Opel Astra j 1.6 liter engine... Today we'll talk about its turbocharged modification Opel Astra J with 180 hp. Z16LET. The motor appeared in 2006 and was created on the basis of the Z16XER series engine.

The Z16LET turbo engine, in addition to the well-known design, received the same problems as its atmospheric counterpart. As for reliability, the Opel Astra turbo engine powered by our fuel and not very high-quality oil may become unusable after 100 thousand kilometers. Quite a whimsical engine that requires high-quality and timely service.

Opel Astra j 1.6 device

The basis of the engine design is a cast iron cylinder block. The cylinders are machined directly into the block. The 16-valve mechanism usually does not cause problems, since there are hydraulic lifters and it is not necessary to adjust the thermal clearance of the valves. At the heart of the timing belt is the belt. But we'll talk about the belt drive below. The main feature of the motor can be considered a phase change system on both camshafts. It is this system that causes a lot of trouble. especially if you pour low-quality oil. After all, phase shifters work exclusively due to oil pressure, focusing on various sensors. If you hear a strange rattling sound from under the hood (diesel sound), then do not rush to sin on hydraulic lifters, most likely it is the actuators of the CVCP valve timing system that are out of order.

A schematic of the operation of the CVCP phase change system is shown in the following picture.

As a turbine, the designers of the engine installed the KKK K03 unit, which provides not only high power, but also excellent torque already from 2000-2300 rpm. The compression ratio is reduced to 8.8. Due to the high loads, under which almost all parts of the motor, extraneous noise and vibration quite often appear. Of the minuses, the engine's great appetite for oil can be noted.

Timing device Opel Astra j 1.6

Timing diagram of the Astra engine A16LET in the next photo.

Features Opel Astra j 1.6 (180 HP)

• Working volume - 1598 cm3
• Number of cylinders - 4
• Number of valves - 16
• Cylinder diameter - 79 mm
• Piston stroke - 81.5 mm
• Timing drive - belt
• Power hp (kW) - 180 (132) at 5500 rpm. in min.
• Torque - 230 Nm at 5400 rpm in min.
• Maximum speed - 221 km / h
• Acceleration to the first hundred - 8.5 seconds
• Fuel type - gasoline AI-98
• Compression ratio - 8.8
• Fuel consumption in the city - 9.8 liters
• Fuel consumption on the highway - 5.5 liters
• Combined fuel consumption - 7.3 liters

If the modification of the Z16LET engine met the Euro-4 requirements, then the A16LET version fits into the Euro-5 environmental standard. Actually, the engines have no constructive difference, only the settings have changed. Among other things, the Opel Astra j 1.6 turbo engine is very picky about fuel quality. In our country, it is better to fill in AI-98 gasoline.

Here we will talk about replacing the timing chain transmission with the Opel Astra j 1.4. We will talk about the independent replacement of this consumable. Yes, you can contact the service center, they will perform the work with a guaranteed quality, but our whole interest is to carry out this repair on our own, without the involvement of professionals. This procedure cannot be called simple, but nevertheless, many motorists cope with it quite well. The main thing is to follow the detailed instructions below and be diligent.

Replacement schedule

The timing chain drive on the Opel should be changed after 150,000 km. Although the manufacturer does not regulate the frequency of replacement in any way, experts recommend just such an interval. But the chain can work out its resource a little earlier. Therefore, it is very important to carry out diagnostic procedures from time to time. If you do not do this, then you can miss the moment when the chain will stretch. And this can happen ahead of schedule. There may be several reasons for this. Firstly, the service life of the chain drive can be significantly reduced if the vehicle is constantly subjected to increased loads, if a trailer is often used, for example. The use of the machine mainly in urban areas also does not contribute to the increase in the service life of the chain. Some drivers practice aggressive driving, and this also wears out the chain ahead of time. Poor oil is another cause of premature chain drive wear. Oil generally requires special attention. Use only high-quality engine oil in your vehicles, and keep an eye on its level. The chain is lubricated through a whole system of injectors. Its quality must be very good. In addition, you could simply buy a low-quality consumable, and it worked out ahead of time.

If the chain is worn out, it can be determined both by ear and visually. If the engine has stopped emitting a pleasant rustle during operation, if an unusual noise and grinding is heard during engine operation, then it's time to think about the state of the chain drive. As a rule, this is precisely the reason that drivers decide to look on the hood of their iron horse. If there are chips on the chain, then it's time to replace it. If the usual tension of the transmission no longer gives the desired results, this also indicates the need to replace the chain.

