147
PART 2. MANUAL STEERING
SPECIFICATIONS
Steering gear type ............................ Rack and pinion
Steering column type ...................... Energy absorbing
collapsible and tilt adjustable
Steering wheel free play
(maximum ) ...................................................... 35 mm
Linkage........................... Direct from rack ends to t i e
rods and steering knuckles
Turns lock to lock ................................................. 3.6
Steering column length .................. 534.7-537.3 mm
Steering gear lubricant.............. Castrol EPL 1 grease
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Steering wheel retaining nut ............................ 39 Nm
Steering gear to bulkhead
mounting bolts .............................................. 108 Nm
Tie rod to steering knuckle nut...................... 98 Nm
Tie rod to tie rod end locknut ....................... 98 Nm
Tie rod ball housing to rack............................ 88 Nm
Steering column to mounting
bracket bolt ...................................................... 14 Nm
Steering column universal
coupling joint pinch bolts ............................... 29 Nm
2. STEERING WHEEL
Special Equipment Required:
To Remove Steering Wheel - Steering wheel
puller
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(2) Using a small screwdriver, carefully prise the
centre ornament from the steering wheel.
View of the steering wheel removed from the vehicle.
Steering wheels may vary between models.
1. DESCRIPTION
The steering gear is a rack and p i n i o n type
which is mounted on the lower section of the engine
compartment bulkhead by rubber mountings and
brackets.
The design of this assembly requires a range of
special tools to dismantle and assemble the steering
gear. If the steering gear is found to have a fault which
requires overhaul of the rack and pinion, it is recom-
mended that this be performed by an authorized work-
shop or steering specialist.
However, the procedures for the removal and
installation of the steering gear and the renewal of the
tie rods, the tie rod ends and the rubber boots are fully
covered in this section.
The rack and pinion assembly requires no lubri-
cation during service.
The steering column is of the energy absorbing
type designed to compress in the event of a severe
front end collision. The energy absorbing units are the
outer steering column, the tilt bracket and the steering
shaft. All these units shoul d be handled with extreme
care if service operations are performed on the
steering column assembly.
(3) Remove the steering wh eel retaining nut and
mark the steering shaft and steering wheel hub in
relation to each other as an aid to assembly.
(4) Remove the steering wheel from the steering
shaft.
NOTE: If the steering wheel will not sepa-
rate from the steering shaft, loosen the horn
pad retaining screws at the rear of the
steering wheel and withdraw the horn pad
after disconnecting the wire. A puller can
now be used to pull the steering wheel from
the steering shaft. Do not strike the end of
the steering shaft as sharp blows can cause
irreparable damage to the collapsible steer-
ing shaft.
(5) If necessary the steering wheel can be dis-
mantled as shown in the illustration.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:
(1) Apply a light coat of multipurpose grease to
the horn slip ring and the turn signal canceling pins.
(2) Ensure that the marks on the steering wheel
and steering shaf t are aligned.
(3) Tighten the steering wheel retaining nut to
the specified torque.
148 Steering — Part 2
3. STEERING COLUMN
Special Equipment Required:
To Remove Steering Wheel — Steering wheel
puller
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(2) Working in the engine compartment, mark
the relationship between the steering shaft universal
coupling joint and the steering gear pinion shaft. (3) Remove the pinch bolts from the universal
joint. (4) Working inside the vehi cle, remove the steer-
ing wheel as previously described. (5) Remove the steering column shroud screws,
unclip the lower and upper covers and remove them
from the steering column. (6) Disconnect all the steering column wiring
connectors. (7) Remove the lower trim from underneath the
steering column.
(8) Fold back the insulator and remove the nuts
from the steering colu mn floor bracket.
(9) Remove the nuts from the lower steering
column bracket. (10) Remove the bolts from the tilt bracket
assembly. (11) Maneuver the steering column from the
vehicle.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:
(1) Measure the dimension between the lower
bracket pin and the upper edge of the steering shaft as
shown in the illustration.
