"Hi All - Thought I'd give an update on my five years experience with an Astra CD 2002 model.
Things that have gone wrong = broken ignition barrel (1 year ago)
Things that I have prevented going wrong =
1. Manual transmission - I soon found out that you cannot change the transmission oil in this gearbox. Its there for life! Amazing. So I bought a Haynes Manual and decided to investigate. The only way to change the tranny oil is to drop the bottom transmission plate and let the oil fall out. Manual states that the tranny only takes 1.8 litres. So I decided to do it myself. I bought a new plate gasket from Holden ($22) and some really excellent oil - REDLINE MT-90. I took the bottom plate off and caught the oil in a tub. I measured how much oil fell out and it amounted to only 0.8 litre! Where was the missing litre? Do you think that Holden on purpose does not fill it right when manufacturing. Just think, how many Astras (minus 1 litre of tranny oil) are made and how much they would save on this? The fill is carried out by removing the oil sender unit at the top of the tranny housing and filling through there. Results - excellent. With a full load of tranny oil and being REDLINE, the chunkiness went immediately and the gear change is now slick and smooth. RECOMMENDED.
2. Cam Belts - Yup I changed the first at 50,000 klicks and will do so every 50,000 (that's just how it is).
3. Brakes are very good on these cars, but they wear quickly. I will be replacing the front and rear brake pads with Bendix pads and getting disk rotors from DBA. Will do this at 80,000. (The aforementioned companies are all Australian)
4. Air Conditioning - remember to turn off your A/C each time before you turn your motor off. NEVER start the engine with the A/C on.
5. I recommend changing the oil and filter every six months (min). I use BP Visco 5000. Do it myself - takes 10 mins to drain and 15 to refill with new filter being installed filter.
6. Operate you're A/C for 5 mins every week when not being used daily.
7. Operate your electric windows (esp. the rears) every week.
I have been very happy with the car, and I am aware of other people's problems. Only the ignition barrel has found me."
|
========== REPLY ==========
Hi Phil - You sound like you know what you're talking about. It's refreshing to hear, after reading all the other reports. I have been looking at an Astra TS CD 2002 & now am really worried about buying one as I have bought lemons in the past.
Realistically what do you think the ongoing costs for the car compares with other similar small cars? Confused?
POSTED BY SAM - BENTLEY, WA - AUS 19 MAY 2007
========== REPLY ==========
Mate got the same problem with a Ford Falcon BA AU11 2002. It too has a closed transmission oil system. I've removed the nine bolts and the plate, changed the oil filter but don't have the faintest where to pour the transmission oil or power steering fluid. Any tips would be great.
Cheers Mate.
POSTED BY: MATT - COFFS HARBOUR, NSW - AUS 15 DEC 2008
========== REPLY ==========
Matt, the filler plug is on the driver’s side towards the rear of the main body. Depending on type, for memory, it's a case of clean around plug, remove, add fluid (9 litres dry or in your case 4 litres with a still full converter) check "o" ring on plug and tighten. Very gentle drive for a few k's thru all the gears, then back, hoist, check level by removing plug (again). I have in the past used a transmission fluid needle, like a real heavy duty syringe and you push fluid into the tranny until it starts to dribble out the very same hole. I take no responsibility for this advice.
Wayne.
By the way congratulations and thanks to the operators of this site.
POSTED BY: WAYNE - BUNDABERG, QLD - AUS 16 DEC 2008 |
BESTCADE MOTORSM
