Omega Owners Forum
Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: sophos9 on 06 December 2006, 18:58:28
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So this is the problem...
Whilst driving my 97 Omega Elite I seem to be having to correct my steering all the time, its strange, the car seems to wander...
The other issue (not sure if related) is when at a standstill, I have about 2inches of play in the left to right motion of the steering wheel?
Can someone help with a diagnostic please? :D
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Sound like those bones - but heck, who am I to say (can't get mine straight now).
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mmmm.... checked them over when I changed the shocks and its just gone through an MOT with no problem?
What about steering idler arms?
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I know this is pretty obvious, but, tyre pressures OK?
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Also check condition of tyres - may have plenty of tread but I had one with a dodgy sidewall that pulled me to the left occassionally,but this wouldn't account for the play in the wheel.
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Hi, all tyres are new and balanced on both the inside and out - all sitting at 31ps
Tyre conditions - excellent!
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Try here http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1165353316 as JohnM seems to have done a lot of work on his and may provide you some alternatives to think about. :y
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Thanks for the link...
I have had a full geometry set-up within the last 3 months, the car has only just started to do this!
Its not a pull to the left, its a wander like the steering has too much 'slack' in it, this is confirmed by the excess movement in the steering wheel...?
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I seem to recall there being a rubber joint part way down the steering column in the engine bay. I know these were used on Fords and used to wear, not sure about the Omega though. Sounds like it's related to the steering column or rack to me and could be pretty dangerous if it fails completely. I'd advise not driving the car until you find and fix the cause :o
Cheers Jim
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Mine's doing a similar thing. Just had it balanced and the tracking has been don and it drives more straight now but I notice it most at 50+ mph - I can move the wheel quite a bit before I turn. I certainly couldn't drive no handed at slower speeds either I'd be all over the shop! Not that I would anyway....
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Jack up each wheel and grad them at the 3 and 9 Oclock positions and wiggle. Observe the track rod ends and the steering idler......chances are its the steering idler but doing the above should confirm.
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Had the same problem with my steering, after changing the idler & full geometry check its as good as new :y
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Jack up each wheel and grad them at the 3 and 9 Oclock positions and wiggle. Observe the track rod ends and the steering idler......chances are its the steering idler but doing the above should confirm.
Thanks for that....
How much for new idlers (2 I take it?) and how easy to change? :(
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1 idler, around £35 iirc. Need a ball joint splitter to take off track rods...
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Hey mate, how's things?
Good its one, I'm skint! How easy to change? Just read McBurgers 'How2', is this fairly spot on?
Any special tips would be greatly appreciated
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Hey mate, how's things?
Good its one, I'm skint! How easy to change? Just read McBurgers 'How2', is this fairly spot on?
Any special tips would be greatly appreciated
I'm great thanks :y
Easy enough, but splitting the ball joints can be tricky. I had to use a fork type splitter one of the joints, and a screw type on other.
Get geometry rechecked after, as it may disturb bits.
Before splashing out, just check bushes and track rods as well, rather than rely on mot tester....
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Cheers mate!
Can I clarify why the ball joints need removal?
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Cheers mate!
Can I clarify why the ball joints need removal?
They are attached to track rods...
Have a peek under passenger side at idler arm (arm that attaches the passenger track rod to centre track rod, and provides pivot point on chassis - it will make sense...
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Thanks for the help!
So there is only 1 steering idler that is on the passenger side? Not sure I can do all the ball joint stuff, does McBurgers way work?
How much would you expect to pay to get this done in a garage if I supplied the parts?
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Thanks for the help!
So there is only 1 steering idler that is on the passenger side? Not sure I can do all the ball joint stuff, does McBurgers way work?
How much would you expect to pay to get this done in a garage if I supplied the parts?
I haven't read Ronnies guide, but I would expect around 1/2 hr labour, plus geometry check on top.
But as said, check for play in suspension and other steering components first...
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Cheers mate, 99% confident on suspension, I fitted it all!! Yey!
At the same time, checked wishbones, no signs at all of any wear. At the same time, I checked tie rods and all that stuff, was all good!
I have posted before with something that was steering idler related but to be honest, have not done anything about it :'(
Guess now its crunch time...
Can I ask one more thing, is this the part I need off ebay?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200052923308&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=010
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Looks about right, can't confirm length though. Check Autovaux etc first - may be cheaper...
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cheers bud, really appreciate it!
Will have a good scout around the car first, do you have access to an EPC :-?
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cheers bud, really appreciate it!
Will have a good scout around the car first, do you have access to an EPC :-?
Possibly ::)
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Looks about right, can't confirm length though. Check Autovaux etc first - may be cheaper...
just over £40 from autovaux, bought one three weeks ago
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Possibly ::)
LMAO - Thats OK, I will ring the same dealer... :-X
Will speak to Autovaux and get it sorted...
Thanks!