If the dimension is not as specified, the steering
shaft has collapsed and the steering column should be
renewed.
(2) Rotate the steering shaft in the column and
check the shaft bearing for roughness and damage.
Renew as necessary. (3) Inspect the steering shaft universal coupling
joints for wear and damage and renew as necessary. (4) Position the steering column assembly under
the dashboard ensuring that the floor bracket is
located correctly and that the steering shaft universal
joint is aligned with the steering gear pinion shaft
marks.
(5) Install all the steering bracket nuts and bolts
finger tight. (6) Install the universal coupling joint pinch bolts
and tighten securely.
(7) Tighten all the stee ring column nuts and
bolts securely. (8) Test the operation of all the steering column
controls when installation is complete.
TO DISMANTLE
(1) Remove the steering column assembly from
the vehicle as previously described. (2) Suitably mark the position of the universal
coupling joint and remove it from the steering shaft. (3) Mark the position of the rubber boot in
relation to the floor bracket and steering column.
Loosen the retaining bands and remove the boot and
floor bracket from th e steering column.
(4) Using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring,
plain washer and wave washer from the upper end of
the steering shaft. (5) Loosen the combination switch retaining
screw, push the combination switch in, turn the switch
and remove it from the steering column. (6) Turn the ignition switch to the On position
and slide the steering shaft from the column assembly. (7) If necessary dismantle the tilt bracket com-
ponents after removing the through bolts. Note the
position of the components to aid assembly. (8) To remove and install the steering lock pro-
ceed as follows: (a) Remove the ignition switch retaining screw
and carefully withdraw the switch from the steering
lock bracket.
View of the steering column assembly removed from
the vehicle. Steering column length is shown as dimen- sion A. A - 534.7-537.3 mm. Dismantled view of the steering lock and ignition
switch assembly.
Steering — Part 2 149
Dismantled view of the steering column and tilt bracket assembly.
(b) Using a suitable drill, carefully remove the
heads of the steering lock br acket shear type retaining
bolt heads. Remove the steering lock bracket from the
column.
(c) Install the steering lock to the column
using
new shear bolts. Ensure that the steering lock is
operating correctly and tigh ten the shear bolts until
the heads snap off.
(d) Install the ignition switch and tighten
the
retaining screw securely.
TO CHECK AND INSPECT
(1) Thoroughly clean and dry the components
using a suitable solvent.
(2) Inspect the steering shaft for bends, damage
and wear. Pay particular attention to the steering shaft
universal coupling joint and the internal and external
splines. Renew as necessary. (3) Inspect the steering column upper bearing
for ease of operation and if necessary, renew the
column assembly.
TO ASSEMBLE
Assembly is a reversal of the dismantling proce-
dure with attention to the following points:
(1) Install the steering shaft to the column.
Ensure that the steering shaft is correctly located in
the upper bearing and insta ll the wave washer and the
plain washer. Install the snap ring using a ring
spanner
which has minimum clearan ce over the steering shaft.
(2) Install the rubber boot and floor bracket
to
the steering column aligning the marks made during
removal. If no marks were made, align the cutouts of
the rubber boots with the protrusions on the steering
column and the floor bracket. (3) Before installing the tilt bracket assembly to
the column, measure the steering column length as
shown on the illustration.
If the length is not as specified, the steering
column and the steering shaft must be renewed as an
assembly.
(4) Install the tilt bracket, lever, through bolt,
washers and adjusting nu t to the t i l t bracket.
(5) Before installing the column assembly to the
vehicle adjust the column tilt lever as follows:
(a) Position the tilt lever in its locked position,
the end of the lever should contact the flanged portion
of the tilt bracket.
(b) Tighten the adjusting bolt to 11 Nm.
(c) Unlock the tilt lever fully and ensure that the
column moves smoothly up and down the tilt bracket. (d) Return the tilt lever to the locked position
and ensure that the column is locked securely. Adjust
the tilt bracket thro ugh bolt if necessary.
(6) Install the universal coupling joint to the
lower steering shaft and tighten the pinch bolt se-
curely.
