Repair of the steering rack opel astra n do it yourself in pictures

The mechanism of the car, which serves to control the steering traction of the wheels, is called the steering rack. The steering rack of the Opel Astra h is no exception. This device transmits the driver's effort to the front wheels of the car, forcing them to move synchronously in the right direction and ensuring the correct movement of the car when cornering. The pictures below show the Opel Astra h steering rack and a diagram of the device.

The mechanism operates in several stages:

• I - rotary device rotates shaft # 27;
• II - the rotation is transferred to part # 21;
• III - part # 21 moves the toothed rack (# 16) inside the device body (# 17);
• IV - No. 16 moves the steering rods No. 5 and No. 7;
• V - steering rods move the levers (No. 3) of the wheels.

Let's say a few words about power steering in a separate line. The machines use these devices of two types:

Power steering wheel (hereinafter referred to as GU) basically works by transferring power from the engine to the gear rack through a hydraulic device. It is a pump that creates pressure in the HU system. Operates when the engine is running.

Valves on the shaft allow oil to pass through the oil lines. Where the oil goes depends on the steering side. This scheme ensures that the wheels turn in the desired direction without unnecessary effort.
Malfunctions of a steering wheel with PG can be in:

• pump
• distributor valves
• cylinder piston system
• cylinder seals
• drive belt

The electric motor makes the gear rotate. She moves the toothed shaft. The direction of rotation sensors send a corresponding signal to the control unit. The motor, in accordance with the received signal, moves the rail in the desired direction.
An electric booster (hereinafter referred to as EU) is a rather reliable device of a machine, but breakdowns occur in it too. For example, they can:

Video (click to play).

• programs crash
• fail the rotary encoder

Unlike a GU, an electric amplifier can work without turning on the engine. The structure of the mechanism is shown in Figure 4.

It is best to repair the steering wheel at a reputable maintenance station, do not contact private traders, so as not to spoil the part completely.

For example, to find out if play is a deviation from the norm, you need to know the standard embedded in the part. Usually this figure is equal to 9-10 degrees. To measure it, you need a special device - a backlash. If you do not have one, contact the service station.

As soon as the driver feels that he has to increase the load on the steering wheel when cornering, it's time to contact a car service.
The knock and hum in the mechanism should become an alarm bell.
One hundred percent sign of the need to visit a car service is a leaking working fluid.
Backlash during wheel movement occurs on both mechanical and hydraulic drives.

The gear and toothed base are the most stressed in the steering rack. Most breakdowns happen with this part of the unit. Among the most common breakdown options, there are:

• Tie rod end wear
• tooth wear
• mechanical destruction of teeth

Usually, the last two problems are eliminated by adjusting the nut that controls the stop.
If the teeth themselves are broken, you need to change either the rack or gear.
In case of wear of parts, the master simply replaces them.

Backlash is formed due to poor quality road surface, which we all have to put up with. Driving through obstacles in the form of "speed bumps", concrete joints and other irregularities has a detrimental effect on the function of the steering rack Opel Astra h.Driving style is also not the least factor.

After 10-15 years of operation, almost every car has difficulties with steering. Foreign manufacturers give an unambiguous recommendation to their customers: replace the device.

But it is not always possible to find the necessary "native" detail. Therefore, in order to eliminate the backlash on the steering wheel, a "tightening" of the mechanism is often used. But, doing it, you need to remember that the resource of the reducer is not infinite.

If there is a backlash (gap) in the engagement of the steering rack, you need to use the pressure springs.
The steering rack of a car is adjusted in order to eliminate all gaps in the mechanism, so that the car easily and clearly obeys the driver's effort.
Usually at the service station, the masters tighten the steering rack and lubricate it.
There are two ways to adjust:

To eliminate the gap, which turned out to be above the standard deviation rate, you need to adjust the auto gear mechanism - tighten the required screw in the steering rack end cover. To carry out this manipulation, an overpass is used. If not, you can jack the car up.
Having made a mark, the master will remove the locknut. Using a key for 18, the device is slightly squeezed. The main thing is to do it slowly, without sudden movements - first by 15–20 degrees, after which the operation of the steering is checked. If the result is unsatisfactory, the manipulation is repeated.
After the end of the "tightening" the car must be tested in motion. If everything is done correctly, then the knocking in the mechanism will disappear, and the steering wheel will give in smoothly.