So, if you determine that the chain drive needs to be replaced and decide to replace it yourself, the first thing to do is get everything you need ready. Go to the store and buy a new chain there. In addition to her, you need to buy related consumables, such as a tensioner and dampers. You should also buy a set of oil seals. Experts recommend changing the gears along with the chain. But this should only be done if they are really worn out. They may still be quite serviceable. If you do not really hope for your competence, then it is better to invite a specialist who will carry out the necessary diagnostics and tell you whether you need to change only the chain or the gears also need to be replaced.

Chain replacement process yourself

1. We drain the anti-freeze liquid and dismantle the air filter along with all its pipes.
2. Raise the engine with a jack and turn off its first pillow. Many connectors and all kinds of branch pipes are mounted on the cover. They will also need to be removed.
3. The engine support is attached to the cylinder block with 3 bolts. We turn them off and remove the support.
4. The automatic tensioner must now be discharged. The belt will loosen if we turn the tensioner clockwise. This is done using the E14 head.
5. The tensioner must now be locked. To do this, you can use a regular nail or drill.
6. Now we turn off the antifreeze pump pulley. Here you will have to try, since for this you need to unscrew 9 bolts. After that we remove the pulley. Be sure to remember where the long bolts were installed and where the short bolts were. This will help you a lot when assembling.
7. Dismantle the tensioner. To do this, you will have to unscrew 2 bolts.
8. Dismantle the crankshaft pulley. But here you will have to unscrew 6 bolts already.
9. Remove the cover protecting the valve.
10. We turn the crankshaft by the bolt of its fastening. You need to scroll to the right. In this case, the slots at the ends should be in one line. Thus, we will determine the top dead center.
11. Now we need to fix the camshafts. To do this, use a corner for 45. It so happens that you can't insert a corner. This can only mean one thing - the chain is stretched to the limit. In this case, further repairs will have to be continued without fixing the camshafts.
12. The marks on the timing case and the crankshaft pulley must match.
13. We unscrew the bolt that secures the crankshaft pulley. We remove the bushing of the pump supplying oil.
14. Now remove the timing case. To do this, you have to unscrew a lot of bolts. The location of the chain must be marked. Moreover, this must be done when replacing it and when removing it for other purposes. You need to put 1 mark on each camshaft. 2 marks are placed on the crankshaft.
15. After setting the marks, the chain tensioner is discharged. Use your finger to press on the tensioner until the plunger fully engages. After that, it should be fixed. To do this, we use any object that will fit in diameter. Now we unscrew the 2 bolts and dismantle the tensioner.
16. We remove the dampers, after which we proceed to remove the chain drive.
17. Be sure to install a new gasket on the timing case.
18. Now we are going to install the new circuit. Before this, we put the old and new chains side by side and transfer the marks to the gear to be installed. After installing the chain, install the tensioner and dampers. We remove the fixing object from the tensioner, after which the chain will be stretched.
19. Install the pump.
20. We check the crankshaft mark and begin to adjust the timing phases.
21. This is done as follows. We unscrew the plug from the timing case. Press on the tensioner shoe with a thin object until the plunger is completely drowned. We insert the retainer into the hole in the casing. To do this, you will have to loosen the bolts securing the gears and install the retainer in the camshafts. We use a metal corner as a fixing object. When we remove the tensioner lock, the chain will be tensioned. We look at the crankshaft mark. We adjust it if necessary. Now you should take the protractor and set the master disk on it. In this case, the beginning of the window should be located at 60. Take out the clips and tighten the bolts that secure the gears. Scroll the crankshaft 2 times to the right and check the alignment of the marks. If everything is normal, the rest of the parts are installed in reverse.

Good day to all. I want to tell you about the 2011 Opel Astra. Maybe someone will be useful.

