This workshop service repair manual covers the Astra and Belmont models produced between 1980 and 1995, encompassing generation codes Mk1 (T85) and Mk2 (T85/F). These compact family cars were renowned for their practical and spacious interiors, front-wheel-drive configuration, and economical operation, offering a comfortable ride and good handling for their class. Available in various body styles including 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks, a 4-door saloon (Belmont), an estate, and a convertible, these vehicles were a popular choice across Europe, particularly in the UK and Germany. Their design philosophy emphasized cost-effectiveness and widespread parts availability, making them a reliable and accessible option for many drivers.
This comprehensive manual provides factory-level detail to assist both do-it-yourself enthusiasts and professional mechanics in maintaining and repairing the Astra/Belmont. It covers an extensive range of systems, including powertrain (engine, fuel, ignition, cooling, exhaust), drivetrain (transmissions, clutch, driveshafts), chassis (suspension, steering, brakes), electrical systems (wiring diagrams, components), and body and interior (HVAC, trim). Within its pages, you will find detailed procedures for scheduled maintenance, component removal and installation, overhaul, adjustment, and diagnostics. Technical specifications such as torque values, fluid capacities, and electrical data are also included, ensuring accurate and effective service for all variants of these vehicles.
Generation Codes:
Mk1 (T85), Mk2 (T85/F)
Production Years:
1980-1995
Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Competitors:
Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Fiat Uno, Peugeot 309, Renault 19
Design Philosophy:
Practical, spacious interior, front-wheel drive, economical operation
Strengths:
Comfortable ride, good handling for its class, widespread availability of parts
Cost Effectiveness:
Inexpensive way to maintain and repair vehicle, saving on professional labor costs
Regions Covered:
Europe (primarily UK, Germany, and other European markets)
Model Variants Covered:
Hatchback (3-door, 5-door), Saloon (Belmont), Estate, Convertible
Estimated Page Count:
High (indicative of factory-level detail)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if applicable on later models)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, starter motor, alternator, battery, body electricals
Body And Interior:
Body shell repair, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for complete disassembly and reassembly
User Level:
Do-it-yourself enthusiasts and experienced professional mechanics
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable for quick information retrieval
Printability:
All pages printable
Binding:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital format)
Engine Families Covered:
Family I (14NV, 16NV, C16NZ, E16SE, C18NZ, C18XE, C20NE, C20XE, X20XEV etc.), Family II (less common)
1.3L I4 (OHV/Ohc):
Approx. 60-75 hp
1.4L I4 (Ohc):
Approx. 75 hp
1.6L I4 (Ohc):
Approx. 75-100 hp (depending on injection/carburetion)
1.8L I4 (Ohc):
Approx. 90-115 hp
2.0L I4 (Ohc/DOHc):
Approx. 115-150 hp (incl. GSi/GSi models)
Horsepower Range:
55-150 hp (approximate, depending on engine variant)
Torque Range:
75-180 Nm (approximate, depending on engine variant)
Carbureted Engines:
Common on early models (e.g., Pierburg, Solex)
Fuel Injection Systems:
Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic, Simtec (on later models)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed manual transaxle
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transaxle (depending on market and engine)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated dry single-plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4, viscosity 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to manual for exact OEM spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron II or Dexron III (refer to manual for exact OEM spec)
Body Styles:
3-door Hatchback, 5-door Hatchback, 4-door Saloon (Belmont), 5-door Estate
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 950 kg - 1250 kg (depending on body style and engine)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Range:
Approx. 1450 kg - 1750 kg
Crash Test Era:
Pre-Euro NCAP. Ratings often varied by country and testing organization.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional front ventilated discs on performance models.
Steering:
Rack and pinion. Optional power steering on higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts.
Body Construction:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Audio Systems:
Basic radio cassette players, often with optional amplifier systems (e.g., Blaupunkt).
ABS:
Optional on higher trims and later models (Mk2 Astra).
Central Locking:
Optional on mid-range trims, standard on some higher trims.
Connectivity Options:
Limited to basic wired connections for optional accessories (e.g., power antenna).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 6-12 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for many engines. Intervals vary significantly (e.g., 60,000-90,000 km or 4-5 years). MUST be replaced as per manual.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ, viscosity typically 10W-40, 15W-40, or 5W-40 (refer to manual for exact spec based on engine and climate)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. (Refer to manual for specific type and color)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Rust Corrosion:
Common in wheel arches, sills, rear spring mounts, and strut towers, especially in areas with salt exposure.
Engine Management:
Carburetor issues (wear, adjustment), distributor issues, lambda sensor failure (on injected models), ignition coil failure.
Suspension And Steering:
Worn suspension bushings (control arms, anti-roll bar), worn ball joints, power steering pump leaks (if equipped).
Electrical Gremlins:
Flickering dashboard lights, issues with central locking, faulty door lock mechanisms, corroded earth points.
Opel Vauxhall Heritage:
Long history of producing reliable and popular European cars, part of General Motors during this period.
Mk1 Astra Belmont Design:
Launched as the 'Kadett D' in 1979 (though often considered the precursor), replaced by the Astra in 1984 (Kadett E).
Mk2 Astra Belmont Design:
Introduced 1991, with a more aerodynamic design and improved interior. Later models offered advanced features.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Ellesmere Port (UK for Vauxhall), Rüsselsheim (Germany for Opel), and other GM plants across Europe.
Sales Performance:
Highly successful models, often among the best-selling cars in their respective European markets.
European Car Of The Year Nominations:
The Astra (Kadett E) platform was a strong contender in its time, often receiving praise in automotive reviews.
Consumer Reviews:
Generally positive for practicality and comfort, with common criticisms focused on build quality on early models and rust.