Mk3 Cavalier Owners Club | Vauxhall Cavalier Dot Com

Hey guys.

A couple of weeks ago I had an AC issue. This issue was caused by the drive shaft hitting the AC aluminum tube. It caused a leak. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwtE2 ... VBpVGlxbjQ

My question is why is there a collar/bulge, or whatever it's called, on the drive shaft? Is it okay to move it along the drive shaft? Why is it needed/important, if it is in first place? Is it related to torque steer compensation?

The drive shaft is the right longer one (I have a LHD FWD 1.6).

This collar thing is right next to the AC tube and is what killed it.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of the drive shaft. I may be able to do so tomorrow. Here is a similar picture that has that collar thing though.
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Driveshaft-Os-Va ... SwPc9W0XF4

1.6 with A/C? Really?

This thing is a vibration damper.

Yes 1.6 with AC

Being a vibration damper, does this mean i can move it a little bit without an issue?

You can try move it a little bit and then road test it to see if you have any vibrations coming from the front end when accelerating, if not then it should be ok.

Going by your pic I'd think there's a bigger issue. That's severe rubbing !
Yes, you could probably move the damper a little but I'd be looking for a bigger problem.
Bent drive-shaft possibly?

Yea the tube looks heavily damaged but it's kinda far from everything else but the drive shaft.

I will be checking if it's bent but I think it isn't.

I though will be out of town for a week so.. I'll update you guys when I am back and I will also take a couple of pictures showing you around.

I've only ever seen one other 1.6 LS with A/C before on eBay a few years ago.

No idea how it came into existence as officially the 1.6 was never offered with A/C.
It could have been a European Opel spec import I suppose, or added on after it was sold.

It's a GL I guess. I got it stock with AC.

A GL? What year?

I am not 100% sure. It had a badge on the front panel I guess that said GL, but it was removed and lost after I had it repainted. It is a 1995.

Is there a way that I can know for sure what was my trim level?

No guarantee but you could put your VIN into the Ecat 24 website,
Or try sending your VIN to me via pm and I shall see if EPC recognises it.

Some of the POC codes for many trim levels may be listed, but many lower spec cars are often omitted from the Vauxhall database.
For example -
My 1994 LS is only recognised by VIN but not reg number.
The 1993 Diplomat that my engine came from is fully listed by reg and VIN.
Many older or smaller engined Cavaliers are not listed at all.

If it's a 1995 model then its not a GL.

GL ran from 1988-1992.
Well, at least in the UK it did.
I believe it ran up until 1995 on the continent as the Opel Vectra GL.

Indeed GL became GLS from October 1992.
I presume the S signifies the Second incarnation (facelift) of the mk3.

Or you post your equipment plate (the laquered one). With some of the codes you can find out original trim level.

May have been that AC was offered on lower spec models in other countries but only on higher spec models in UK