Possible vectra steering leak??

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Sun 29 Feb 2004 00:09
Possible vectra steering leak?? - RichardP
Hi, I sold my immaculate 2000 (w reg, facelift model) Vectra DI to my parents last year and feel a bit guilty as there appears to be a fresh leak from the steering rack. There is wet fluid visible at the back of the engine bay near the builkhead on the lower chassis/suspension members under the rack at both ends (long shaft with the rubber boots on either end?) and the level in the fluid resevoir is at minimum, so some has escaped. I believe many Vectras have suffered from similar problems? The car has 51K and a full Vauxhall service history. Any know if Vauxhall may be interested in this or is an expensive rack repair/replacement?
I feel a bit guilty as the car from 0 - 49K was flawless in my ownership and this problem occurs 3 months after my parents buying it!

Thanks for any guidance/advice you may be able to share.
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Mon 1 Mar 2004 16:34
Possible vectra steering leak?? - Hawesy1982
You could try using some power steering fluid stop-leak stuff, as it *could* work, and make the problem disappear entirely.

Then again, it might not, in which case a new/recon rack is the answer. RE:Vauxhall, i doubt they would be interested, as the car is now out of warranty. I would suggest that if you do replace it, you find an independent specialist rather than go to a Vauxhall dealer, as you are certain to pay at least 20-30% less this way.
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Tue 2 Mar 2004 22:06
Possible vectra steering leak?? - stevie070
Hi Mate ,
Check the high pressure pipe coming into the rack from the steering pump,mine came loose on the connection on the steering rack just needed 1/4 a turn, a bit hard to get too i think it was a 23mm spanner that fitted.
Hope that helps,

Steve.
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Wed 3 Mar 2004 16:14
Possible vectra steering leak?? - Spanner Jack
I repaired one last year... The aluminium sealing washer on the high pressure pipe at the rack had corroded away.

Fitted a copper sump washer in its place...

Dry as a bone, now. :)
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Thu 4 Mar 2004 21:34
Possible vectra steering leak?? - RichardP
Thanks a lot for your replies, much appreciated. My Mum took the car to a local mechanic who has fixed it. My Mum however did not quite follow the explaination of what the problem was, but something like 'the bolt on the rack' and 'dismantling the subframe'...my Mum isn't really into the mechanics of a car apart from checking under the bonnet and the tyre pressures! Cost £110 but needed to be sorted promptly.
I'll interrogate her at the weekend when I see my parents, I'd like to know what it was!
Just glad it wasn't a VERY expensive problem!
Regards,

Richard
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