To repair the steering rack in Opel Astra h is best done by professionals working in car services.
The masters of our service station will correctly diagnose the breakdown and promptly eliminate the malfunction. Based on the results of the diagnosis, a decision is made on what exactly needs to be done:

• restore the device at a special stand
• replace

Carrying out repair work, the foremen will perform the following actions:

• • completely disassemble the unit
  • check the shaft for corrosion, runout
  • assess the condition of the gear clutch, seals and oil seals
  • appreciate the condition of the hull

  After repair, the rail is installed on a special stand that simulates control. This procedure makes it possible to understand how well the work was carried out, what is the function of the part after restoration.
  If the master is satisfied and has not found any defects, then the device is put into the car.

  The specialists of our car service will definitely replace the fluid in the hydraulic booster, if necessary, they will pump the system. After the parts are replaced, the employees will also establish the wheel alignment angles.

  There are many nuances and pitfalls in the operation of a car. And only regular monitoring of the technical condition of the iron horse will help to extend its service life. Control of the functionality of the main parts will provide the driver and passengers with safety while driving. In the Opel Astra, the steering rack is responsible for the reliability of steering wheel control when cornering. And it is impossible to treat the issue of its functioning carelessly.
  At the slightest suspicion of a malfunction, immediately drive the car to the service station to the specialists who will help you solve the problem even before it leads to a tragedy on the road.

  

  The basic element of steering systems in almost all modern passenger cars is the rack. Its mechanism is as simple as it is reliable. It was the latter property that allowed him to almost completely displace the worm gear, which has long ceased to be an alternative to the rack and pinion. So, they stopped installing it on Opels in the middle of the last century.

  

  The guide mechanism of not only these, and most of the machines of the General Motors concern, is largely unified. Therefore, the repair of the Opel Astra H steering rack will not cause difficulties for an experienced master. Likewise, there will be no problems with finding the components required for this.

  The need for such repair can be caused by two reasons:

  • the consequences of an accident (we will refer to this category as the ingress of foreign objects into the steering mechanism, which led to the breakdown of certain parts);
  • wear of a number of components of this mechanism (if it works properly, then the wear of the parts occurs more or less evenly, so in case of abrasion, for example, of the control gear, be prepared for the fact that during the inspection it turns out that the teeth of the rack itself are also pretty deformed) ...

  The main trouble with the steering rack, however, like all mechanisms with movable joints of parts, is backlash. For the steering system, this trouble is aggravated by the presence of several such connections in it: in the steering shaft fork; between the gear and the rack; between it and the tips; and between the tips and wheels. As a rule, little by little the problem of freewheeling starts with all connections. As a result, the so-called total backlash turns out to be quite large.

  

  This breakdown of the steering column manifests itself in the following symptoms:
  • "idle" is formed in the steering wheel, so that the wheels do not immediately react to its turns;
  • the car is unstable holding the road, so the driver has to "steer" slightly from time to time;
  • vibration occurs in the steering column when driving;
  • when driving in a straight line, the car leads in one direction or another (this symptom can indicate several types of malfunctions, including those not related to the steering system, but most often the loose rail is to blame for this).

  Fortunately, a lot of backlash does not occur overnight. Having appeared, it begins to increase gradually. In the early stages, it can be eliminated by adjusting the appropriate connections - which is why it is so important to contact a car service in a timely manner.

  It is much more difficult to diagnose backlash, that is, to determine the specific place of its occurrence. To do this, the master will need to dismantle and disassemble the entire steering mechanism, and inspect each of the parts separately.

  

  The assertion that non-original auto parts are obviously worse than their relatives is no more than a myth today. Not so long ago, Opel was not only assembled in Russia, but some components for these cars were also produced at the same factories. Moreover, they were produced under the strict control of General Motors, and their quality was in no way inferior to German and American parts. They are produced in Russia to this day - at the same factories and by the same workers, only they do not have the “GM” hallmark. We do not impose our opinion on you - the owner of each Opel makes his own decision about which parts to use.

  A more serious malfunction is deformation or even breakage of the teeth of the control gear or the rack itself. This can happen as a result of a foreign object entering the connection of these parts, for example, a small pebble that bounced off the road. And all because of the worn out casing. This part is inexpensive, but its wear and tear can lead to serious consequences.

