Hi All
I have a need to change the O/S/F outer driveshaft on my Prestigio auto and read with interest the comments made on an earlier thread where it was stated that a change out using Vectra C shafts was possible and desirable for the Croma 1.9 manual version.
Being an automatic the box is an AISIN AF40 – 6 (TF80SC) as fitted to the Prestigio 2.4 diesel.Thesame box is also fitted, I understand, tothe Vauxhall Vectra C 1.9 CDTi & Saab 1.9 TiD / 1.9 TTiD.
Has anyone any experience of an auto swap because FIAT want a stupid amount of money just for the outer shaft. The price quoted was £248.44 + VAT + £75 refundable surcharge for return of the old shaft. OK I thought it's expensive but it's new until I read RECONDITIONED on the printout. When challenged they said it was the way that FIAT described a new item, yeah right, immediate mistrust of this statement.
I know I can get the existing shaft refurbished for £110 - £120 + VAT but is it really a valid option for reliability and performance.
All you clever people out there please give your opinions as to the viability of changing out the shafts for Vectra autos ones and if anyone has done it I would appreciate details.
Many thanks

No experience with auto box but the "refurbished " option wont involve the intermediate shaft with the "tulip" on the end. All they do is wipe whatever grease there is on the "spider" which slides inside the "tulip". A pair of circlip pliers takes care of the circlip which holds the "spider" on the splined end. Then they slide on a new gaiter , open a box with a new "spider " assembly and reverse the previous operation.
It is the tulip which wears the most as it is not as hard as the outer race of the three bearings on the "spider"
I think the best way to go is with the relevant shafts from a vectra

Hi I think the Croma auto drive shaft drive shaft is uncharted water however it would be worth while checking ebay as I have seen used Vectra c auto drive shafts and they have tulips and all considered will fit a Croma also new n/s new ones http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170945729548?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT . I have asked this firm if they would fit my 150 manual, they said not however if they fit a Vectra they certainly will fit a croma!. It Might be worth paying for return if these assumptions are wrong. If all Vectra c auto’s use the tulip design then I am afraid you could be stuck with tulips. As for recon shafts I would be careful as unless obviously scored/worn they will not replace the tulip so all you get is new needle bearings and a regrease . As a stop gap refill the suspect joint with thick black multi-purpose cv grease.

Hi. I've just done my drivers side drive shaft but on the manual six speed.
I found a used vectra c part on eBay for 40 quid and it did the trick.
Quick job for a local mechanic.
I see there is vectra c parts available on eBay for autos. Best bet is to contact seller about a part you might think fits and ask for the gearbox make and number. Chances are they will be the same as your Croma. If so. Give it a go.
Good luck.

Telegraph and Tweaker thanks to you both.
It seems strange that no-one with a Croma auto has ever had to chance his arm with the Vectra alternatives. Maybe they have and are just Forum shy.
Anyway I am preparing myself to source the relevant Vectra bits and plan to do a gearbox oil change at the same time as I doubt it has ever been done previously.


I will post any info of interest and I hope that before I get stuck in someone with auto change-out experience will post his comments on this thread.
Thanks again to everyone who has contributed.

Hi just had a look at ebay and the difference between vectra and the fiat type is that the vaux type has the tulip on the outer shaft with splines that fit into the inner shaft, the bearing support has different hole positions (but will fit unused croma holes)the croma tulip is on the inner shaft one piece If the asin auto box are the same then the vectra c inner shaft/bearing support should fit. It may be posaible to fit non tulip outer shaft into into the inner? JR driveshaft’s on ebay list auto and manual as the same? For £60! It could be possible to rid Cromas of the tulip!

Just to add to telegraphs post. My driveshaft drivers side from a vectra c is without tulip part and fit perfectly. The use of bracket holes that are all ready on sump but in different position from fiats shaft lined up also.
The difference I found was the type of gear box. One supplier offered me either M32 of F40 shafts(spline size differs) both off a vectra c. My manual six speed is the M32.
Now into the third month of fix and feels great

Telegraph and Tweaker thanks again to you both. The responses so far have
given me the confidence to go ahead using the Vectra parts I now need to source a cheap supplier of Vauxhall gearbox oil as the Fiat stuff costs more weight for weight than saffron.Cheers

Which shaft type did you get for the auto as i am in the same situation but need near side shaft?

Cheers

Just bought a 2nd hand vectra c auto af40 shaft so will let you now if it fits...

the os drive shaft on the auto croma does not seem to split in half like a vectra one does

Hi Meltdown
I did not need to change the nearside shaft but there is no reason to think that there will be complications as the offside was straight forward.
Good Luck.

Vectra c auto af40 nearside shaft is the same as the fiat one.

cromaamore65 said:

Hi Meltdown
I did not need to change the nearside shaft but there is no reason to think that there will be complications as the offside was straight forward.
Good Luck.

Click to expand...

got more info? did you change the middle mount too?

Hi Dave
Sorry about the lack of response but I have been sunning myself in Spain.
The whole lot was changed from the gearbox forward including the mounting. It was a straight swap or so my very good tame mechanic friend informed me.
Note: I am getting a bit too old for limbo dancing under vehicles.