Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Ian_D on 21 May 2009, 18:20:08

Title: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Ian_D on 21 May 2009, 18:20:08
My Omega failed on play in the steering idler arm, so I replaced the arm with a new one from LMF.

It was a bit of a rush job this morning I will admit, so didnt check for play after the new idler was fitted as I swapped it over before work...

So, Off to the MOT station I go for the re-test... FAILED  :(

Play on the steering idler again  :'( So... if its not the arm thats worn, it must be the bracket? Anyone seen this before on the omega? Phoned VX (Leeds), and they dont ever remember ordering one of these?

Need the car fixing ASAP (tomorrow would be nice, but thats not going to happen now).

So question is, where can I get a bracket from ASAP? Scrappers?

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: omegod on 21 May 2009, 18:46:39
I cant see how there would be play in the bracket as it's just a strip of fairly hefty steel IIRC?

Did you undo the bolts through the inner wing and maybe not tighten them enough? MOT testers generally can only look at a part so may perceive movement as play if you know what I mean...Only thing I can think of anyway.
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Ian_D on 21 May 2009, 19:33:41
I didnt remove the bracket, so cant see how that can be loose, but I will check.

I do remember the shaft which the idler arm slides onto looked like it was tapered, however VX seem to think that is shouldn't be tapered? Guess this is where its worn down?

Strange...

Anyone got one for sale BTW? and can they deliver it to York by tomorrow? Good ££'s Paid  ;D ;D  :-[ :'(
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Seth on 21 May 2009, 20:16:35
Are you referring to 'play' in the swivel, or in the 'eye' of the arm?
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Ian_D on 22 May 2009, 00:58:55
play in the bolt.

Ive put a brand new arm on it, and theres still loads of play  :(

Its asif the bolt/spindle has worn down. (big end which bolts to the car chassis)

Anyone got 5 litres of petrol and some matches going free?  >:(
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: platty on 22 May 2009, 08:42:41
Ian, I had this on my car last year - the LMF idlers are shyte!

I replaced the chassis mount bit with a 2nd hand jobbie and it improved enough to pass, but its most likely the idler that is at fault.

If you fancy a new chassis mount bit, then I think Andy at Drive, Bury has got a new one on the shelf at a good price  ;) if you give him a call I'm sure he will sort you out.
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Seth on 22 May 2009, 13:23:54
Common horror stories here concerning 'pattern' parts.

Changed mine last year with a genuine Vx unit for around 50 quid-ish. Two MoT's later, and it's still a good 'un!
I'd be looking for a refund on the duff idler.
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Ian_D on 22 May 2009, 16:10:17
Quote
Ian, I had this on my car last year - the LMF idlers are shyte!

I replaced the chassis mount bit with a 2nd hand jobbie and it improved enough to pass, but its most likely the idler that is at fault.

If you fancy a new chassis mount bit, then I think Andy at Drive, Bury has got a new one on the shelf at a good price  ;) if you give him a call I'm sure he will sort you out.

Ive phoned Drive, and ordered one (pn 90445587). Should be with me Tues/Wed. Hope it fixes it or I WILL be getting matches out! >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: nick v6 on 22 May 2009, 16:14:35
don't burn it till you get that exhaust system off then you can burn it
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


hope all goes well for ya mate :y
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Ian_D on 22 May 2009, 16:17:33
Quote
Common horror stories here concerning 'pattern' parts.

Changed mine last year with a genuine Vx unit for around 50 quid-ish. Two MoT's later, and it's still a good 'un!
I'd be looking for a refund on the duff idler.

Like I said above, I seem to think the mount bolt / spindle or what ever its called looked like it was tapered, and they shouldn't be AFAIK  :(

Me and my luck eh?!?

Good job I've got a Tractor Omega to run about in which seems to be running fine now I've given it some TLC!  (Which will be for sale shortly  ;)) ;D Talking of which, it will be towing my new caravan which I've just bought this evening!   ::) ::)

And my god i'm glad... need a quiet weekend away just to get away from everything, cars included! Until I sign into OOF on the sites wireless internet! ;D
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Ian_D on 22 May 2009, 16:20:19
Quote
don't burn it till you get that exhaust system off then you can burn it
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


hope all goes well for ya mate :y
Yes mate... Anyway, I KNEW there was something I needed to speak to you about...