  

  The symptoms of tooth breakage are as follows:
  • at some point, when the steering wheel is turned, a crackling or crunching sound is heard in the area of ​​the front axle; even if it does not resume, the mechanism is most likely seriously damaged;
  • backlash in the steering wheel, which manifests itself only in one of its sectors, indicates a malfunction of the gear connection;
  • difficulty or, conversely, excessively light rotation of the steering wheel is also a symptom of this malfunction.

  In case of breakage or deformation of the rack and pinion teeth, the broken parts must be replaced. There can be no two opinions on this issue.

  Another symptom, when you have to apply too much effort to turn the steering wheel, most often indicates a malfunction of the power steering. Its most common malfunction is fluid leakage. Most likely, one of the oil seals has leaked, or one of the tubes through which this fluid circulates is frayed. Also, a dark spot on the asphalt formed under the hood of the car after parking will also indicate a fluid leak.

  In this case, it is necessary to replace the oil seals and tubes of the power steering fluid circuit, and also replace (just replace, not add!) The fluid. Contacting with air, the liquid can partially lose its properties, which, one way or another, will affect the efficiency of the hydraulic booster.

  The rest of the malfunctions of the steering system are very dangerous, therefore, if you suspect that not everything is going smoothly in this matter, you must immediately contact the service station: repairing the Opel Astra H steering rack at an early stage of breakdown will save you both time and money. And, quite possibly, it will save you from an accident.

  Although if there is a burning smell, then most likely oil flows through the oil seal in the egura pump. See if there are any pads on the rail boot yet. If there are no leaks, then most likely a pump.

  The service technician poured the liquid in the bottle, as you describe it, into the EGUR liquid tank. True, one can. And the bubbles were really small and looked like foam. And what does “pump” mean? I apologize for my denseness

  Although if there is a burning smell, then most likely oil flows through the oil seal in the egura pump. See if there are any pads on the rail boot yet. If there are no leaks, then most likely a pump.

  The service technician poured the liquid in the bottle, as you describe it, into the EGUR liquid tank. True, one can. And the bubbles were really small and looked like foam. And what does “pump” mean? I apologize for my denseness

  And if, after all, there is an oil seal, can it only be changed or the pump assembly changes immediately?

  1. Remove the oil tank cap

  2. Fill with special oil up to the upper mark on the dipstick in the oil tank
  Indication: To avoid overfilling with oil, reattach the dipstick cap to the reservoir and remove it to check the oil level.

  3. Install the cap on the oil tank

  4. Remove air from the electro-hydraulic power unit by starting and stopping the engine three times
  Indication: Before each next start, make a short pause.

  5. Start the engine and, with the engine running, bleed the air by turning the steering control from left to right three times until it stops.

  In the original, the rem for Astra looks like this:

  1 F-00358 Oil seal 29.00 / 43.00 * 7.00 type 0M pcs. 1,000
  2 F-00558 Oil seal 20.00 / 30.20 * 5.00 / 6.00 type 1PM pcs. 1,000
  3 M-01301 Teflon ring O35.6 × 38.2 S2 type 1 pc. 4,000
  4 L-10014 Steering rack bushing with power steering 24.00 / 26.00 / 35.00 * 2.50 / 13.70 type 5B pcs. 1,000
  5 F-00231 Oil seal 24.00 / 41.00 * 8.50 type 7V 1 pc. 2,000
  6 O-02620-MSG Rubber O-ring C1,5 d1 31 pcs. 4,000
  7 O-02930-MSG Rubber O-ring C3 d1 31 pcs. 1,000
  8 O-02004-MSG Rubber ring O-section C1.68 d1 5.41 pcs. 4,000

  The reason for the failure of the mechanism is trivial and consists of the desire of manufacturers to reduce the cost of the technological cycle of production as much as possible, this is accompanied by the professional unpreparedness of the personnel serving the cars in the services.

  The outer boot collar does not provide a snug fit due to the reduced diameter of non-original steering rods.

  ... careless installation - as a result of mechanical damage.

  ... fastening anthers with electrical plastic clamps not intended for this.

  ... as a result, moisture and dirt gets under the anthers.

  ... which leads to failure of the hydraulic seals. increased fluid consumption, in this case - Pentosin 4008849501326 CHF 202 (860 rubles - liter). and the most unpleasant moment is deep corrosion of the rack and pinion shaft.