(7) Install the steering column assembly to
the
vehicle as previously described.
4. STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY
Special Equipment Required:
To Renew Tie Rod Ball Housings — Large Still-
sons.
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
( 1 ) Working in the engine compartment and
with the wheels in the straight ahead position, suitably
152
PART 3. POWER STEERING
SPECIFICATIONS
Steering gear type ................Rack and pinion with
integral power cylinder
Steering column type .................... Energy absorbing
collapsible and lilt adjustable
Steering wheel free play ................................. 35 mm
Number of turns lock to lock:
TRW ...............................................................2.82
PR24SA ........................................................... 2.7
Linkage.....................................Direct from rack ends
to ti e rods and steering knuckles
Power steering pump
maximum pr essure.................................... 6 865 kPa
Lubricant ...................................................... Dexron II
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Steering gear to bulkhead mounting bolts... 108 Nm
Tie rod to steering knuckle nut ...................... 98 Nm
Tie rod to tie rod end locknut....................... 98 Nm
Tie rod ball housing to rack............................ 88 Nm
Power steering pump pulley nut ..................... 68 Nm
1. DESCRIPTION
The vehicles covered by this manual are equipped
with either a TRW power steering system or a
Japanese PR24SA power steering system.
Both types are similar in construction and appear-
ance.
The power steering is a rack and pinion type
which is mounted on the lower section of the engine
compartment bulkhead by rubber mountings and
brackets.
Hydraulic pressure is supplied to the power
steering gear by a pump driven by a drive belt from
the engine.
The power steering pump has a separate fluid
reservoir located on the righ t side of the bulkhead.
No lubrication of the steering gear or steering
pump is required in service and in the event of the
loss of power assistance, the steering will continue to
operate but will require a greatly increased effort.
However, as the steering gear and pump are lubricated
by the power steering fluid, the cause of the loss of
power steering or fluid loss must be determined and
repaired promptly to prevent damage to the steering
pump and to a lesser extent, the steering gear.
The t i e rod ends and rubb er boots can be renewed
without removing the steering gear from the vehicle.
To renew the integral t i e rod and tie rod ball housings,
the steering gear must be removed.
As specialist knowledge and equipment are re-
quired to overhaul the power steering gear and the
hydraulic pump, it is recommended that these op-
erations be carried out by an authorized dealer.
However, procedures for the removal and installa-
tion of the steering gear and pump are fully de-
scribed in this section.
The steering column is of the energy absorbing
type and is designed to collapse in the event of a
severe front end collision. The energy absorbing com-
ponents are the column tu bes, steering shaft and tilt
bracket breakaway capsules. All these components
should be handled with extr eme care if service opera-
tions are to be carried out on the steering column
assembly.
2. IN CAR ADJUSTMENTS, CHECKS AND
MINOR REPAIRS
If the power steering system becomes partially or
fully inoperative it is most important that the follow-
ing preliminary inspection and testing procedure be
performed prior to undertaking any trouble shooting
or repair operations.
PUMP DRIVE BELT
Inspect the pump drive belt for breakage, glazing
or wear. If any of these characteristics are evident,
renew the belt using only a genuine replacement.
If the belt is loose but still serviceable, adjust it
using the procedure outlined in the Engine Tune-up
section.
NOTE: In most cases a loose drive belt can
be heard squealing when a load is placed on
the pump as the steering wheel is turned or
as the engine speed is increased.
Checking the power steering pump drive belt for
deterioration.
Steering — Part 3 153
TO CHECK FLUID LEVEL
Check the fluid level in the power steering reser-
voir when the fluid is cold.
If it is necessary to top up the fluid, fill to between
the arrow marks on the dipstick using the recom-
mended fluid.
NOTE: Do not overfill the reservoir.
Checking the power steering fluid level using the
dipstick incorporated in the cap.
TO CHECK FOR FLUID LEAKS
Using a suitable solvent, clean around all power
steering assemblies and hose fittings where fluid
leakage might occur and start the engine. Turn the
steering wheel from one steering lock to the other
several times and stop the engine. Check for leakage.
