Vauxhaul Meriva 11 Reg Power Steering

G-McDog

oldagetraveller wrote: »

They're pulling your plonker. It is an electric motor assist on the steering column, module controlled.

In the earlier cars it was a torque sensorfault and required the whole column replacement. I would have thought they would have "fixed" the problem by 2011?
I had an earlier year Meriva, so did my daughter and the sensor failed on both cars. Vauxhall eventually acknowledged a fault and paid out to all those who forked out for a new column outside warranty.
Has there been any warning lights yet? EPS in amber/yellow on the speedometer (sorry, you say there aren't).
There was also a common steering rack factory lubrication problem too, on some cars. Leading to an eventual "groaning" noise from the steering at low speeds. My car suffered that too and again under warranty, a new properly lubricated rack was fitted.
As has been said, a weak/low charge state battery can produce the same symptoms. Not sure about the groaning noise though!

Really interestingly, I went and questioned about changing the steering fluid, considering I thought it was EPAS. The mechanic said my Meriva has both an electric bit and a fluid tank that works in conjunction. He said he topped up the fluid, as well as giving the column a bit of a clean. I was very suspicious. However, whatever he did it seems to have worked!! So the power steering is working properly! So apparently my car has both electric column and a fluid bit!! Thought I'd just update.

Scrapit

If in doubt you could always ask them to show you what they worked on-they'll not show you how to do it but should show you the parts replaced and what's been topped up.

Em0312

I have an 08 plate meriva power steering went and rac called out

Rac checked car only fault was power steering car was towed to vauxhall dealer

Its been there almost 4 WEEKS they havent been able to replicate the fault eventhough its been driven over 400 miles

They rang today to update and its now got a fault with the gears

Who is responsible for that as it wasnt taken in with a gear box fault???

Help apprieciated

CiekursLV

Car mechanic here - you got ripped off. There is no power steering fluid on meriva , its fully electric system.

About charging system - usualy when electric power steering (EPS) start to fail it takes the alternator with it and vice versa.
EPS gets even more power hungry and alternator fails because its drawing more power than it can handle.
Get to other garage and get the fault codes red and ask for full refund at your first mechanic.

If you have specific fault codes let me know, but if its a mistery then i would suggest replacing EPS module and bringing alternator to a good repair shop where they have load tests. Replace all parts that need to be replaced and let it be put on a bench to do load tests.

Those are my 2 cents

oldagetraveller

It was the torque sensor that failed on mine. Complete new column under warranty.
"Car mechanic here - you got ripped off. There is no power steering fluid on meriva , its fully electric system."
Precisely.

jrrowleyws

Not true. The Meriva B has a PAS pump. The Meriva A had a fully electric system. A 2011 meriva should be a model B

hales85

For all of you saying they don't have hydraulic fluid,you are all wrong. I currently have the auto meriva b (2011 plate) my powersteering failed and it was a leak in the hydraulic fluid tank. Replaced the tank and its like new. They definitely do have both coz i now check my levels regularly.