When I thought what to take, I didn’t consider the Opel brand at all for some reason ... I didn’t drive them much and knew little. I just happened to be in the salon. My wife and I came to see the Chevrolet Cruze and I saw her. I liked everything right away, except for the price ...))) It cost 920 thousand and did not fit into the budget a little. But then the manager came up, we got to talking and she offered to ride. I naturally agreed. So, for fun. To put a tick, so to speak ... I really liked the machine. The design is just super, the engine is peppy, the Shumka is on par. And besides, there is a car of the last year in stock with a discount of 100 thousand rubles. Here all doubts disappeared and the issue was resolved)

The machine is in the maximum configuration with a maximum engine of 1.6T 180 horses. 6-speed automatic tiptronic with a torque converter (this was a condition for the selected cars). Standard alarm with immobilizer, crankcase protection. From special stages I put a pinless lock on the box, floor mats and trunk. Casco, OSAGO, winter tires (I'll run ahead), mud flaps - everything turned out close to a million ...

When my wife and I left the cabin, it felt like you were riding in a spaceship))) The cabin is very quiet. The design is just superb. Still happy) When there was a run-in, more than 3 thousand revolutions did not twist. But you really notice that you start faster than the flow. It pleases) The machine is very fast, just a bullet) If you need to accelerate quickly - no question) Especially on the highway. But you can't play checkers on the road. If only not in manual mode, which still needs to be learned to use. But these are the features of the machine)

I read other reviews - some of them criticize the electronic gas pedal. They say she is stupid ... yes, she is a little brooding and you need to get used to it. Reap slowly, not right away. Press hard - the car will shoot. And there is a chance of simply not coping with it. At least at first. At first it was very strange for me. Plus the fact that I haven't driven a machine before ... but got used to it quickly and get high) It is clear that the driving style is changing here, this is not a pen. But I really like it, I am satisfied. For me, comfort is important, but here it is at its best.

The car is a little harsh, but the handling is five points. It enters the turns as if on rails. Roll zero. The rut is not felt at all. I could not get used to the fact that the speed is not felt and the cabin is quiet. Many times I caught myself in the city that I was driving 110 km / h, I looked at the loop once, and there it was 154 km / h. Now I'm used to it and I try not to drive too much. Although the machine loves speed and the feeling that it itself is rushing forward. Provokes you, so to speak ...

in the winter I had to buy a spike. here was a surprise in the form of rubber prices) 17th wheels ... found the cheapest of the normal at 6200 per wheel. bridzhik 7000. in short, rubber plus tire fitting almost 30 thousand ... but a pleasant surprise was the silence in the cabin. I almost did not feel the difference between winter spikes and summer tires. I'm used to riding on spikes - like flying in an airplane. The hum is annoying. And then it's quiet)) Class))

I still like everything in the car and I still don't see any alternatives for myself (everyone who gets into the car, everyone is delighted). The steering wheel heating is especially pleasing. In general, the song)) The machine is very intelligently tuned. The same can be said about everything else) The two-zone climate pleases. The seat heating is set up properly. I met such that there are only two heating modes. So on the first it does not heat well, and on the second it burns ...))) This is on a Nissan. A friend's Toyota Avensis is also shamelessly ... it's not comfortable to drive for a long time. Here you turn it on immediately to the full, and if you even forgot to turn it down, then the ride is comfortable. In short, everything works as it should. Everything is worthy) Germans))

I'll try to find the cons. The first is the rear view. Badly visible due to the peculiarities of the body. The hatch has wide rear side struts. Parktronic saves. The liquid does not splash on the windshield, but is sprayed, which makes washing the glass at speed a difficult procedure. Almost no liquid gets on the glass. It is a pleasure to wash on the spot. Probably, I will also refer to the minus expensive MOT, the price of rubber ... but you have to pay for the pleasure ... you have to be careful with the turbine, the oil in the engine should be changed a little earlier than it should be according to the regulations, but it's worth it). More of the minuses can not come up with anything. Do not suck it out of your finger ...)))

Eats 95 gasoline. Computer consumption in the summer of 11.4, in the summer of 12.8. I didn't measure it myself, but somewhere it comes out. Moderate driving style. Sometimes I like to start, but if I drive like this all the time, then just pour it into the tank ... she will also eat a lot, respectively) I try not to work only on gasoline, but sometimes I can't resist, to be honest ...

