Vauxhall Zafira B (2005 - ) - 07 1.9 - wont drive in a straight line?

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Sun 4 Jan 2009 14:56
07 1.9 - wont drive in a straight line? - scott_lewis
Hi

I have a Zafira B, 1.9 CDTI and recently, when I was going round a roundabout, I heard a mechanical type click. Anyway - did not think much of it until I realised that the car was not driving straight. Basically, if I let go of the steering wheel on a flat/stright road, the steering wheel instead of going to 12 oclock, its going to like 10/11 oclock and veering off to the right.
Anyway - took it into see if its wheel alignment, and even though was slightly out which they did, no change.
If I point the steering wheel straight, the car does drive in a straght line. Just done a 20minute drive on motorway and not done to any slope in the road.

I have had the car for like 6 months and got from a Network Q garage and is due for its 2nd year service in about 3 months.

Any ideas what the issue maybe and if covered under warranty?

Cheers

Scott

slt

Edited by Pugugly on 04/01/2009 at 15:03

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Sun 4 Jan 2009 16:19
07 1.9 - wont drive in a straight line? - Peter.N.
I have similar problem withn two Citroen XM estates while the other two steer perfectly. I have not so far been able to find a reason for it, normally I would suggest something in the suspension had been damaged, upsetting the wheel alignment, but if it hasn't been in an accident this is unlikely.

I would suggest that you park the car on a perfectly level surface and check the 'uprightness' of both front wheels using a spirit level from to to bottom of each wheel. The ammount they deviate from vertical should be the same on each wheel, if it isn't, check the upper and lower suspension bushes for damage/failure.

If the car is still under warranty and the problem has not been caused by damage, it should be covered.

Peter.N.
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Mon 5 Jan 2009 07:58
07 1.9 - wont drive in a straight line? - L'escargot
The fact that the car doesn't go in a straight line when you hold the steering wheel in the 12 o'clock position may not be the major consideration. On most cars the steering wheel isn't exactly at 12 o'clock when the car is going straight and the driver isn't putting any torque on the wheel. When this is the case, turning the wheel to 12 o'clock is bound to alter the direction of the car.

The main consideration should be whether the car will go in a straight line (on a straight flat road) when there is no driver input to the wheel. If you allow the wheel to find its natural position, does the car veer off? If it does then it needs urgent attention.
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Mon 5 Jan 2009 10:34
07 1.9 - wont drive in a straight line? - piston power
Check your tyres are worn even?

If there worn on the inner or outer edges this can make it pull over.


You could try swapping front to rear and try that?
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Mon 5 Jan 2009 12:48
07 1.9 - wont drive in a straight line? - pmh2
Does anyone read the OP?

"I heard a mechanical type click. Anyway - did not think much of it until I realised that the car was not driving straight."




p
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