Aftermarket Parts are REALLY Starting to Suck | Opel Astra Maintenance

[@lsxmatt]

Leave a comment below with what you’re working on for a chance to win some Super Clean!

[@meguy798]

06 GMC Sierra 2500HD. My clapped out rusty truck is getting new floor panels welded in on the driver's side

[@aaronhunter9003]

My 83 Z28 and my sons 91 RS

[@zachowens1412]

Working on. 2006 jeep liberty. I bought it cheap and I put all new suspension under it and a new rear axle assembly. Now I need to find a machine shop so i can pull the engine and have the block and heads gone through as it is way low on compression.

[@danconlan8735]

Not working on anything right now Matt, but I’m enjoying watching you work on yours!

[@michaelhanewich245]

Just put the 4th O'Reilly alternator in our 07 yukon within a year. 2 rebuilt units then 2 new units.... Like you said.... Parts are garbage today.

[@jennyloughry896]

Super Clean I’ve always wanted to try this industry leader in automotive cleaning products!!

[@WallaceRoseVincent]

Can't wait for the next Astra episode. Thanks super clean for sponsoring the video. I'll get a quart next time I'm in the store.

[@GrandPitoVic]

I am working on my first swap. Ls3/6L80 03'Crown Vic Police Interceptor. I am excited.

[@GrandPitoVic]

That plastic valve cover still seems to be going strong. Nice!!!!!

[@robertappleyard7053]

I’m not here for Astra Content. Here because I enjoy the format of the videos. As far as Super Clean goes, Pick me, Pick me! Love that stuff. Just completed Cadillac D’elegance dual cooling 2 speed cooling harness on my TPI fans, now putting WS6 hollow sway bars in my thirdgen.

[@lambrinos]

Love the Astra content!

[@heysoos223]

Holy cow! I can’t believe how much oil made it past the gasket, into those coils / spark plugs..!!! Great video, as always Matt. Whether you’re working on the Astra, Tahiti, Firebird, (speaking of….), or anything else, always great entertainment!

[@blue24boi]

Me and my dad are working on my 92 camaro right now we have a 454 for it that came from a camper but I need to get some money before we can get a cam/heads/intake/exhaust also working on a bit of rust on it

[@rockinrides]

Nice to see the Astra back. It’s a shame about the parts quality. Almost everyone seems to be going downhill. I usually try to get oem or NOS for my Sierra. Learned a lesson with the blower motor on it recently. ALWAYS go oem.

[@torreydill5926]

Love all the videos have all the same cars and truck

[@dosgos]

When changing the oil cooler, the biggest gasket has two part numbers. I don't know the difference but the newer one is more expensive and MIGHT have a double lip. There are third-party gasket kits but I think you should buy the parts from the Chevy dealer as this is painful. I'll post the part numbers if you like. We also got a new plastic oil filter housing as ours was leaking out the back. Also, change the oil pressure sender which tends to leak and is easier to reach while everything is apart. You don't need to fully remove the AC compressor to reach. Check to see if oil pan is leaking while at it. You could clean the oil intake tube-filter while at it.

[@dosgos]

PCV flapper is integrated with the valve cover. It is a silicone flapper with a short life. Somebody sells replacement flappers, but the old plastic is so heat hardened I don't think they are easy to install. Alibaba sells alu valve covers but I never saw a review for them...they look great!

[@mikes.4811]

Been wanting to get an Astra for a few months now, but finding one that has a 5 speed, lower mileage and black, isn't easy. 🤣I want to do the same thing as you mentioned in a previous video, get the OPC bumpers and skirts, but, also throw a turbo on the 1.8. 🖖

[@ashrobinson373]

I have a 2008 Saturn Astra XR that matches those specs lol.... it needs a new shifter knob, turbo and cam actuators in the worst way.

[@Spillmansgarage]

I’d love some Super Clean!

[@schmeat2717]

Run the AMSoil oil flush. It will clean that engine spotless.