Where leakage is found at ho se fittings, tighten and
recheck.
If the leak remains, renew the hoses or fittings as
required.
Where leakage is found in the steering gear
assembly or pump assembly, specialist attention is
necessary.
TO CHECK STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY
With the engine running and the steering wheel in
the straight ahead positi on, measure the free move-
ment of the steering wheel before the front wheels
move. This is specified as steering wheel free play and
if it exceeds Specifications, check for free play in the
steering linkages and the universal coupling joints. If
these components are satisfactory, it will be necessary
to remove the steering gear from the vehicle for
renewal or overhaul.
PUMP BELT TENSION
The procedure for adjusting the power steering
pump bell tension is describe d in the Engine Tune-up
section
TO PURGE THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM
OF AIR
(1) Check that the pump reservoir is filled to the
correct mark on the dipstick. (2) Raise the front of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands. (3) Turn the steering wheel quickly from lock to
lock several times, recheck the fluid level within the
pump reservoir and top up if required. (4) Start the engine, allow it to idle and slowly
turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times.
Do not hold the steering at full lock for more than 15
seconds. (5) Check the fluid level in the pump reservoir,
top up if necessary. (6) If the fluid is aerated within the pump
reservoir or if pump noise persists, repeat operations
(3) to (6).
3. STEERING WHEEL
The procedure for removing and installing the
steering wheel is fully covered in the Manual Steering
section under the above heading.
4. STEERING COLUMN
The procedure for removing, dismantling and
assembling the steering column is fully covered in the
Manual Steering section under the above heading.
5. POWER STEERING PUMP
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
( 1 ) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
View of the power steering pump removed from the
vehicle.
154 Steering —
(2) Remove the air inlet duct from the air
cleaner and throttle body. (3) Position a container or a piece of cloth
beneath the steering pump reservoir and disconnect
the fluid return and power steering pump supply hose
from the reservoir.
(4) Loosen the steering pump drive belt as
described in the Engi ne Tune-up section.
(5) Loosen the return hose clamp and the supply
union and disconnect the hoses from the power
steering pump. Plug the hoses to prevent the loss of
fluid.
(6) Loosen the retaining bolts and withdraw the
pump. (7) Thoroughly clean the exterior of the steering
pump and inspect it for cracks, damage and signs of
leakage.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:
(1) Install the pump and retaining bolts.
(2) Install the drive belt and adjust it as de-
scribed in the Engine Tune-up section. (3) Install the hoses to the power steering pump
and tighten securely. (4) Top up the pump reservoir and purge the
power steering system of air as previously described.
TO OVERHAUL
As specialist knowledge and equipment arc re-
quired to overhaul the power steering pump, it is
recommended that this operation be performed by an
authorized dealer or steering specialist.
6. POWER STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY
Special Equipment Required:
To Renew Tie Rod Ball Housings — Large Still-
sons
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
The procedures for removing and installing the
power steering gear are similar to those carried out in
the Manual Steering section under the Steering Gear
Assembly heading except fo r the following differences.
(1) Place a container under the pressure and
return pipes that are conn ected to the steering gear
valve housing. Remove the pipes and allow the fluid
to drain into the container. (2) Suitably seal the pipes and the steering gear
to prevent the entry of di rt whilst the pipes are
removed.
(3) Upon removal of the power steering gear,
thoroughly clean the steering gear except the tie rod
ends in a suitable solvent. Be careful not to allow the
solvent to enter the apertu res where the pressure and
return pipes were removed. (4) Check the pipes and co nnections for cracks,
damage or obstructions and renew as necessary.
Installed view of the power steering gear with the
engine removed.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:
(1) Install the pressure and return pipes to the
steering gear valve housing and tighten securely. (2) Fill the power steering reservoir to the cor-
rect level and bleed the system as described previously
under the heading In Car Adjustments. Checks and
Minor Repairs. (3) Check all power steering pipe connections
for leaks and repair as necessary. (4) Check, and if necessary, adjust the front
wheel toe in as described in the Front Suspension
section. After adjustment ensure that the rubber boots
are not distorted or twisted and the rubber boot
clamps and clips are facing downward.