  ... what is "poured out" by replacing it, or with a new one, which is generally unrealistic - it is not supplied with spare parts; buying a used rail is a good adventurous option, if the car is not preparing for sale, a kind of lottery ticket. or China.

  Fix the rail using Google, dig up more or less coherent information on the forums, repair kit ≈ 2500 rubles, garage with a hole - and more. the nuts are unscrewed counterclockwise, tightened vice versa. dismantling is not a problem.

  ... what to do if the shaft is in deep foci of corrosion. ... solution to the issue - emery cloth and polishing with felt. the shaft shines and looks like new - it pleases the eye (this is how the shaft is “restored” in services where this operation is included in the repair cost), but the eye is not a micrometer, it would not hurt to measure for the difference in diameters - this is, firstly, the second - you cannot get rid of deep shells.the pressure in the working cavity of the hydraulic cylinder, in the extreme positions of the steering wheel, reaches 90-100 bar. - will cut the working edges of the power seals. it looks something like this.

  And if the shaft is curved, as here.

  .. correct with a hammer in a vice. By the way, 98 ‰ of the rails received for repair have a deformed shaft to one degree or another, which, due to the curvature, cannot be properly polished. we are straightened with a hydraulic press. this is how a high-quality reconditioned rack and pinion shaft should look like.

  Removal, overhaul and installation of the steering mechanism

  Assembling the steering gear

  1 - the Epiploon
  2 - the Screw (7 Nm)
  3 - a spring washer
  4 - the crankcase cover
  5 - the O-ring
  6 - the Sealing gasket
  7 - Adjusting washers
  8 - Ball bearing
  9 - the Gear
  10 - a toothed rack

  11 - the Bushing
  12 - the Lock ring
  13 - the Carter of the steering mechanism
  14 - Support washer
  15 - the Spring
  16 - Adjusting shims
  17 - the Sealing gasket
  18 - the Cover
  19 - a spring washer
  20 - Bolt (7 Nm)

  Steering gear housing

  1 - Cardan intermediate shaft of the steering rack
  2 - Bolt (5 Nm)
  3 - Protective sheet
  4 - the Sealing gasket
  5 - the Epiploon
  6 - Nut (60 Nm)
  7 - the End of the transverse tie rod
  8 - the Lock ring
  9 - a protective cover of the ball joint
  10 - Ring
  11 - Crown nut

  12 - Cotter pin
  13 - the Left steering rod
  14 - the Clamp
  15 - Protective cover
  16 - Connecting link
  17 - the Carter of the steering mechanism
  18 - Rubber cushion
  19 - the Collar of a rubber cushion
  20 - Bolt (25 Nm)
  22 - the Right steering rod

  Power Steering Component Locations

  1 - the Steering pump
  2 - Tank

  3 - Steering gear with distributor and power cylinder

  Power steering gear

  1 - Power cylinder
  2 - Rack transmission
  3 - the valve-distributor

  4 - Tank
  5 - the Steering pump

  1 - Rotor
  2 - Stator
  3 - Housing

  4 - the Cover
  5 - Pulley flange
  6 - the Safety valve

  Models without power steering

  The rack and pinion drive converts the steering column into movement of the rods that turn the steering wheels of the vehicle.

  The steering box is made of aluminum alloy. The transmission consists of a pinion drive shaft and a toothed rack.

  The steering gear shaft is equipped with a pinion and is installed in the rack and pinion housing in two bearings of the PLC 03-29 / 1 type. The shaft assembly is in constant engagement with a toothed rack rigidly connected to the steering rods. Rotation of the shaft causes the rack to move to the right or left. Together with the rack, the steering rods also move, forcing the front wheels of the car to turn.

  The steering gear housing is closed from above with a cover fixed with two M6x20 bolts. The cover is installed on the gasket. A hole is provided in the middle of the crankcase through which the steering shaft drive shaft passes. In order to seal the assembly, a 17x28x7 oil seal is installed in the hole.

  In order to select the backlash of the shaft bearings, adjusting washers with a thickness of 0.1 and 0.2 mm are used.