[@MMALLDAY]

I need some Super Clean 🧼 brother!

[@dosgos]

There is a Canadian company (mufflerexpress) that sells the OEM style "front pipe" in varying grades of steel. Welding in a generic bit would be cheaper.

[@budi9728]

Good video. Have you had the need for a new key? I only have 1 and have no luck locating another.

[@dougf001]

Always enjoy the videos no matter which car you are working on. You explain what you are doing and why. I learn something new on each one.

[@tylerbrooks3645]

Hey lsxmatt I'm currently traveling the US with my fiance and our 2 dogs. We are in New York now from Idaho I'd love to meet you and see the Camaro if you are interested!!

[@ReaperLSX]

Love the content, keep up the good work Matt 👍

[@ericmessier4236]

Love the vid as always!

[@user-hr2yd5qi2w]

1989 camaro, haha. Saving for a swap rn

[@AlexPotvin]

I had this car We gave it up before it hit 100k km because it started burning oil. It was 4 years old. I mean, we had a lot of issues with the dealers that took over maintenance on Saturns too. The Astra needing its own computer and nobody having been correctly trained on it made any kind of issue a pain in the ass to solve. It took the local shop over a month to sort out what simply was a dying battery causing gremlins, because the OEM boxes would die after 2-3 years. They even had to get GM involved and my car was briefly US spec because of a fuckup. I ended up going to a different shop that had the training, but by then the issues just piled. The oil burning was actually considered normal. So yeah we just got rid of it and got a Civic. Being quirky was fun for a minute.

[@theANGRIERone]

Coulda used that Super Clean while doing heads/cam/intake/Holley Term X on my 92 LSC. Took so long because I'm OCD and had to clean everything! Oh, and on my Armada - year old Rough Country upper control arms - the ball joint boots were cracked. On the truck ONE year. I contacted them and they sent me new ball joints and boots for free, but still. What a PITA to do it twice.

[@sKoutzyy]

I know what you mean with these little daily/beater cars. Just gained my little sister's 07 camry and man i love that little thing. Just such a smooth ride, way better on gas than the camaro and the f150, and just, peaceful lol. Currently working on my truck, stupid cam phasers and still getting the 3rd gen together with the smaller parts now, all the big swap stuff is done thankfully

[@nw_po]

Love that astra! Saturn forever

[@joshuawilson7023]

These little Saturns were my dream car in highschool 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@rosealex6]

I’d love some super clean! I’m working on my 2014 dodge challenger. Catching up on all its maintenance tomorrow. I just discovered today I need replace the seat motor or switch as well. 🤞🏻

[@jameshall4385]

That car has the very rare oil cooled ignition system. Make sure you replace the spark plug oil with authentic gm oil, it helps to keep the valve cover from rusting. The aftermarket stuff just doesn't hold up.😂

[@salomonramirez9935]

Im working on my 2002 tahoe i just picked up. So far ive replaced valve cover gasket cleaned the egr pcv valve port, changed cam and crank sensor but still alot more work needed

[@Daamkooo]

I need to replace the muffler in my astra h 1.6 turbo 🙄 Love your astra content, greetings from Poland 🫶

[@christophersoward2895]

So when are you going to LS Swap it? LS Swap the world.

[@Thirdgen83]

They're not "starting to" suck, they've sucked for years.

[@danconlan8735]

I like a little change in the subject car Matt! Keep up the great work. Slainte, DC🍀

[@rkozaczka]

Found your channel when you got Tahoe. Enjoy the maintenence videos.

[@leerusch7392]

So are some original equipment parts. AC Delco is one offender.

[@dalefitch5595]

Love all the videos cant wait for the trans am to be finished I’m in the middle of a ls swap project with my 84 Camaro and have been following along for awhile now. You definitely know your stuff and tend to help me a ton! Thanks Matt keep up the great work man!

