Hi all,

discovered today the O/S steering arm has some play in it. A few questions....

1. These don't appear to be a replaceable/serviceable item like they are on some cars, is that correct?

2. I can only find ACS listed on ebay and a quick google. Price is 140 quid including delivery and they pick up the old unit from you. Are there any other recommended suppliers that the members here know of or could recommend?

3. What is the job like to do as a DIY job.......for reference I service and cambelt my own car so am no stranger to a spanner just have not done this job and would appreciate any input from those who have done it.

Just another minor point. The dreaded power steering light quite frequently comes on when I start the car but will go out if I turn off the ignition and restart the engine (sometimes requires 3 or 4 goes but usualy only 1) could this be down to the play? The light has never come on whilst driving.

Thanks for reading and hope all you guys are well.

Trackrod end for the bit that goes to the hub. £10?

Tierod or inner tierod for the bit between the trackrod end and steering rack, i paid £19 i belive.

What sort of miles has yours got on?

Steering fault sounds like battery to me.

Thanks for the reply. The track rod end is fine. Its where the steering arm meets the rack inside the gator. Just not sure if its a changeable item or not.

I was kinda thinking the steering light might be the angle sensor (common on these i believe) but wondered if play in the rack might have had something to do with it.

"Steering fault sounds like battery to me."

I would agree with this. Mine has done this for years, if it's warm overnight it doesn't happen. My light nearly always goes off on the 1st restart but prior to changing my battery it could take a second or third try. I always give the car rev prior to restarting. Too much power out of the battery to the glowplugs, not enough for the power steering.

Yes you can change the steering arm on its own, they normally come with a new track do end.

Thanks once again for the replies....you guys really know your stuff!

I did some more research last night and I did manage to find a site that listed 2 different racks for the SDI. One with removeable arms and one without. Apparently not interchangeable due to the way the angle sensor is wired.

Can anyone tell me what I'm looking for under the car to tell the difference?

Sorry to be a pest!

Edited 17 August, 201213 yr by capriman

I've never seen one without removable arms.

Just get a genuine arm, then you know your getting the right one made to correct standards.

thanks techie1

I actually rang my usually parts place today and they list two parts depending on the make of the rack. A TRW....and another which I can't remember at this time of night (lucas possibly?) but both parts listed and both around a tenner. A lot better than the 140 for a new rack!

I'm liking these wee SDI's more by the day!