99 Vectra steering squeak

I just got my 2.5 V6 Vectra back from being MOT'd and it seems to have
delevoped a queak like rubber against plastic, when I move the steering
wheel. It seems to be coming from the steering column area inside the
car, but only happens when the engine is running, which makes me think
it is connected to the PAS. My wife has listened from outside the car
and can't hear anything. Any ideas?

 

It will be the back of the steering wheel rubbing against the plastic
shrouding on the steering column.

Just spray some silicone spray (or furniture polish) in the small gap behind
the steering wheel.

Paul

 

Vectra's used to have a problem with the top pinion seal on the steering
rack drying out. It is where the bit that fastens to the column UJ comes
into the car so can sound like it is inside. Vauxhall's cure was to add a
small amount of additive to the power steering oil and after a couple of
hundred miles it would have lubricated the seal and stopped the noise. I
added it to my old Vectra and it actually worked!!!

 

Thanks to both Paul's, I will try both remedies although I don't think
it is the steering wheel rubbing as the noise is not there if the
engine is off.

I hope I'm not asking a stupid question, but can you tell me what the
additive is, and where I can get it?

Thanks

Jack

 

It is available from your Vauxhall dealer - it comes in a little bottle and
I think it is the same stuff they used to put in Frontera rear axles to stop
them being noisy.

 

What-Sawdust?

Mike

 

Yeah true. Frontera axles were never their strong point !!!!

 

Thanks again, sorry I called you Paul in my first reply, I realised I
misread the posting and you're probably not Paul at all!!

Cheers

 

Blinding, I've just sold my 99 2.5 V6 after 7 years of happy motoring
(word of warning, they aren't worth anything now). My steering wheel
sueaked for all of that 7 years, my friend had a Cavalier that did
exactly the same. I just put it down as a design feature!!!!

 

Do you mean that when I sell mine it won't pay for my luxury life style
in retirement? The squeak seems to have almost disappeared of its own
accord at the moment, bet it'll be back tomorrow now I've said that.

Thanks to all who responded.

Jack

 

Do you mean that when I sell mine it won't pay for my luxury life style

I thought owning a vectra WAS a luxury lifestyle.....

 

It was the nearest I'm going to get! I was ever getting out the shower
to pee after a few years in a Vectra!

 

Some people have all the luck. Around here, Veccies barely have screen
washers, let alone showers..... :-(

 

To stop your price decreasing Vectra from squeaking here is the part number
of the additive - 90004033. Price is about £3.50 inc vat - same price as a
well used 1.8 LS with 140k miles on it!!