Exhaust is off the car mate! Its up for grabbs too! :)

Unfortunatly im flying round like a blue arse fly at the mo, so I will send you a PM with photos etc ASAP, if you dont here anything from me in a week or so, give me a nudge Nick!  ;D :y
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 22 May 2009, 16:35:02
I have said it once and I will say it again.....LMF are only any good for bolt on bob bits....thier spares are shite!

Thier steering idler ams are worse than shite!
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 22 May 2009, 16:38:22
I should add that you will now find out how shite thier customer service is when you try to get a refund on this inferior, not fit for purpose, pile of shite they have supplied!
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Ian_D on 26 May 2009, 22:58:02
Quote
I have said it once and I will say it again.....LMF are only any good for bolt on bob bits....thier spares are shite!

Thier steering idler ams are worse than shite!

I was hoping that you would be wrong about LMF... Unfortunatly, you hit the nail on the head...

They are utter f-ing shite!

After fitting the new Idler, I thought that it mush have been the bracket that was worn... so ordered a new one from VX (I managed to beat him down on the RRP from 80 odd to 50 odd inc p+p)... so £50 odd later from VX, I go to remove the bracket from the omega... and you've guessed it, the one on my car is fine...

So ive now got a £33 LMF steering idler that IS ACTUALLY WORSE than the 118k mile idler that came off the car.

And a £50 odd GM bracket thats not needed....

and ontop of that, ive now got 2 days to find a GENUINE idler which I can fit, or I will be out of the 10 days free MOT test!!!!!

To say im pissed off is a BIG understatment!!!

My advice.... dont EVER us LMF.... and its worth wile ordering genuine bits... its already cost me £33 (idler) £50 bracket, £19 for temp insurance on other car while mines off the road, and if I can get it replace ASAP, then £40 for another MOT = £142 wasted... and that EXCLUDES buying the idler from VX which is over £85 RRP (I dont have a trade access :()

TOTAL cost for an idler could be £227ish + lots and LOTS of stress....


ARRGGGGGGG I HATE CARSSSSS  >:( >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Andy B on 26 May 2009, 23:12:40
Quote
..... Andy at Drive, Bury  .....

You missed St Edmunds out! Bury is in Lancs ....... Andy @ Drive isn't!   ;)  ;)  ;)  ;)
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Ian_D on 26 May 2009, 23:29:07
Quote
Quote
..... Andy at Drive, Bury  .....

You missed St Edmunds out! Bury is in Lancs ....... Andy @ Drive isn't!   ;)  ;)  ;)  ;)

Missed the genuine vauxhall garage out in the first place, and their only about 750 yards (as the crow flys) away from my house! Next time I need any bits for my car... Main dealer... ONLY.  >:(
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: platty on 27 May 2009, 10:28:48
Quote
Quote
..... Andy at Drive, Bury  .....

You missed St Edmunds out! Bury is in Lancs ....... Andy @ Drive isn't!   ;)  ;)  ;)  ;)

Sorry - I never thought of that! The only reason I recommended Andy is that he had one in stock that he could not shift and wanted only £30/40 quid for it.

Looks like you didn't need it after all!  :-[
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: CaptainZok on 27 May 2009, 13:18:29
How's the idler on your tractor Ian?
How about swapping them to get yours through MOT then getting a new one at your leisure.
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: Ian_D on 28 May 2009, 01:05:39
I did think about swapping over with the derv one, but decided against the idea... knowing me and my luck it wouldnt go to plan!

Anyways, Got a genuine one from VX today, and fitted it this evening, so fingers crossed, tomorrow I should have a green slip, not another red one!  ;D :-X
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: p j morgan on 28 May 2009, 01:29:54
good look with your retest ian !fingers crossed mate :y
Title: Re: Help needed ASAP - Steering Idler + MOT dont mix!
Post by: richardirv on 28 May 2009, 06:35:54
Good luck Ian, hope all goes well today!  :y