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[sophos9]

I sound like an old broken record!!  

I've changed everything on my steering - even was ripped of by Vauxhall supplying a new servotronic control module. The steering still has the same fault, car is all over the place when driving.

There are only two more things I have not changed - both are in the picture. I see that the steering box has an arm on the bottom, I have not checked this - does it suffer from wear?

The other is the steering box itself. Whats leading me to this is the 3odd inches of free play in the steering when the ignition is off.

Can someone help with diagnosing the arm on the bottom of the box and/or diagnosing a knackered steering box please?

[jjleonard]

have you had the geometry checked? I'd recommend Wheels in Motion - several branches all over the country, and Tony has a specific setup for Miggys as the standard allowances are all over the place.

 

[sophos9]

Thanks for the reply

Full geometry setup, 4 infact. Everything is within spec including the thrust angle - custom settings were found on this forum...

This is something outside of geometry which is why I get about 3 inches of play from the steering wheel (have driven the as much slack out of the steering box as possible)

[jjleonard]

aha.

Well, in that case, I am completely unable to help you. Sorry.


I'm sure someone will be along soon to suggest something, such is the wonderful nature of this forum.

[vauxfan2k]

have you checked the union joint in the steering column? could be play in that, take off lower cover above the pedals, get a torch and look up between the pedals.

Ive never had that much play on any of my omega's or carltons.

the only fault the steering boxes had was thet they would leak out the bottom seal, this was fixed on post 97 cars, hence the different paret numbers on the steering boxes. i had to change mine on the M reg v6 due to this.

If you find yourself changing the steering box DONT do it tha haynes way. get in touch and ill talk you through it. my way it takes 1.5 hrs and no engine parts to remove.

Cheers

Steve

[sophos9]

Thanks for your help though mate, much appreciated! This problem is crazy  

[vrba]

how hard is to get the steering box out?
have the same simptoms like you and now i'm buying all the weareble parts in front of the car, and i have steering fluid leak somewhere around box so i maybe i will need to take it out.

[vauxfan2k]

if its a v6, you need to undo the drivers side engine mount (rubber damper) then completely remove the mounting arm whilst jacking the engine up from undeneath with suitable protection to avoid sump damage.

remove the starter motor (with battery disconnected) and jack the engine up as far as it can go.

inside the car unbolt the union joint at the base of the rack, then from the inner wing undo all the bolts securing the steering box. (2 on wheel side of inner wing, 1 on engine bay side if i remember right)

undo the steering arm joint (balljoint splitter will do)

then withdraw the box downards.

fitting reverse of above, making sure you secure the sound proof surround in the bulkhead that goes round the box.

cheers

[sophos9]

have you checked the union joint in the steering column? could be play in that, take off lower cover above the pedals, get a torch and look up between the pedals.

Steve, Hi

Yes I've checked that when I had to replace the brakelight/box switch, no play in the joint at all, the play must be created later.

I've not lost any steering fluid either which is good!

What is that arm at the bottom in the picture, it looks like another idler arm (which we know wears!?) - can you advise?

Many thanks

[Kevin Wood]

My steering has an alarming amount of play when the engine is stopped. Once running it's gone. I suspect the steering box needs hydraulic pressure to take out the play.

Kevin

[sophos9]

how hard is to get the steering box out?
have the same simptoms like you and now i'm buying all the weareble parts in front of the car, and i have steering fluid leak somewhere around box so i maybe i will need to take it out.

I've changed wishbones, droplinks, tierods, idler arm, full suspension arms + bearings/bushes etc, multiple setups...

grrrrr

[vauxfan2k]

What is that arm at the bottom in the picture, it looks like another idler arm (which we know wears!?) - can you advise?

Many thanks

that arm unbolts from the box altho its best to mark the position when you remove it for replacement cos if you put it on a few turns rong you will find you wont get full lock in one direction.

I have yet to see that arm fail as usually the idler arm on the other side gets the brunt of any wear.

[vauxfan2k]

what age and engine is your car? i have a steering box ready to unbolt on my breaker, its a 98 car so doesnt have the oil seal issue.

and Ive just checked all the omegas outside, NO play when engine turned off, which sounds worrying for you's that have it  :-/

[sophos9]

thanks for your help. will check it out when I can next get under the car - I replaced the idler about 7k miles ago.

What do you think about how much free play I have in the steering wheel? How do you diagnose a knackered steering box please?

Thanks again

[vauxfan2k]

try and lock the arm on the bottom of the box to something that doesnt move, eg. chassis leg, use a plank of wood etc, and then turn wheel, if you get play, then its the internals of the box.