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| Anti-Roll Bars (Stabilizer Shafts): All models of astra have these, but the number and type vary between models. The front suspension has the one bar. These are avaliable in 16mm 17.5mm 20mm and 22mm. Tie Rods: The front bar is connected to the wishbone by a bolt, tube, 4 washers and 4 rubbers. These bolts have a tendancy of wearing away if they rub on the wishbone without the rubber protecting it. It's not unusual for these to snap, if any signs of wear are showing, it's well worth replacing them as they're not very expensive. Rear suspension, the bar within the rear beam comes in 14mm 16mm and 18mm. There is a second bar avaliable for the rear beam, this was just fitted to the 16v astras. |
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| 5 Stud Conversion After talking to many people on Migweb, I gathered that the easiest way to go about the upgrade was to use front struts from a Cavalier V6 or Turbo, or a Calibra V6 or Turbo. As for the rear, a beam is required from a Cavalier V6, as the others mentioned have Indipendant Rear Suspension (IRS), and are useless for an astra! The Cavalier V6 rear beam is 20mm wider than the Astra, and much more heavily built, but fits just the same without a problem. Bushes - the Cav's bushes have a larger OD than the astra, but the length and ID for teh bolt is the same. The front struts are practically identical, the only difference being ABS sensors, inserts, springs and top mounts! They share the same tapered ball jount fittings, same hub splined shaft as Astra, and same brake fitment. |
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| Close-up of Cav V6 rear, minus hub. |
| Calibra Turbo Front leg, showing different stud patterns avaliable. |
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