Reliability is too early to say. While the mileage is 7000 km., Nothing broke, everything works like a watch) Five points for safety. Four pillows, beams in the doors, a guided crumpled body, even the pedals are unfastened upon impact). Electronic security systems. In short, there is everything you need. The main thing is not to relax ... the music in the car also pleases. 7 speakers. The sound is quite decent. A bunch of settings, so that anyone can do for themselves as they like) Two keys from a car with memory. If the car is used by a couple of people (husband and wife), then he remembers the radio stations and some car settings for each driver. Such a handy feature)

It seems that he said everything, missed nothing. There will be questions - ask, I will answer with pleasure)

In comparison with its predecessor, the Opel Astra J Hatchback has become larger in dimensions: length - 4419 mm (+170 mm), width - 1 814/2013 mm (+61 mm), height - 1510 mm (+50 mm). The wheelbase is 2 685 mm (+71 mm). The car's front and rear wheel track increased (+56 mm and +70 mm), which had a positive effect on the vehicle's handling and stability. The ground clearance is 160 mm. Curb weight - 1,373 kg. Carrying capacity - 497 kg. The volume of the luggage compartment is 370/795 liters. When fully loaded "to the ceiling" this figure is 1 235 liters.

In the Russian market, the 5-door hatch Opel Astra J was offered with four gasoline power units. These are naturally aspirated 1.4 and 1.6 liter engines (100 and 115 hp) and turbocharged 1.4 Turbo and 1.6 Turbo engines (140 and 180 hp). In other markets, the car was available with diesel units ranging from 1.3 to 2.0 liters (95-160 hp). The engines were combined with a 5- or 6-speed "mechanics" and a 6-speed "automatic". Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km / h (depending on the engine) - from 14.2 to 8.5 seconds. The maximum speed is from 178 km / h to 221 km / h. Average fuel consumption is 5.5-6.8 liters per 100 kilometers.

The 5-door Opel Astra J is built on a front-wheel drive Delta II platform with semi-independent rear and independent front suspension. The front suspension of the car is MacPherson struts. The rear suspension is a combination of a torsion beam with a Watt mechanism. The car was equipped with an adaptive FlexRide chassis, which, working in tandem with the CDC (Dynamic Suspension Control) system, is able to adjust the suspension stiffness in real time depending on road conditions. The FlexRide system has three preset modes "Standard", "Sport" and "Comfort", the activation of which changes the behavior of the suspension, power steering and accelerator pedal.

Opel Astra J was produced in Essentia, Active and Cosmo trim levels. The basic options include electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, adjustable steering column, radio with CD player, front and side airbags. All offered versions of the Opel Astra J hatchback were equipped with ABS + ESP and a standard anti-theft alarm. As an option, customers could order dual-zone climate control, adaptive headlights and an infotainment complex with a 7-inch monitor. In addition, the vehicle was optionally equipped with a blind spot monitoring system, traffic sign recognition and a parking assistant.

The Hatch Opel Astra Jay was equipped with passive and active safety systems, including body elements with programmed deformation, a rigid roll cage, front, side and window airbags, active head restraints and an emergency pedal release system.

The owners of the fourth generation 5-door Opel Astra J mark a worthy combination of price and quality. The car is distinguished by high-quality assembly and attractive appearance, acceptable acceleration dynamics and handling. The criticism is caused by noise insulation in the area of ​​the wheel arches: even on high-quality roads, the interior of the car is "filled" with strong noise. The brakes cause complaints: the calipers rattle so hard that they cause discomfort for passengers. When using the machine, problems arise with the electronics.

22.01.2018

Opel Astra J (Opel Astra) is considered one of the leaders in its segment (golf class) due to the successful combination of size, technical characteristics and practicality. Against the background of its famous competitors, Astra J looks more expensive and solid car, and all thanks to the streamlined design, which replaced the angular body of the previous generation model. You can talk about the advantages of this car for hours, but today we will talk about its shortcomings, or rather the reliability of this model, since this factor plays a key role in choosing a used car.

Specifications Opel Astra J

Make and type of body: C - hatchback, sedan, station wagon;

Body dimensions (L x W x H), mm - 4419 x 1814 x 1510, 4658 x 1814 x 1500, 4698 x 1814 x 1535;

Wheelbase, mm - 2658, 2685;

Ground clearance, mm - 165;

Tire size - 205/60 R16, 215/50 R17;

Fuel tank volume, l - 56;

Curb weight, kg - 1393, 1405, 1437;

Full weight, kg - 1850, 1870, 1995;

Trunk capacity, l - 370 (795), 460 (1010), 500 (1500);

Options - Enjoy, Enjoy +, Enjoy High, Enjoy Low, Essentia, Essentia Low, Cosmo, Cosmo Mid, S / S Cosmo.