[@asehome2527]

Hope I win the super clean. Myt car could use a nice interior and eterior clean. the most clean thing suprisingly is the engine may lol.

[@Qballl]

I cant believe the joint just snapped like tbat. It didnt even seem like you used that much force

[@michealrobinson]

I don't think I've ever seen spark plug tubs that full of oil, and not have a misfire

[@minetwisted]

Can’t wait for the exhaust vid on the Tahoe maybe one on the Astro would be cool to

[@GrandPitoVic]

Wow, thank God it wasn't a ball joint that let loose on the highway!!!!!

[@overzealousmaverik]

looking forward to seeing more content from ya. Love the videos!

[@GrandPrix46]

Super Clean tastes great, would sure be refreshing on a hot day!

[@christophersoward2895]

I’m working on 2 86 IROC’s. My sons and mine

[@Zataxx]

Honestly I dig the look of the astra the more I look at it

[@domingorodriguez3077]

nice matt, looking forward to the next Tahiti video

[@petersingh4825]

What’s up dude I ain’t a fan of your astra But still a cool video

[@RonP0310]

Super clean is an awsome upholstery/carpet cleaner to

[@ALLaboutGAMINGxCHAOSxHOLLOWx]

I need to do this super clean to my own car lol

[@juanvela2229]

Hook me up with the super clean Matt🤘

[@nathanhornbacher8109]

Love the content. Super Clean!!!

[@nobodyimportant8833]

Heck yeah a new Astra video.

[@mattm5786]

Love to see the Saturn just sold mine lol

[@d4ve587]

So when you getting a saab? 💪😊

[@bullit22]

Love all the content from you my dood!

[@grandtheftautotune7715]

2018 Buick TourX with the 2.0 Ecotec Turbo. Is this Astra a 2.0 liter as well?

[@lsxmatt]

1.8

[@markmcintosh3255]

Thought it was a hot rod channel 😢

[@patrikmckane4903]

Dont use the gm oil 5w30. Use some good brand 5w40 and change oil in Like 6-7000 Milestone or sooner and the engineering Will be clean inside.

[@codyman15294]

I’m getting my old first car back TOMMOROW MORNING. 1989 Firebird! Keep up the great content Matt!

[@CAR3Y4]

Currently building/restoring a 1989 Firebird GTA 80k miles. I have a video of it on my page. Your trans am videos have helped me alot. Keep them coming!

[@jwhittredge]

Still working on my 6.0/T56 swapped '86 IROC-Z, resto mod. Progress is slow, but constant. Its getting all the goodies from a totalled '02 Z28. Your videos have helped ne tremendously. Thank you. And, glad to see the Astra again. Love your content, Matt. Keep up the great work!

[@carl3766]

Gotta take care of the daily 😎

[@bugzworld]

Always enjoy the maintenance videos, especially when you have giveaways and Sponsors of great companies. Thank you Super Clean.

[@erikv86]

I had the same problem with the sway bar links when I had my Astra too except mine had plastic links as an OEM part. Also when you got in the car, I was going "Why is he getting in the passenger side?" Then realised it's left hand drive.

[@tuscani915]

These 2 door Saturn's look really nice dropp, also I have been working on the dad's 2011 silverado trying to replace the seat frame that goes bad and other electrical stuff with also change out some exterior chrome parts for painted part. Love the videos Matt

[@duggggg]

Been really enjoying your content for a couple of years now, and I have to say that your work on Tahiti was a big part of the inspiration for my 2007 Classic Silverado 2500 project, I bought it at auction as a work truck, and I've been slowly converting it from a bare bones spec (W/T) to something closer to the LT trim. Your early junk yard trips were a big part of that, and have made the project (somewhat) affordable. Also, I've been a fan of Super Clean for a while now, and it's been so useful around the house, my mother stole my stash to take it to her house, so a care package would be most welcome. Either way, seriously appreciate the content and what you've given back to the car community, please keep it up!

