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[xeni]

Hi there. I just got registered and i'm new in the forum. Your advise is very much needed.

I have opel omega b 2.2 dti, 2001. I do have also a problem with the steering wheel.
when driving in the plane asphalt, car runs ok (straight) but as soon as there are drains in the road, done by the heavy trucks, the car knows to "throw" you from one to the other side of the road.
Different opinions received. I was told because the large tyre profiles 235/45/17. I doubt that this can be the reason!

Worth mentioning that when turning the wheel to the maximum in both sides, you can hear a noise coming from the hood.

I think that something has to do with the servo pump of the steering wheel. I checked the level of the oil and it was ok.

please advise!

[Nick W]

Your problem is almost certainly caused by worn front suspension parts.

In order these will be: the lower arms or wishbones as they are known;  the steering trackrods and idler arm; worn out shock absorbers and top bearings(which is probably the noise you mention). If you're really unlucky it will be all of these things. Your car will also need the suspension geometry reset which needs specialist equipment and experience.

[xeni]

Thanks Nick for a reply.
I checked the suspension parts and did the geometry as well. everything is ok.

what next?

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Welcome to the forum 

Define 'ok'.

Omegas are very very sensitive to even slightly worn components. Even a fairly good look under the car wouldn't reveal anything noticeable. Getting a prying bar under there and wobbling the wishbones still may not reveal anything. It's only once you've taken the wishbone off, and twisted the thing in a vice that you see a split or a tear - something even then nothing seems to be wrong. Fit new wishobones/bushes, an the problem's cured. I've got a stack of wishbones in the back garden, all look 'ok' but they're all completely unusable. As Nick says, then it's steering idler. Nick W's list is exactly right, and in the right order.

Only other thing I can think that'd cause such an issue would be a completely screwed steering box, but they're pretty bulletproof on Omegas, and which would you rather replace first, a couple of bushes that could be done for less than £50, and a couple of hours or replace the steering box (which is 99% not the problem) and will take a day of grunting and scraped knuckles? 

[05omegav6]

Tyre pressures and tyre shape can also play a key role in the behaviour of the car. .. What tyres are fitted and what pressures do you use?

[xeni]

the "geometry garage" checked all the suspension parts and after confirming that everything is Ok, they have done the geometry.

I have SAVA tyres 225/45/17 (it should be 235/45/17 but I didn't know when I bought them 3 years ago!!!!) and the pressure is 2.2 bar (I don't know in psi!).
I had the same problem (of course much less) even when i bought the tyres. Now is getting worse and worse.

When I'm using winter tyres 195/65/15, the problem is reduced but you can still feel the same phenomenon.

i'm planning this week once again to send to a different suspension specialist and ask for second opinion.

thank you all for your inputs and i'll let you know about the outcome of my issue 

[xeni]

problem solved. it was steering idler arm.

many thanks guys.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Glad to hear it 

Just out of interest - was this a new GM part, or another? I only mention to make you aware, pattern ones are known for not lasting very long.