  The side hole in the crankcase is also closed with a cover, which is fastened with two M6x20 bolts. A sealing gasket is installed under the cover. A bolt passes through the hole in the middle of the cover, designed to adjust the clearance in the engagement of the shaft with the gear rack. The position of the bolt is fixed with a lock nut. The required meshing clearance is maintained by a spring-loaded cracker and equipped with a 28x20 O-ring.

  The right side of the steering box is a tube with a bushing seated inside. A toothed rack is placed in the sleeve. The ends of the rack are connected to the steering rods.

  Protective rubber boots keep dirt out of the steering gear and prevent grease from filling the crankcase from leaking out.

  The steering gear is attached to the bracket by a cross member of the front suspension beam on two rubber mounts that are installed in clips.Each of the clips is attached with two M8x20 bolts. Both the legs and the clips are different from each other (larger components are installed closer to the steering gear).

  Power steering models

  Power steering elements are manufactured by TRW Dusseldorf.

  The system consists of a rack and pinion steering gear integrated in one housing with a power cylinder and a control valve, a steering pump, a hydraulic fluid reservoir and connecting hydraulic lines.

  The tie rods are somewhat shorter than those used on models with a manual steering gear. The full travel of the steering wheel (from lock to lock) is 3.0 turns (versus 3.6 turns in manual models). The decrease in the number of shaft revolutions is associated with a lower gear ratio of the rack and pinion mechanism.

  In view of the foregoing, in the event of a failure of the power steering system, the steering continues to work, however, it requires a lot of effort when making turns.

  When the wheel hits an obstacle (for example, a curb or a stone), the control valve tends to move to the middle position, the fluid pressure decreases, and the effort on the steering gear increases. The driver tries to keep the wheels in the desired position; in this case, the distributor valve is displaced from the middle position and directs the fluid flow into the corresponding cylinder cavity, preventing the rail from moving. This provides feedback from the wheels to the driver.

  The working path of the hydraulic booster system is filled with a special liquid Pentosin CHF 11 S in the amount of 0.9 l, which simultaneously serves as a lubricant for the components of the steering mechanism and the pump. The hydraulic lines between the pump, control valve, power cylinder and hydraulic reservoir are made of metal pipes and rubber hoses. Each section is equipped with special nipples.

  The main working element of the system is the steering vane pump. A rotor with movable plates rotates in a specially shaped stator. When the pump is operating, liquid enters from the vacuum side, enters the chamber formed by the rotor plates and the stator walls. The volume of the chamber gradually decreases as the rotor turns, the pressure of the liquid increases and it begins to be pushed out through the connecting line into the distributor valve. When the maximum allowable pressure is exceeded, a safety valve is triggered, which connects the working cavity with the vacuum chamber. In this case, the pressure drops abruptly. The maximum pump performance is achieved at a rotor speed of 500 to 700 rpm. The maximum head developed by the pump is 20 kPa. The pump is driven by a multi-ribbed belt, which is also used in parallel to drive the K / V compressor, generator and pump.

  The power cylinder, combined with the steering gear and the distributor valve, is attached to the suspension cross member with M10x1.25 bolts (as opposed to M8 bolts in the case of a manual steering mechanism).

  The power steering is equipped with diesel models and 1.6 liter petrol models. The only difference is in the route of the connecting lines.

  1. In the passenger compartment, give back the fastening nuts and remove the foot stop assembly from the clutch pedal.

  2. If appropriate, fold back the carpet, remove the screw and nut that secure the steering column base trim cover. Remove the cover to provide access to the lower propeller joint of the intermediate shaft.
  3. Using paint or a marker, mark the position of the pivot in relation to the rack and pinion drive gear, then remove the pivot assembly pinch bolt.
  4. Loosen the nuts, remove the washers and loosen the sealing plate and gasket installed around the drive gear.

  A damaged gasket must be replaced.

  5.Apply the parking brake firmly, then jack up the front of the vehicle and place it on the struts. Remove both front wheels.
  6. Remove the cotter pins, then give the nuts securing the ends of the steering rods to the hub assemblies. Release the tips from the hub pivot arms - use a ball joint puller if necessary.

  Models without power steering

  1. Unscrew the fastening bolts and remove the steering gear clips from the subframe.
  2. Separate the rack and pinion assembly from the intermediate shaft and remove it from under the vehicle. Remove the rubber mounts from the steering rack (pads are not interchangeable). Remove the sealing plate with the gasket from the passenger compartment.