Problem places and disadvantages of the Opel Astra J

Weaknesses of the body:

Paintwork- despite the fact that the painting quality is not bad, scratches and chips appear on the body quite quickly, and after 10 years of operation on a St. Petersburg car assembly, the paint may begin to swell and fall off in pieces (most often the problem occurs on 3-door hatchbacks).

Body iron- the days have already passed when Opel bodies, for a weak anti-corrosion coating, were not criticized only by the lazy. Today, the German company galvanizes all body parts of the car and gives them up to 12 years of warranty. Despite this, on some copies of the Russian assembly, over time, foci of rust appear on the thresholds, wheel arches, the trunk lid, in the lower part of the doors, as well as at the joints of the bumpers and fenders (as a rule, bugs appear after winter). Original body elements are not cheap, therefore, if damaged, they are usually restored rather than changed.

Bottom- not completely covered with a protective shock-resistant mastic, therefore, in order to prevent the appearance of corrosion, it is recommended to treat it with an anti-corrosion agent.

Windshield "Pilkington"- very soft due to which it quickly becomes covered with scratches and chips, it is worth noting that the use of hard wiper blades accelerates the process of glass wear (it is overwritten and cloudy). There are frequent cases when the glass cracked from a sharp temperature drop.

Replacing brushes- this procedure provides for the transfer of the wipers to the service mode, in order to do this, after turning off the ignition, move the mode switch lever down, after which the wipers should be in the service vertical position.

Adaptive optics AFL- this type of optics is significantly superior to the standard one in terms of illumination quality. However, it has a couple of significant drawbacks - the rapid wear of the lens drives and the failure of the regulation system (body level position sensors fail), besides, replacing such a headlight is not cheap. There are craftsmen who have learned how to restore the headlight, but there are problems with the availability of the necessary spare parts.

Common powertrain ailments

Atmospheric motors:

1,4 - this engine has earned itself a good reputation and is considered a very reliable unit, but only in the hands of calm drivers. So, for example, the timing chain drive, which the engine is equipped with, is able to serve up to 180,000 km without replacement, but if the car is operated in the "slipper to the floor" mode and save on maintenance, the chain will be asked for replacement after 80,000 km. The resource of the engine to the capital is 250-300 thousand km.

1.6 - is also a reliable naturally aspirated subcompact engine. Unlike the weaker unit, a timing belt drive is used here, but with a system for changing the valve timing on two shafts. In addition to the advantages (increased belt service life), this system has its disadvantages - phase regulator solenoid valves often fail. If there is a problem, the engine starts to diesel. The ailment is eliminated by cleaning the valves, if cleaning does not give a positive effect, the valve will have to be replaced. The motor does not have hydraulic lifters, so the valves are adjusted by selecting calibrated glasses. This procedure is recommended to be carried out once every 100,000 km of run. For trouble-free operation of the engine, it is recommended to change the oil every 10,000 km. At the same time, it is advisable to use some kind of high-quality analogue, instead of the branded DEXOS 2 oil - it contains additives that, with prolonged use, cause severe coking of the piston rings and abundant deposits inside the power unit.

1,8 - has similar problems with a weaker unit - frequent failure of the phase regulator solenoid valves, there are no hydraulic compensators. In addition, a small resource of the ignition module (70-90 thousand km) can be noted, most often the owners are faced with a malfunction, who save on spark plugs. Symptoms - the engine is troit. Oil leaks from the oil cooler are also common. The resource of the motor is 250-300 thousand km.

Turbocharged power units:

1,4 - appeared in 2010, its peculiarity is the use of a turbine on a low-volume engine. This is both an advantage of this unit and its disadvantage - the turbine resource rarely exceeds 200,000 kilometers, and its replacement will cost about $ 600-800. Despite the fact that there are few complaints about the turbine, it still has one weak point - sometimes there are malfunctions in the boost control system (the boost control valve fails). The engine is equipped with a timing chain drive, which insignificantly increases the reliability of the mechanism (chain resource 120-150 thousand km, sprockets and tensioners over 200,000 km). Unlike atmospheric power units, hydraulic lifters are present here, so there is no need to adjust the valves. The cooling pump (pump) has a limited resource of 70-90 thousand km - it starts to make noise and loses its tightness. The most serious malfunction that can be encountered during operation is burnout and piston breakage, fortunately the problem is not widespread. The reason is the use of low-quality gasoline and coking of the pistons.

