Vauxhall Meriva diesel pulls to the left!?! Help!

[rhydian_mason]

We've got a 1.7CDTi Meriva, on an '05 plate. A problem appeared a few months ago, namely that the car pulls ever so slightly to the left, and a conscious effort has to be made to keep her going straight.

We've returned the car under warranty to the dealer twice now, and what they've done is adjusted the tyre pressures and tracking, and nothing else. They don't really seem to know what the problem is imo.

These adjustments have not solved the problem, and my feelings are that it's not the tracking that's at fault - I reckon it's the power steering pump. The wheel itself seems to want to 'sit' about 2-3degrees to the left.

Also, just noticed today that BOTH front tyres are down to the minimum - tyres are Pirelli P6000 and are only 6months old!

Anyone had this problem, or know of a possible cause. The car's going back to the dealer tomorrow or Tuesday, and I'd like to get the problem sorted.

Cheers folks!

[BigDave1979]

If you suspect the power steering, pull the fuse out and see if it still pulls.

[rhydian_mason]

good idea. didn't think of that one. Thanks!

[Paul]

Just dont have it back till its sorted, ask to drive another car and see what thats like.

Paul

[SHAOLIN THUMBS]

Please Let Me Know If You've Had Any Joy Mine Does It Too

[SHAOLIN THUMBS]

which fuse?

[rhydian_mason]

Ok - long story short...

We took our Meriva to a diferent dealer (not the one near Aberystwyth who had previously done work) who told us straight away that the fault was most probably the steering rack motor itself. Repair or adjustment was not possible and that it was a fairly big job which requires the dash to come out in order to replace the part - apparently a pig of a job which some dealers simply don't want to do.

They (meaning this Vauxhall dealer in Newtown, Powys) had done quite a few Merivas which have the exact same fault, along with a number of Corsas of a similar age. It is apparently a 'known' fault.

Anyway, the car was written off before repairs could commence.

My advice is steer cleer of Merivas with this fault, or dealers who will not acknowledge the need to do a big job under warranty because they know it's a hassle.

We now have a Ford C-Max which is streets ahead of the Meriva in every way.