  Power steering models

  1. To minimize the loss of hydraulic fluid, use special clamps or clamps to clamp the supply and return hoses near the reservoir of the steering pump.
  2. After marking the connectors, unscrew the fitting bolts on the steering gear assembly (prepare a drain container to collect the leaking hydraulic fluid). Disconnect both hoses and remove the sealing washers.

  During assembly, the sealing washers must be replaced without fail. Immediately plug open hose ends and steering housing openings to minimize hydraulic fluid loss and to prevent dirt from entering the system.

  3. Release the hydraulic hoses from the intermediate clips and move them away from the steering assembly.
  4. Unscrew the fastening bolts and remove the rack and pinion fastening clamps from the subframe.
  5. Separate the rack and pinion assembly from the intermediate shaft and remove it from under the vehicle. Remove the rubber mounts from the steering rack (pads are not interchangeable). Remove the sealing plate with the gasket from the passenger compartment.

  a) Remove the clamps for securing the rubber covers;
  b) Bend the edges of the covers and drain the oil from the crankcase into a clean container;
  c) Move the covers towards the ends of the steering rods;
  d) Bend back the flats of the flat lock washers securing the nuts at the ends of the rack;
  e) Using a screwdriver, bend the recess on the edge of the adapter sleeve in the rail groove;
  f) Give back the nuts and disconnect from the thrust bar;
  g) Unscrew the two bolts securing the side cover to the crankcase, remove the spring, cracker and rubber O-ring;
  h) Remove the steering gear shaft with the upper bearing from the crankcase (clamp the shaft in a vice with soft jaws and pull on the crankcase; if necessary, use a soft hammer);
  i) Using a puller, remove the bearing from the shaft;
  j) Remove the gear rack from the steering box;
  k) Using a special tool, remove the lower bearing from the crankcase.

  8. After replacing faulty components, reassemble the mechanism:

  Power steering models

  1. Follow the procedures outlined in Removal.
  2. Install new sealing washers on both sides of the hydraulic hose union, then install the union bolts and tighten to the required torque without removing the clamps / clamps from the hoses.
  3. Reinstall the wheels, then lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel bolts to the required torque.
  4. Add fresh hydraulic fluid to the reservoir of the steering pump (see Section Removing air plugs from the hydraulic path of the power steering system).
  5. Finally, check the angles of the front wheels, if necessary, make the appropriate adjustment (see Section Car wheel alignment angles - general information).

  kaJl6as » 14.10.2014, 13:18

  Serg_tm » 14.10.2014, 21:23

  Daddy cubed » 15.10.2014, 08:13

  Serg_tm » 15.10.2014, 08:33

  Solik » 15.10.2014, 09:42

  Serg_tm » 15.10.2014, 11:34

  Evgen72 » 15.10.2014, 13:30

  kaJl6as » 15.10.2014, 13:36

  They estimated the oil seal replacement at 15 thousand.

  Serg_tm » 15.10.2014, 13:40

  called them, 12 thousand with a repair kit, and 15 with their repair kit. standard price, in case of rust they grind the shaft and put their oil seals. They do it during the day

  Added after 1 minute 50 seconds:
  kaJl6as, It's not so easy to replace it there, you have to completely remove the stretcher to get the rail, although I agree the price is high. Look at the STO Auto-engineer, they seem to do it for 12 with their repair kit, some did it with them, the norms.

  kaJl6as » 15.10.2014, 13:51

  Serg_tm, I agree about the complexity of the work. But I talked to people, they say that in Tyumen there are few master-specialists on railings, and that they are being taken from all service stations to them. To overpay the intermediary is simply reluctant.

  And they did not talk about the guarantee?

  Serg_tm » 15.10.2014, 15:48

  Daddy cubed » 16.10.2014, 13:13

  kaJl6as » 29.10.2014, 09:08

  Please enable / Please enable JavaScript!

  To remove the steering gear, the front axle subframe must be removed.

  Remove the front suspension subframe.

  On left-hand drive vehicles, remove the engine damper bracket from the rear of the engine damper.

  Use a tray for the oil that spills out.

  Unclip the steering wire harness from the front suspension subframe.

  Pay attention to the routing of the harness.

  Remove the electro-hydraulic module from the front axle subframe.

  Remove the electro-hydraulic module with supply and return lines from the steering gear and front suspension subframe.