1,6 - the main disadvantage of this engine is considered to be poor performance in the cooling system (insufficient fluid circulation in the block), because of this, the fourth cylinder is subject to increased load. The consequences of this problem can be burnout of the pistons and damage to the block. The engine is demanding on the quality of fuels and lubricants. If, instead of high-quality synthetics, you pour into it anyhow, the failure of the engine and crankshaft lubrication system will not be long in coming. When using high viscosity oils, there is a risk of ring sticking. We can also note the weak pistons - with increased detonation, the partitions are destroyed. If you decide to take a car with such an engine, be sure to check the condition of the piston group and do not be too lazy to do an endoscopy of the fourth cylinder. With a 170 horsepower motor, the timing chain is not famous for its reliability and can rumble after 60,000 kilometers. With proper maintenance, the resource of the motor to the capital is 200-300 thousand km.

Disadvantages are common to all gasoline internal combustion engines:

Thermostat- fails after 50-70 thousand km, if there is a problem, the fan starts to work constantly. The problem is solved by installing a more reliable thermostat from the Chevrolet Cruze.

Intake manifold valve- valve failure is a common problem and was found as a rule on cars produced in 2011-2012. Most often, the ailment manifested itself at low runs and was eliminated by official dealers under warranty. But when buying, you should still ask whether the specified problem has been identified and eliminated.

Oil leaks through the oil cooler, phase shifters and valve cover gasket- a common thing for engines manufactured by GM, do not be surprised or worried, the repair costs a penny.

Shuffling, clicks and other sounds- Astra motors like to make a variety of sounds so that you do not get bored, for example, a clicking sound is emitted by injectors, a shuffling sound can be emitted by an air conditioner compressor bearing.

Euro 5- to meet these standards, the cars were equipped with an electronic throttle valve and fuel quality-sensitive injectors. In order for these elements to serve as long as possible, they need to be periodically cleaned (at the first signs of deterioration in dynamics) and try to refuel at proven gas stations.

Disadvantages of diesel internal combustion engines:

All Opel Astra J diesel engines are equipped with a capricious Common Rail fuel system, which, when using diesel fuel from a "canister", can present a lot of problems in the form of expensive repairs (replacement of nozzles, fuel injection pump, EGR and catalyst). Otherwise, the units are practically problem-free, but after 200,000 km, the two-mass flywheel and turbine will have to be replaced. The declared resource of motors is 250-350 thousand km

1.3 - A common ailment of this power unit is fluid leakage from under the thermostat. It is also worth noting the sensitivity of the motor to the quality of the oil, the use of low-quality oil leads to incorrect operation of the timing chain and the chain can jump, provoking the pistons to meet the valves.

2.0 - like gasoline engines, it has an unreliable thermostat (it can crack). Over time, problems arise with the flaps in the intake manifold. A frequent occurrence is the failure of the EGR valve.

Transmission

Mechanics- The five-speed F17 transmission was paired with naturally aspirated engines and a diesel 1.3, and is not the most successful unit. Its main problem is a weak differential and unreliable bearings of the output shaft. Buying a car with such a box can be compared to a lottery with good chances of winning, the main thing is to correctly diagnose before buying - you need to hang out the drive wheels and spin them with the motor, if the bearings have already begun to fail, a characteristic noise will be heard (you need to listen with the engine off). If you do not try to squeeze out all the juices from the car and monitor the oil level (leaks appear over time), the box can easily serve more than one hundred thousand kilometers.

M32WR- six-speed mechanics were paired with turbocharged and diesel engines. This box is more reliable, but, unfortunately, it also has problems with bearings, in fairness it should be noted that they are rare.

F40- was installed with a two-liter diesel engine - is considered the most successful box.

