of the vehicle paintwork
and underbody for damage and corrosion.
Bodywork damage/
corrosion check
1 Once the car has been washed, and all tar
spots and other surface blemishes have been
cleaned off, carefully check all paintwork,
looking closely for chips or scratches. Pay
particular attention to vulnerable areas such
as the front panels (bonnet and spoiler), and
around the wheel arches. Any damage to
the paintwork must be rectified as soon as
possible, to comply with the terms of the
manufacturer's anti-corrosion warranties;
check with a Vauxhall/Opel dealer for details.
2 If a chip or light scratch is found which
is recent and still free from rust, it can be
touched-up using the appropriate touch-up
stick which can be obtained from Vauxhall/Opel
dealers. Any more serious damage, or rusted
stone chips, can be repaired as described in
Chapter 11, but if damage or corrosion is so
severe that a panel must be renewed, seek
professional advice as soon as possible.
3 Always check that the door and ventilation
opening drain holes and pipes are completely
clear, so that water can drain out.
Corrosion protection check
4 The wax-based underbody protective
coating should be inspected annually,
preferably just prior to Winter, when the
underbody should be washed down as
thoroughly as possible without disturbing the
protective coating. Any damage to the coating
should be repaired using a suitable wax-based
sealer. If any of the body panels are disturbed
for repair or renewal, do not forget to re-apply
the coating. Wax should be injected into door
cavities, sills and box sections, to maintain
the level of protection provided by the vehicle
manufacturer - seek the advice of a Vauxhall/
Opel dealer.
11.3 Exhaust mountings
1 Where applicable, remove the wheel trims
from the wheels.
2 Using a torque wrench on each wheel bolt
in turn, ensure that the bolts are tightened to
the specified torque.
3 Where applicable, refit the wheel trims
on completion, making sure they are fitted
correctly.
15
H1ngeand
1 Work around the vehicle and lubricate the
hinges of the bonnet, doors and tailgate with a
light machine oil.
2 Lightly lubricate the bonnet release
mechanism and exposed section of inner
cable with a smear of grease.
3 Check the security and operation of all
hinges, latches and locks, adjusting them -
where required. Check the operation of the
central locking system.
4 Check the condition and operation of the
bonnet and tailgate support struts, renewing
them both if either is leaking or no longer able
to support the bonnet/tailgate securely when
raised.
1 Check the operation of all the electrical
equipment, ie, lights, direction indicators,
horn, etc. Refer to the appropriate sections of
Chapter 12 for details if any of the circuits are
found to be inoperative.
2 Note that the stop-light switch is described
in Chapter 9.
3 Check all accessible wiring connectors,
harnesses and retaining clips for security, and
for signs of chafing or damage. Rectify any
faults found.