  Hold the rods with an open wrench by the flats of the gear rack on the side of the steering shaft.

  Remove the steering gear from the front suspension subframe.

  Attach the steering box to the front axle subframe, fit 2 new bolts and 2 new nuts and tighten to 45 Nm + 45 ° + 15 °.

  Attach 2 tie rods to the steering gear using the KM-6004-2 tool and tighten to 90 Nm.

  Clean the threads on the rail and cover with a fixing compound.

  Install the 2 steering gear covers.

  Place 2 covers on the steering gear.

  Make sure the boot fits into the grooves in the steering link and steering gear.

  Attach 2 new retaining straps to the steering gear using the KM-J-22610 tool.

  Install the 2 tie rod covers using a new fixing bracket.

  Make sure the boot fits into the tie rod grooves.

  Attach the electro-hydraulic module with the bracket to the front suspension subframe and tighten the fastening nuts to a torque of 22 Nm.

  Place the electrohydraulic module with holder on the steering gear and front axle subframe.

  Pay attention to the steering wire harness.

  Connect the steering wire harness to the front suspension sub-frame.

  Make sure the electrical wiring is routed properly.

  Connect the supply and return pipelines to the steering gear and tighten to 30 Nm.

  Use 2 new o-rings.

  Attach the holder for the supply and return pipes to the steering gear.

  Left-hand drive vehicles: Attach the rear bracket. damping block of the engine to the damping block of the engine and tighten to 55 Nm.

  Install the front suspension subframe.

  Prime the hydraulic system and bleed the air from the hydraulic system.

  Check wheel alignment, adjust if necessary.

  The mechanism of the car, which serves to control the steering traction of the wheels, is called the steering rack. The steering rack of the Opel Astra h is no exception. This device transmits the driver's effort to the front wheels of the car, forcing them to move synchronously in the right direction and ensuring the correct movement of the car when cornering. The pictures below show the Opel Astra h steering rack and a diagram of the device.

  The mechanism operates in several stages:

  • I - rotary device rotates shaft # 27;
  • II - rotation is transferred to part # 21;
  • III - part # 21 moves the toothed rack (# 16) inside the device body (# 17);
  • IV - No. 16 moves the steering rods No. 5 and No. 7;
  • V - steering rods move the levers (No. 3) of the wheels.

  Fig. 2. Device device diagram

  Let's say a few words about power steering in a separate line.The machines use these devices of two types:

  The power steering wheel (hereinafter referred to as GU) basically works by transferring power from the engine to the gear rack through a hydraulic device. It is a pump that creates pressure in the HU system. Operates when the engine is running.

  Rice. 3. Power steering wheel

  Valves on the shaft allow oil to pass through the oil lines. Where the oil goes depends on the steering side. This scheme ensures that the wheels turn in the desired direction without unnecessary effort. Malfunctions of a steering wheel with PG can be in:

  • pump
  • distributor valves
  • cylinder piston system
  • cylinder seals
  • drive belt

  IMPORTANT: such complex malfunctions can only be identified and eliminated by professionals. EXPERIENCED CAR OWNER TIP: Use quality auto oils recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Don't skimp on your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

  The electric motor makes the gear rotate. She moves the toothed shaft. The direction of rotation sensors send a corresponding signal to the control unit. The motor, in accordance with the received signal, moves the rail in the desired direction. An electric amplifier (hereinafter referred to as EP) is a rather reliable device of a machine, but breakdowns occur in it too. For example, they can:

  • programs crash
  • fail the rotary encoder

  Rice. 4. Electric power steering wheel

  Unlike a GU, an electric amplifier can work without turning on the engine. The structure of the mechanism is shown in Figure 4.

  It is best to repair the steering wheel at a reputable maintenance station, do not contact private traders, so as not to spoil the part completely.

  IMPORTANT: damage diagnostics can only be carried out using special equipment. Entrust this work to professionals.

  For example, to find out if play is a deviation from the norm, you need to know the standard embedded in the part. Usually this figure is equal to 9-10 degrees. To measure it, you need a special device - a backlash. If you do not have one, contact the service station.

  As soon as the driver feels that he has to increase the load on the steering wheel when cornering, it's time to contact a car service. The knock and hum in the mechanism should become an alarm bell. One hundred percent sign of the need to visit a car service is a leaking working fluid.