Automatic transmission- things are much worse with the reliability of automatic transmissions, which are a joint development of GM and Ford. A common problem with a machine gun is considered to be jerky when changing gears. Most often, servicemen associate the incorrect operation of the transmission with the imperfection of the software, and offer to replace it, but this procedure does not always solve the problem. If the problem is ignored for a long time, this will lead to the fact that the drum begins to crumble, and its fragments will gradually "kill" the sun gear of the planetary gear. Another weak point of the automatic transmission is its cooling radiator - leaks appear, this ailment, if untimely eliminated, can lead to a loss of performance of the unit as a whole. The problem is that when the radiator was depressurized, coolant leaked into the hydraulic circuit. Of the mechanical problems, a high probability of breakage of the retaining ring of the drum 4-5-6 can be noted. When the ring is torn off, the drum is damaged in almost 100% of cases, and, as a result, requires replacement. Subject to the rules of operation, the "machine" will last about 200,000 km.

Robot- it is better to avoid buying a car with this type of transmission, as it can start to mope after 60,000 kilometers. If at the beginning of the movement and sharp acceleration strong jolts or jerks are felt, it is better to refuse to purchase such a car. You should know that the resource of a robotic box is, as a rule, less than that of a conventional automatic transmission.

Weaknesses of the suspension, steering and brakes of the Opel Astra J

Opel Astra J suspension simple (in front - MacPherson, behind - Watt's mechanism) and has a good resource, but it still has a couple of weak points. The peculiarity of this suspension is that at low temperatures it begins to emit extraneous sounds, and a detached shock absorber boot can also serve as the cause of the knock (it is necessary to install the boot in place and secure it with a clamp). Tie rod ends turned out to be the most problematic; in rare cases, they take care of more than 40,000 km. You can also note the unreliability of shock absorbers - they begin to flow after 60,000 km. On the rear axle, the rods bend from heavy loads. The rest of the suspension elements serve no worse than those of competitors.

Suspension elements resource:

• Stabilizer struts - about 30,000 km.
• Stabilizer bushings - 50-60 thousand km
• Support bearings - their resource depends on the operating conditions, for example, if you often drive on a primer and do not wash the wheel arches from the inside, the bearings will last no more than 60,000 kilometers.
• Shock absorbers - they need to be replaced without having served even 100,000 km.
• Ball joints and wheel bearings - 120-150 thousand km
• Rear beam silent blocks - 150-200 thousand km.

Steering:

Steering tips aside, the steering Opel Astra J can be called reliable, especially on versions equipped with electric power steering. For a long and trouble-free service of the rail, you need to adhere to the following recommendations - try not to ride through deep puddles, slow down speed bumps and tram tracks when moving, and prevent contacts once a year. If knocks or smudges appear on the rail, check the condition of the rail bushings. On cars of the first years of production, there were cases of failure of the steering shaft bearing. If you do not change the fluid in the power steering after 100,000 km, you will have to change the amplifier pump.

Brakes:

In the braking system, an unpleasant feature is the squeak of the brakes. Top-end versions with 18-m diameter wheels often have brake disc warpage. It is also worth noting the need for periodic maintenance of the system, if this is not done, the fingers of the rear calipers will begin to sour. If you do not use the handbrake over the years, its mechanism will begin to sour. For an electronic handbrake with AutoHold function, after 4-5 years of operation, the drive begins to fail.

Salon

The interior finishing materials of the Opel Astra J are not of high quality, which is why crickets have settled here over the years. Most often, annoying sounds come from the decorative trim on the center console, plastic trims around the windows, front seat adjustment mechanisms, and the ceiling light. Soundproofing will not please with its quality either. The Opel Astra J is equipped with a lot of electrical equipment, especially in the top-end versions, but, unfortunately, over time it gives a lot of trouble. The most common problem is periodic malfunctions in the control units of one or another equipment - seat heating, power windows, standard alarm, etc. Fortunately, most of them are solved by restarting the car. Of the more significant ailments, one can note an arbitrary reboot of all on-board equipment (the reason has not been established) and the failure of the parking sensors.

What's the bottom line?

The Opel Astra J turned out to be a predictable car in the good sense of the word. You should not expect any serious surprises from it, the main thing is to service it in a timely manner and use high-quality fuels and lubricants. The typical sores that are characteristic of this model are well known and can be treated without problems. Almost any thematic forum has a lot of information on how to fix this or that problem at minimal cost.

Astra J is the most stolen model of the Opel family, keep this in mind when choosing a car.

If you have experience in operating this car model, please tell us what problems and difficulties you had to face. Perhaps it is your feedback that will help the readers of our site when choosing a car.