[@levithrasher7417]

I always liked the astra's, but for what they are, they seem to hold value well. I worked for GM doing some development work for awhile, and I'd always see Opel parts laying around from years past.

[@dosgos]

The timing belts rarely fail on these but we have seen a few cases in the UK. The longest aftermarket recommended life I have seen was the earlier of 10 years/100k miles so you are due. Get a timing belt kit with the belt, tensioner and idler. The crankshaft bolt is TTY so that needs to be replaced. There are some good guides at the saturnfans forums. If the car sounds like a diesel for a few seconds on startup, consider replacing the camshaft gears. Check for potential leaks on the cam gaskets...also above which I think is just replace silicone. These can be leaky engines lol.

[@clandestinerobot14]

Just enjoy the wrenchin

[@BrokenStone1721]

I may or may not have gotten my own astra because of your earlier astra videos. Love that little hatchback.

[@voodooman1337]

I am working on a 2004 mk1 audi tt, it needs a timing chain and flywheel. To do that you have to basically disassemble the entire front of the car and pull the engine and transmission. got it for free and have been slowly rebuilding the whole car from wiring, to differentials and engine work. I hate german cars but it is so much fun to drive.

[@dosgos]

By that time Audi had a lot of the bugs worked out. Free is a good price and the project should be a lot of fun. Try sitting in the rear seats!

[@voodooman1337]

@@dosgos its been a lot of fun to drive, but so far i have basically redone the suspension, had to fix the harness for the rear diff, hunting down various grounding and electrical issues, motor mounts and soon the timing chain. i'm working for every cent that car is worth. And the back seat doesn't exist, that is a glorified shelf for a backpack.

[@liammaupin9492]

any chance for an opc conversion in the future?

[@lsxmatt]

I want to do it but sourcing the parts is a little difficult, and expensive.

[@dosgos]

@@lsxmatt They have some incredible seats in Euro Astras. The Whiteline rear swaybar (and maybe KCA383 camber toe adjuster too).

[@zachowens1412]

I need to find an oil leak on my Chevy Colorado. Every time I change the oil the oil pan on the 5.3 is covered in oil. I think it’s coming from the rear cover but not sure. It’s not too bad of a leak as in I don’t need to add oil between oil changes so I have been putting it off.

[@lsxmatt]

My Tahoe was like the for years. I did the oil pan but it still leaked. After the rear main and rear cover gasket the leak finally went away

[@zachowens1412]

@@lsxmatt yeah I really don’t want to take the trans out just yet so I think I will continue to clean it off. There is a service bulletin about the rear cover leaking so I bet that’s it. Maybe once I get the jeep liberty engine replaced I will take the truck out of service for awhile. I want to tune it cam it anyway so might do it all at once.

[@GTFCEO]

So its a saturn but thats the same as opel in Europe?

[@Daamkooo]

Yup

[@olilambert4416]

Currently working on a 1999 Alh Beetle and a 2013 VR6 Touareg, but boy do I miss my Astra... such a fun cheap car.

[@voodooman1337]

my audi tt has a vr6 in it too, such a fun car but sucks to work on.

[@olilambert4416]

@@voodooman1337 Oh boy, even the 1.8 TT wasn't fun to work, so can't imagine a VR6, must have been packed in there, at least the Touareg has plenty of room to maneuver, but it's just the german engineering that's killing me.

[@voodooman1337]

@@olilambert4416 theres a lot less room, mainly because of that stupid intake. once its off theres loads. i have to do a timing chain on it and its gonna be like rebuilding the stupid thing with everything i have to take off.

[@mikebruegger8654]

Nicely done and yes, the simple stuff fights the most!

[@robertjospeh1097]

Fun good Video

[@sidwalker6902]

Is the pcv part of the rocker cover or a separate part?

[@dosgos]

PCV silicone flapper integrated in the rocker cover. Frequent failure item.

[@P46345]

Nice seat.

[@sidwalker6902]

Dude