  Backlash during wheel movement occurs on both mechanical and hydraulic drives.

  The gear and toothed base are the most stressed in the steering rack. Most breakdowns happen with this part of the unit. Among the most common breakdown options, there are:

  • Tie rod end wear
  • tooth wear
  • mechanical destruction of teeth

  Usually, the last two problems are eliminated by adjusting the nut that controls the stop. If the teeth themselves are broken, you need to change either the rack or gear.

  In case of wear of parts, the master simply replaces them.

  IMPORTANT: if a problem arises and you need to adjust the mechanism, contact a specialist so that the car's steering is your reliable assistant. The reliability of the entire unit depends on the correctness of the manipulations during adjustment.

  Backlash is formed due to poor quality road surface, which we all have to put up with. Driving through obstacles in the form of "speed bumps", concrete joints and other irregularities has a detrimental effect on the function of the steering rack Opel Astra h. Driving style is also not the least factor.

  ADVICE OF AN EXPERIENCED CAR OWNER: Before potholes and pits, you need to brake the car well. This will not save you from the appearance of backlash, but will extend the life of the car, delay the breakdown of the part.

  After 10-15 years of operation, almost every car has difficulties with steering. Foreign manufacturers give an unambiguous recommendation to their customers: replace the device.

  But it is not always possible to find the necessary "native" detail.Therefore, in order to eliminate the backlash on the steering wheel, a "tightening" of the mechanism is often used. But, doing it, you need to remember that the resource of the reducer is not infinite.

  If there is a backlash (gap) in the engagement of the steering rack, you need to use the pressure springs. The steering rack of a car is adjusted in order to eliminate all gaps in the mechanism, so that the car easily and clearly obeys the driver's effort. Usually at the service station, the masters tighten the steering rack and lubricate it.

  There are two ways to adjust:

  To eliminate the gap, which turned out to be above the standard deviation rate, you need to adjust the auto gear mechanism - tighten the required screw in the steering rack end cover. To carry out this manipulation, an overpass is used. If not, you can jack the car up. Having made a mark, the master will remove the locknut. Using a key for 18, the device is slightly squeezed. The main thing is to do it slowly, without sudden movements - first by 15–20 degrees, after which the operation of the steering is checked. If the result is unsatisfactory, the manipulation is repeated.

  After the end of the "tightening" the car must be tested in motion. If everything is done correctly, then the knocking in the mechanism will disappear, and the steering wheel will give in smoothly.

  ADVICE OF AN EXPERIENCED CAR OWNER: if you wish, you can adjust the steering rack of the Opel Astra h yourself, without contacting a car service. But, before you start doing this, make sure that the problem that appeared in the steering is precisely the malfunction of the rack. If the "pull-up" has not cleared the question, then it's time to drive the car for diagnostics.

  To repair the steering rack in Opel Astra h is best done by professionals working in car services. The masters of our service station will correctly diagnose the breakdown and promptly eliminate the malfunction. Based on the results of the diagnosis, a decision is made on what exactly needs to be done:

  • restore the device at a special stand
  • replace

  Carrying out repair work, the masters will perform the following actions:

  • • completely disassemble the unit
    • check the shaft for corrosion, runout
    • assess the condition of the gear clutch, seals and oil seals
    • appreciate the condition of the hull

    After repair, the rail is installed on a special stand that simulates control. This procedure makes it possible to understand how well the work was carried out, what is the function of the part after restoration. If the master is satisfied and has not found any defects, then the device is put into the car.

    The specialists of our car service will definitely replace the fluid in the hydraulic booster, if necessary, they will pump the system. After the parts are replaced, the employees will also establish the wheel alignment angles.

    IMPORTANT: repair of the Astra h steering rack is carried out in a car workshop only with high-quality spare parts, which can give a guarantee for the further operation of the restored device.

    There are many nuances and pitfalls in the operation of a car. And only regular monitoring of the technical condition of the iron horse will help to extend its service life. Control of the functionality of the main parts will provide the driver and passengers with safety while driving. In the Opel Astra, the steering rack is responsible for the reliability of steering wheel control when cornering. And it is impossible to treat the issue of its functioning carelessly. At the slightest suspicion of a malfunction, immediately drive the car to the service station to the specialists who will help you solve the problem even before it leads to a tragedy on the road.