Howdy. I've been experiencing the classic power steering failure and have gone over the wiring connections, which all look ok. I thought everything was fine until last evening, the power steering dropped out completely and I have the dreaded red steering wheel light come up. As I say, I think I have eliminated the wiring and suspect a failure of the pump motor itself. From inspection, the pump looks identical to a Vectra C pump - 2nd hand Croma pump on ebay - £260 - 2nd hand Vectra C pump on ebay - £40. Does anyone know if they are the same?

Here's the Croma version...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-CROM...Parts_SM&fits=Model:Croma&hash=item19f34b70b5

Here's the Vectra C version..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item462d7a4f41

Thoughts?

Hi Cabbie,
If you've ruled out the cable as the problem then as far as I can remember despite looking identical the electronics on the pump are different and you would need a Croma pump.

Maybe someone else can confirm?

Hello Cabbie for £40 why not try the vectra pump just be sure it has the esp socket and terminals if yours has, even belter if you can return it if it doesn't.
If you do need a new pump their cheaper from Germany
https://www.rexbo.eu/trw/hydraulic-pump-steering-system-jer134?c=100199
but still a big gulp!. Before you take the plunge do double check that plug and remove the blue insert to get a good view of the female connection, the male spade on the pump is difficult to see on the car but easy on a bench any arcing will upset the pump!.

That is a bit how I am thinking, though I am slightly nervous of frying the ECU if the pump is different electronically. Interesting link for the exchange pump. Having looked through their site, they have a pump for the Vectra (model randomly chosen) as well, though it does appear to be a different part from the Croma one you pointed out - certainly the price is different..

https://www.rexbo.eu/era-benelux/hydraulic-pump-steering-system-sp81168?c=100199&at=15249

Edit: Even more interesting, the link above has a 'Vehicles' tab, which shows its application for a range of Vauxhall (Opel) and Saab, but doesn't say Croma. Perhaps they are different...

Hmmm...