Irmscher back box rubbing on spring?

48K

Hi, I was wondering if anyone would be able to offer some advice on an exhaust problem?

I've recently bought a 53 plate Astra SRi 2.2 with the Pro Drive kit, it's a great car, well pleased with it. The back box, which looks to be an Irmscher twin D, was rattling against something, so when I had it serviced I asked the mechanic to have a look at it. It turns out the back box is rubbing on the rear spring, and I was advised that a new centre section and BB would be required as the BB was the wrong type for the car.

I checked out some images of Astra G Irmscher back boxes and mine looks the same as far as I can tell; although the side of it appears to have been bashed in slightly to make it fit around the spring. If it is the correct part, does anyone know why it would have to have been 'modified' in this way to make it fit?

any advice appreciated.

Matt

Could it just be one or more of the rubber exhaust hangers has failed causing the exhaust to move more than normal?

Gary14

Is the new centre section fitted correctly? if not this could cause the back box to have moved slightly on its mount.

I had a similar problem with my Vectra, the box was touching the rear spring when pulling away, the whole exhaust system looked fine until i spotted the centre section had corroded and caused the rear silencer to hang towards the spring, hence the rattle.

48K

thanks for the quick replies. just had a look, it seems pretty solid, the rubber hangers are in place...the garage did recommend a new centre section though, and it is pretty corroded, that might well be the problem. The back box looks fine, no corrosion and no other problems...other than contacting the spring is there any other reason why the back box might be considered an MOT fail?

Gary14

48K said:
thanks for the quick replies. just had a look, it seems pretty solid, the rubber hangers are in place...the garage did recommend a new centre section though, and it is pretty corroded, that might well be the problem. The back box looks fine, no corrosion and no other problems...other than contacting the spring is there any other reason why the back box might be considered an MOT fail?

No, but due to the back box touching parts of the body / suspension spring that would be considered an mot failure.

48K

I think I'll have another word with the mechanic and see about keeping the back box and having the centre section replaced, hopefully that should sort it.

thanks very much for the advice.