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knock of nigel · #1 31-03-10, 12:39

is there an easy way to change the rack on my vectra b 2,2 and any links where i can get hold of a new one,also should the whole rack move when turning it lock to lock thanks

matt-m · #2 31-03-10, 13:59

the whole rack shouldnt move bud its fixed to the bulk head depends whats wrong with it if its just moving the u clamps may be lose and need to be tightened

knock of nigel · #3 31-03-10, 14:06

i was gonna change the rack any way as my steering has gone very heavy but when u do a lock to lock and watch the rack it moves through the clamps so is the why my cars pulling to the left even when the tracking is spot on cheers

Tom · #4 31-03-10, 14:38

if you're determined to fit a new rack, ring up Vauxhall and find out which rack you have, because there's different ones from what I remember.

I'm coming down your way Friday morning so was planning a visit, if you're about.

Will bring my trade club login details if I can find them and we'll see if they're any cheaper through that.. not sure they will be though.

matt-m · #5 31-03-10, 14:44

better trying to source a 2nd hand one as there expensive the heavyness is there fluid in the resvoir and are the tyres pumped up too around 29-30psi

knock of nigel · #6 31-03-10, 14:47

yep tyres are ok and the pas fluid could it be a weak pump.

ill be in on fri tom if u r coming down .

matt-m · #7 31-03-10, 14:51

yea the vec pumps are a bit weak and it would have been pushing further and harder than it should if the rack has been moving

Tom · #8 31-03-10, 17:32

I shall be down your neck of the woods from about 10am onwards so have the tools at the ready and we'll have it apart haha

knock of nigel · #9 31-03-10, 17:44

ok tucker see u then lol

Leeky · #10 31-03-10, 19:57

The steering rack should be held in place by two clamps. The centre section should not physically move side to side when turning the steering wheel. It MUST remain static in order for the tracking and geometry of the car to remain consistant.

If the steering rack is moving do not drive the car until the problem is resolved; to do so would be suicidal mate!!

If either of you need advice, give me a buzz and I'll talk you through it.

Heavy steering can be caused by fluid loss. Vectra'sd have been known to suffer with leaky PAS unions causing the PAS fluid to dump out under hydraulic pressure. Dirty, old PAS fluid can also be the cause of heavy steering. It could also be a PAS pump issue, but its unlikely as in my experiences the symtomes are different!

The steering rack moving is not going to help, and may infact actually be your problem. The rack acts like rams, with the movement from the steering column using hydraulic pressure created by the PAS pump to 'push' the ram in the direction of the steering wheels movement. If the main body of the rack is moving, it will place strain on the whole steering system.

I've always found Vectra PAS to be fairly heavy anyway, but if its heavier than expected then look for the above two issues.

I'd also check your mountings to make sure they havent snapped, or the bolts holding them in place havent loosened off causing play.