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Author Topic: Handling Problem  (Read 892 times)

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hedgerley

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Handling Problem
« on: 23 November 2008, 12:43:34 »
Hi,

New to the Forum but not ownership - I have a 1998 3.L MV6 Estate (Automatic) which has given me virtually no trouble at all in 6 years and 115k miles of ownership. However, for the first time ever I am baffled, as is my local Vauxhall dealer, the guys who have looked after it since I bought it. Its been main dealer serviced, as per schedule, all its life and apart from a blown head gasket and leaking water pump, it has never let me down. In fact its been the most reliable car I have ever had and its my third Omega.

A few months ago the front end began 'go light' under normal driving and a pull to the right under heavy braking developed. As it was around main service/MOT time I got the dealer to check it out. They did the usual - suspension, suspension mounts, track rod ends, steering arms, wishbones, bearings, discs, wheel balance, brake lines.discs/pads etc. They also checked out the wheel and steering geometry. Everything was well in spec and in perfectly good order. However the problem remained and in fact got so bad my wife refused to drive the car.

As the rear tyres were getting close to replacement, I put 4 new tyres on and ftted new brake pads at the front. I then got second and third opinions on the set up - again, all was within spec and nothing was worn - after all it had just passed its MOT with flying colours. We turned our attention to the PAS pump. No leaks but a definate 'stickiness' at turning extremes. So, a fully refurbished unit was fitted two weeks ago.

Normal driving has been improved but still feels to light, certainly not as crisp as it should be. In fact it almost feels like the front end is driving on ice at times. Under braking there is a definite pull to the right and and it feels 'squirrily' as I slow down. It takes an effort to keep it in a straight line. Then as I lift off when I come to a stop there is a definate 'kick' to the left. When turning left at a junction for example, if I let go of the wheel as I stop under braking, the wheel spins hard left of its own accord, accompanied by a 'clunk' and I oversteer the corner.

So, I am baffled and 3 garages are also clueless. As far as I can tell we have investigated/replaced everything that can be. And still my wife refuses to drive the car! Is there anyone out there who can help?
« Last Edit: 23 November 2008, 12:45:45 by hedgerley »
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Jimbob

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Re: Handling Problem
« Reply #1 on: 23 November 2008, 12:49:36 »
Hello & Welcome  :y

There is one place we know of that can likely help...

Wheels in motion, they are THE experts in Omega geometry, and dont stick to the manufactures very wide tolerances, but have worked out the specifics.

Tony really understands geometry, and will work out why your car is doing what it is doing and will likely be able to correct it.

He is based in Chesham, Bucks, dont know how far from there you are, but many of us have found a very long round trip to be worthwhile!

You may want to update your profile as to your car and location, to better tailor some help.
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hedgerley

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Re: Handling Problem
« Reply #2 on: 23 November 2008, 13:49:04 »
Many thanks. I've just spent half an hour trawling through the Forum (which I should have done first of course!) and found several references to WIM - unfortunately I live in Scotland will find it difficult to get down there this side of Christmas.

However, I happened on a thread with owners detailing identical problems and potential fixes. It seems the 6 cylinder models have a 'Servotronic' relay and control module which looks after the PAS, the failure of which can cause the symptoms I have. This was news to me and will probably be news to my garage when I tell them tomorrow. Maybe this is the miracle cure!
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Jimbob

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Re: Handling Problem
« Reply #3 on: 23 November 2008, 13:51:59 »
We do have a forum admin in Scotland "Hotel21" (Fife iirc) he has a Tech 2 (the vauxhall computer) who may be able to adjust the setting for you...

However, if this has recently started happening, this changing wont fix anything.

They can be set to 3 levels of assistance iirc.
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Omegatoy

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Re: Handling Problem
« Reply #4 on: 23 November 2008, 14:42:54 »
clue is in the sector where you describe the kick to the lift when lifting off!! would bet money the rear donuts are shagged and its th rear end steering the front!!!  :y
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hedgerley

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Re: Handling Problem
« Reply #5 on: 23 November 2008, 15:04:51 »
Don't think so. At the service/MOT 6 weeks ago both ends were fully checked. No problems with the rear at all. I'll continue the process of ellimination and get the Servotronic thingy replaced/programmed. Thanks anyway.
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feeutfo

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Re: Handling Problem
« Reply #6 on: 23 November 2008, 15:38:33 »
Quote
Don't think so. At the service/MOT 6 weeks ago both ends were fully checked. No problems with the rear at all. I'll continue the process of ellimination and get the Servotronic thingy replaced/programmed. Thanks anyway.

I have had a servotronic module fail, it went intermitently stiff, no reason why it should not fail the other way and over assist, a recent thread on here, by sophos9 iirc, mentioned the various settings via tech 2, it is normally set to minimum assist from the factory, any further help from the stearing was said to be rather lively. Sounds like a pm to hotel21 for tech 2 session is in order. And a bloody site cheaper, vx will most likely go cross eyed at the mention of tech 2. Hth
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Andy B

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Re: Handling Problem
« Reply #7 on: 23 November 2008, 16:52:40 »
Quote
Don't think so. At the service/MOT 6 weeks ago both ends were fully checked. ...

Years back my Senator passed its MOT with fubar'd rear donut bushes, the metal centre had come away completely from the rubber. That was despite asking him specifically to give the rear a good coat of looking at.  :-/
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hedgerley

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Re: Handling Problem
« Reply #8 on: 23 November 2008, 18:26:31 »
I hear you. Took my bike up to the local dealer for its MOT yesterday. Passed OK but as I backed it back into my garage I noticed the brake light wasn't working with the front brake. Marvellous. You do wonder what else the inspections might miss.
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