TO OVERHAUL
As specialist knowledge and equipment are re-
quired to overhaul the power steering gear, it is rec-
ommended that this opera tion be performed by an
authorized dealer or steering specialist.
TO RENEW TIE ROD BALL HOUSINGS
TRW Steering Gear
The renewal of the tie rod ball housings is the
same as for the manual steering gear. Refer to Part 2.
Manual Steering section.
PR24SA Steering Gear
(1) Remove the power steering gear assembly
from the vehicle as previously described.
(2) Carefully mount the power steering gear in a
vice equipped with soft jaws. Loosen the tie rod end
locknuts without disturbing the location of the tie rod
ends and unscrew the tie rod ends, taking note of the
number of turns required to remove them. Unscrew
and remove the locknuts from the tie rod. (3) Remove the clamps from the rubber boots
and remove the boots.
162 Front Suspension
the ball joint or bushes as described later in this
section.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:
(1) When installing the control arm bush
bracket, ensure that the protrusion on the bracket is
towards the inside of the vehicle.
(2) Do not fully tighten the control arm bush
bolts and through bolt nut until the curb weight of the
vehicle is on the suspension.
NOTE: Curb weight is with the vehicle
unladen except for a full tank of fuel and
normal amounts of oil and water and with
the spare lyre, jack and hand tools in their
normal positions.
(3) Tighten the ball joint nut to the specified
torque and retain with a new split pin.
TO CHECK AND RENEW BALL JOINT
(1) Remove the control arm from the vehicle as
previously described.
(2) Install the ball joint nut and turn the ball
joint at least ten revolutions to ensure that the ball
joint is correctly seated. (3) Using a spring scale with the hook placed
over the split pin hole, check the ball joint swinging
torque. A new ball joint should measure 15.7-80.4 N
and a used ball joint should measure 7.8-80.4 N.
Renew the ball joint if necessary. (4) Using a small torque wrench or preload
gauge, measure the force requi red to rotate the ball
joint. A new ball joint should measure between
1.0-4.9 Nm and a used ball joint should measure
between 0.5-4.9 Nm. Renew the ball joint if neces-
sary.
(5) To renew the ball joint, remove the snap ring
from the stud end of the ball joint using snap ring
pliers. (6) Support the control arm in a press, ball joint
stud uppermost, with a suitable tube that is large
enough for the ball joint to pass through. (7) Press the ball joint out from the control arm.
(8) Press a new ball joint into the control arm
using a suitable tube that pushes on the outer circum-
ference of the joint only.
(9) Install the snap ring and install the
control
arm to the vehicle as previously described.
TO RENEW CONTROL ARM BUSHES
(1) Remove the control arm from the vehicle as
previously described. Mark the position of the rear
control arm bush. (2) To remove the rear control arm bush use a
bearing puller and a press. When installing the bush
use a suitable tube that pushes on the inner edge of the
bush only. NOTE: Ensure that the bush is installed
with the flat portion in its original location.
(3)
To remove the front control arm bush use a
suitable tube that pushes on the outer circumference
of the bush and a split tu be supporting the control
arm. (4) After the bush has been pressed out approx-
imately half way, cut the protruding part of the bush
using a hacksaw. Cutting the bush in this way will
allow removal.
(5) Support the control arm and push the new
bush in from the outside using a suitable tube that
pushes on the outer circumference only. (6) Install the control ar m to the vehicle as
previously described.
6. STABILISER BAR
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands.
