Steering Immediately Stiff then Slightly Less
#1
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I own a Ford Focus 1999, 5 door, 1.8 petrol.
Recently I have been using the car for long journeys to work, which consists up to 100 miles a day. Background information if it means anything to anyone, but I doubt it.
Anyway the problem I am occuring is...
When I start the car, the car sounds fine, feels fine - when I am stationary. Okay a I might have a slight over reving, but I had a little tube replaced and the problem was fixed but I think it is only minimised. Besides the point anyway.
So when I move the car forward in first, its okay, but as soon as I turn the steering wheel it immediately is so stiff I have to force the steering wheel to turn. Dangerous!
When I have turned a few more times it seems to be okish, not perfect but it still is noticeable.
Now reading around on the internet it has been suggested that there could possibly be a blockage/contamination in the power steering fluid system. I believe this could be possible.
A possible solution can be a total flush of the system, however I would like to know how much this could cost. Has anyone had this done before? Does anyone know how much it could possibly cost? It has also been suggested to replace the power steering fluid container too. Anyone know about the cost this could present?
Recently I have been using the car for long journeys to work, which consists up to 100 miles a day. Background information if it means anything to anyone, but I doubt it.
Anyway the problem I am occuring is...
When I start the car, the car sounds fine, feels fine - when I am stationary. Okay a I might have a slight over reving, but I had a little tube replaced and the problem was fixed but I think it is only minimised. Besides the point anyway.
So when I move the car forward in first, its okay, but as soon as I turn the steering wheel it immediately is so stiff I have to force the steering wheel to turn. Dangerous!
When I have turned a few more times it seems to be okish, not perfect but it still is noticeable.
Now reading around on the internet it has been suggested that there could possibly be a blockage/contamination in the power steering fluid system. I believe this could be possible.
A possible solution can be a total flush of the system, however I would like to know how much this could cost. Has anyone had this done before? Does anyone know how much it could possibly cost? It has also been suggested to replace the power steering fluid container too. Anyone know about the cost this could present?
#2
Advanced PassionFord User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bridgend, South Wales
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes
on
12 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Sounds more like a steering rack failure (another one! These are common as muck now these focuses are getting on abit)... or the power steering pump!
Had both replaced on mine.
Had both replaced on mine.
#5
Part of the Furniture
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: nottingham
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
but the op... if yours is really stiff to turn constantly id say ether....
its running bone dry
or the pump has had it
#6
15000
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: letterkenny, rep.of ireland
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
itll be the rack mate! if you get your normal mechainc to check the car for you, if he removes the inner steering boot clips and look in towards the rack and pinion youll find theres water there and its going to be all rusted, ive seen two like this in the last 18months
#7
PS3 - MikeyRobbo
![Default](https://passionford.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
yeah deffo be the rack, very common, wouldnt bother wasting money going down the power steering flush route, for it not to work, then you lose all your fresh fluid changing the rack. We fitted a second hand one on an 02 tddi focus with 290k on the clock
racks still okay now though been about 2 years
![Surprised](https://passionford.com/forum/images/smilies/bigcry.gif)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nicodinho
Ford Non RS / XR / ST parts for sale.
6
07-10-2015 12:56 PM
The Enigma
Ford Sierra/Sapphire/RS500 Cosworth
2
12-09-2015 10:12 PM