How to determine if Steering rack or pressure solenoid needs replacing? VT S1 Calais

[dmb0011]

Hi I have a VT S1 Calais Ecotec.

Does anyone know a procedure to determine if the pressure solenoid or the entire steering rack needs replacing?
My steering is very firm at low speeds (ie below 50kmph) but fine above 50.

I have narrowed it down to either the rack or the solenoid on the rack. I have also checked tyre pressures, all fuses, theres no noise coming from pump, and I can see the hoses move when steering wheel is moved indicating that the there is (at least) some pressure in the hoses.

Also does anyone know of the best place to get a solenoid if thats what I need?

TY

[ispeed]

It's common with these. Do a search on variotronic. With mine I had to get the rack reconditioned.

[DavesCalais]

This is guna sound so bogan of me, i recently went out drifting in my fully sick ecotec (on dirt rofl) and caused the valve in mine to shite itself.. All it does give more or less assistance in relation to vehicle speed. Id get a reco rack asap as it can start working and cut out at anytime. mine went good then lost all power steering. Reco racks are a few hundred and a rebuilt one, a delco rack at holden is 500-550 but there pretty much brand new

[dmb0011]

Hi thanx for the replies, similar thing happened to me with a dirt road finished off the rack, took it to a mech today for a diagnosis and he confirmed it was the whole rack, and he wouldnt recommend replacing the solenoid anyway (in my case at least) because my car has 275000 km on the odo, it would have been a faults within the rack that caused the solenoid to die. so looks like im having to fork out a fair bit to replace the bastard lol

[danbotten]

i would just book it into your local workshop