(2) Remove the bolts at the flexible joint retain-
ing the front engine pipe to the exhaust pipe located
below the stabilizer bar. (3) Remove the bolt from the exhaust pipe
mounting below the stabilizer bar. Disconnect the
exhaust pipe at the flexible joint and allow the front of
the pipe to hang down. (4) Remove the stabilizer bar bracket retaining
bolts and remove the stabilizer bar brackets from the
vehicle. (5) Remove the stabilizer bar lower link nuts
from each control arm. When removing the lower nuts
it may be necessary to hold the upper nuts with a
spanner.
(6) Maneuver the stabilizer bar from the
vehicle.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:
(1) Ensure that the stabilizer bar mounting rub-
bers are in a serviceable condition and secure in the
mounting brackets.
Dismantled view of one end of the stabilizer bar.
172
BRAKES
SPECIFICATIONS
Type:
Except Pulsar/Vector GL from
July 1989 and Astra models ... Four wheel disc
Pulsar/Vector GL from
July 1989 and Astra models —
Front...............................................................Disc
Rear..............................................................Drum
Operation:
Footbrake ............... Vacuum assisted diagonally
split dual hydraulic
Handbrake................ Mechanical on rear wheels
Fluid type ...........................................................Dot 4
Master cylinder:
Make ........................................................ Girlock
Bore diameter —
Large .................................................... 25.40 mm
Small .................................................... 20.64 mm
Front disc brakes:
Caliper bore diameter ........................... 48.1 mm
Disc diameter ........................................ 240 mm
Disc thickness, minimum ......................... 16 mm
Disc runout, maximum ......................... 0.07 mm
Disc pad thickness, minimum ....................2 mm
Rear disc pads:
Caliper bore diameter ......................... 30.16 mm
Disc diameter ........................................ 234 mm
Disc thickness, minimum ...........................9 mm
Disc runout, maximum .......................... 0.07 mm
Disc pad thickness, minimum ....................2 mm
Rear drum brakes:
Wheel cylinder bore diameter ............ 15.87 mm
Drum diameter, maximum ............... 204.50 mm
Drum out of round, maximum.............. 0.03 mm
Drum runout, maximum ........................ 0.05 mm
Brake lining wear limit ........................... 1.5 mm
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Brake pedal bracket to body........................... 11 Nm
Brake pedal pivot bolt ..................................... 11 Nm
Brake servo unit to body................................. I I N m
Brake servo unit to master cylinder ............... 11 Nm
Pressure differential piston plug ...................... 12 Nm
Proportioning valve plug................................. 27 Nm
Caliper anchor plate bolts ............................... 52 Nm
Caliper guide bolts .......................................... 31 Nm
Brake hose to caliper....................................... 34 Nm
Handbrake cable bracket bolt ......................... 49 Nm
Handbrake lever to body ................................ 11 Nm
Cable clamp to body....................................... 11 Nm
Cam lever nut.................................................. 49 Nm
1. BRAKES TROUBLE SHOOTING
BRAKE PEDAL HARD
(1) Seized caliper piston or wheel cylinder: Over-
haul the caliper or wheel cylinder.
(2) Seized master cylinder piston: Overhaul the
master cylinder. (3) Seized pedal pivot: Rectify or renew the
pedal pivot shaft and bushes. (4) Restricted brake line: Remove the restriction
or renew the brake line.
(5) Vacuum servo system inoperative: Check
and repair the servo system.
NOTE: The vacuum servo system can be
checked as follows: With the engine
switched off, pump the brake pedal several
times to deplete any vacuum in the system.
With the engine still switched off, press
down firmly on the brake pedal and hold it
there noting the position and pressure re-
quired. Start the engine. If the servo unit is
operating correctly, the brake pedal will sink
slightly and the pressure required to hold it
may reduce. If the pedal does not sink
slightly when the engine is started, check the
vacuum supply to the servo unit. If vacuum
is reaching the brake servo unit, the unit can
be considered inoperative.
BRAKE DRAG
(1) Clogged master cylinder ports: Clean the
master cylinder and the fluid reservoir. Renew the
brake fluid. (2) Seized caliper piston or wheel cylinder: Over-
haul the caliper or wheel cylinder.
(3) Seized handbrake linkage: Free up or renew
the linkage.