Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: ians on 06 December 2007, 14:49:19

Title: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: ians on 06 December 2007, 14:49:19
Well my new Elite failed its mot today :'(

Steering idler - first one I have to do of these.  I'm pretty sure there is a maint guide,  but can someone point me in the best direction for the part please?

Handbrake ineffective both sides - I hate Omega handbrakes.   Sure enough if I stop on a hill, handbrake on in neutral it slips back.  Only if I pull on the lever with both hands can I apply it hard enough to hold the car.   On releasing it was squeeking a fair bit.    Is this likely to be sticking mechanism, glazed/worn shoes - any ideas before I strip it down?

Cheers,

Ian
Title: Re: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 December 2007, 14:55:23
Quote
Well my new Elite failed its mot today :'(

Steering idler - first one I have to do of these.  I'm pretty sure there is a maint guide,  but can someone point me in the best direction for the part please?

Handbrake ineffective both sides - I hate Omega handbrakes.   Sure enough if I stop on a hill, handbrake on in neutral it slips back.  Only if I pull on the lever with both hands can I apply it hard enough to hold the car.   On releasing it was squeeking a fair bit.    Is this likely to be sticking mechanism, glazed/worn shoes - any ideas before I strip it down?

Cheers,

Ian

Idler is pretty easy, think there is a maintenance guide.

The Omega handbrake is excellent......when correctly maintained.

So many garages cut corners and simply tighten the cable up on it, follow the maintenance guide on here and all should be good again.
Title: Re: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: Jimbob on 06 December 2007, 14:59:00
our 2.2 has had the 'Mark handbrake adjustment'

Can confirm the car is going nowhere with just the handbrake!
You can push it, use the engine, but it does not want to move  :y
Title: Re: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: ians on 06 December 2007, 15:13:11
Can I just use an after market idler or should I go to Vx?

The handbrake does come on tight after just a few clicks so I'm surprised that neither side is effective.   Do you think I need to replace shoes or should just a proper adjustment do the trick?    I will look up the maint guide - I previously used the Haynes method.

Cheers,

Ian
Title: Re: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 December 2007, 15:16:55
Steering idler

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Steering-Idler-Arm-110mm-Omega-Carlton_W0QQitemZ200180667241QQihZ010QQcategoryZ10404QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Maintenance guide for brakes...

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152564750

If once you have the drums off, the shoes are in reasonable condition and free to move, then you cna simply brush them out to save complete removal.

But, THE most important thing to do is slacken the handbrake cable right off first.
Title: Re: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 December 2007, 15:17:47
Steering Idler

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1158598664
Title: Re: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: Jimbob on 06 December 2007, 15:20:23
Quote
Steering idler

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Steering-Idler-Arm-110mm-Omega-Carlton_W0QQitemZ200180667241QQihZ010QQcategoryZ10404QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Maintenance guide for brakes...

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152564750

If once you have the drums off, the shoes are in reasonable condition and free to move, then you cna simply brush them out to save complete removal.

But, THE most important thing to do is slacken the handbrake cable right off first.

You recommend ebay for those over vaux?  If So I will get one ordered as well ;)
Title: Re: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 December 2007, 15:22:41
Made by the same people! :y
Title: Re: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: Jimbob on 06 December 2007, 15:24:23
Cheers, off to vaux now for that new battery ;)
Title: Re: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: ians on 06 December 2007, 15:27:13
Thanks Mark, Jimbob

Just got a price for the idler from
http://www.vauxhall-car-parts.co.uk    (not on the web site though)

£25.55 + 2.50 postage.  

Think that would be ok?

Title: Re: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 December 2007, 15:27:41
Yup....
Title: Re: MOT fail - steering idler and handbrake
Post by: ians on 06 December 2007, 15:36:11
Ta :y

BTW - is this part
http://www.vauxhall-car-parts.co.uk/acatalog/Omega-Rear-axle-suspension.html
Rear Suspension Arm Bush  - part the way down

the same thing as the rear subframe mounting bush?

I'm wondering if thats what is causing the clonking from the rear of my estate.
Might be worth getting a couple while I'm at it.