Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[sophos9]

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?  

[JohnM]

Sound like those bones - but heck, who am I to say (can't get mine straight now).

[sophos9]

mmmm.... checked them over when I changed the shocks and its just gone through an MOT with no problem?

What about steering idler arms?

[Auto Addict]

I know this is pretty obvious, but, tyre pressures OK?

[Chopsdad]

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.

[sophos9]

Hi, all tyres are new and balanced on both the inside and out - all sitting at 31ps

Tyre conditions - excellent!

[Chopsdad]

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.  

[sophos9]

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...?

[mijfife]

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  

Cheers Jim

[AndersH]

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....

[Marks DTM Calib]

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.

[snappa]

Had the same problem with my steering, after changing the idler & full geometry check its as good as new  

[sophos9]

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?  

[TheBoy]

1 idler, around £35 iirc. Need a ball joint splitter to take off track rods...

[sophos9]

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