Steering Specifications and Description (Opel Vectra C)

Steering type: Rack and pinion, hydraulically powered.

The main elements of the steering system are the steering wheel with the steering column, the steering gear with the toothed rack and the steering rods (see accompanying illustration). The column is connected to the mechanism by means of an intermediate shaft equipped with crosspieces. The sliding upper section of the steering column is equipped with a lock that blocks the steering gear. The steering column transmits the control movement to the steering gear via a toothed engagement with the rack. The steering gear is mounted on the front suspension subframe. The steering rods are attached to the steering knuckle arms using tips. The steering gear must not have any play and, accordingly, has no adjustment indicators. During maintenance, it is only necessary to check the condition of the dust boots and tips of the steering rods. If the dust boots are damaged or play appears as a result of wear of the tips, the corresponding elements must be replaced. All models are equipped with an electrohydraulic steering system as standard. The hydraulic fluid reservoir is built into the pump assembly. The pump sucks oil from the reservoir and delivers it under high pressure to the steering gear, where, depending on the direction of rotation, it enters the corresponding cavity of the working cylinder and exerts pressure on the piston of the toothed rack and thus ensures the rotation of the wheels. The electric steering pump does not require ongoing maintenance.

Attention: Never perform repairs by straightening or welding deformed and damaged suspension and steering components - replace defective parts with new ones!

Safety precautions when repairing steering

Before you begin working on the steering components, carefully read the operating principle, operating rules of the SRS and safety precautions given in the Chapter "Controls and operating techniques".

To ensure that the airbag deploys properly in an emergency collision and to avoid the risk of injury from accidental deployment, certain precautions must be taken (see also Chapter 12):

• a) Before working on the airbag or near the SRS wiring, be sure to disconnect the negative battery cable first and then the positive battery cable. Insulate the battery terminals to prevent accidental short circuits. Allow at least 1 minute for the backup power supply capacitor to discharge before starting work;
• b) Do not allow the air bag module to heat up above 80°C. Do not turn the removed air bag module upside down;
• c) Avoid contact of the module surface with solvents and detergents - use only a clean, slightly damp cloth to wipe the steering wheel;
• d) The SRS control unit and airbag modules are sensitive to directional overloads (impacts) and must be replaced after a fall from a height of more than 80 cm;
• e) Before carrying out welding work on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the SRS control unit wiring;
• f) To avoid injury, do not install any additional equipment or place any foreign objects in the air bag deployment area.
• g) Before disconnecting the electrical wiring, you must relieve yourself of electrostatic voltage by briefly touching the metal wedge of the door lock or the car body!
• h) When connecting the battery, there should be no people in the vehicle!

Tightening force of threaded connections, Nm

Axial bolt for fastening the hydraulic support bushing of the control lever - 40 Nm +40°

Bolts for fastening the power steering assembly to the body - 22

Steering column intermediate shaft mounting bolt - 22

Steering wheel mounting bolt - 30

Steering tie rod ends to steering knuckle nuts - 35

Steering column switch contact block lock nut - 15

Bolt for fastening the contact block of the steering column switches - 15

Tie Rod End Locknuts - 60