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

In detail: do-it-yourself repair of the steering rack opel astra n in pictures from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

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.

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

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

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

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.