Removal and installation the steering gear (Opel Astra G)

Removal

1. Set the front wheels of the car to the straight-ahead position. Remove the ignition key and lock the steering wheel.

2. Remove the front subframe (see Removal and installation the front subframe).

3. Remove the bolts securing the rear powertrain suspension bracket to the subframe.

4. If equipped, remove the bolts securing the high-pressure hose support bracket to the subframe.

5. Place a suitable drain pan under the steering gear housing.

6. Loosen the union nuts and disconnect the hydraulic pipes from the steering gear housing.



7. Disconnect the electrical wiring from the steering pump, release the harness from the intermediate clamps on the subframe - try to remember the correct route of the wires.

(Text copied from an internet website: www.OpelBook.ru)

8. Loosen the mounting nuts and remove the steering pump assembly with reservoir and hydraulic lines from the subframe/steering gear housing.

The TRW pump is equipped with a round tank, while the Delphi/Saginaw pump is equipped with an angular tank.

9. Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the steering gear from the subframe - if necessary, first remove the anti-roll bar (see Removal and installation the front anti-roll bar).

Manufacturers recommend replacing all mounting bolts without fail.

10. If necessary, remove the steering rods (see Removal and installation tie rod ends and Removal and installation the steering rod).

The spare parts market is supplied with steering pumps both assembled with rods and without them.

Remove the rubber seals from the shaft.

Installation

1. Install the steering rods with ends (see Removal and installation tie rod ends and Removal and installation the steering rod), - do not forget to put rubber seals on the shaft.

2. Carefully wipe the mating surfaces of the steering gear housing and subframe. Install the steering gear in its regular place. Screw in the mounting bolts and tighten them to the required force.

3. If removed, reinstall the anti-roll bar (see Removal and installation the front anti-roll bar).

4. Install the steering pump assembly with the hydraulic fluid reservoir and connecting lines. Install the mounting nuts and tighten them to the required torque.

5. Restore the original wiring connection - secure the harness in the intermediate clamps on the subframe.

6. Place new rubber sealing rings on the hydraulic tubes and connect the latter to the steering gear housing. Tighten the union nuts of the union connections to the required force.



7. If equipped, install the hydraulic tube/hose support in its place on the subframe. Screw in the mounting bolts and tighten them to the required torque.

8. Install the rear powertrain suspension support bracket onto the subframe and tighten the fasteners to the required torque.

9. Install the front subframe onto the vehicle (see Removal and installation the front subframe).

10. After bleeding the power steering system, remove air locks from its tract (see Removal air from the hydraulic system of the power steering).

11. At the earliest opportunity, take the car to a specialized auto service workshop to check and adjust the front wheel alignment.