hi guys is it common for the steering rack to start knocking on these cars or is it just ford are crap? i had 3 focus's so far (1.8 zetec, 1.8tdi an st) and they all have had knocking steering racks. last ford im buying definately

 

i had a st 170 for 5 years and never had a problem with the rack now got a mk 1 rs and no rack problems with that either

 

i had mine 2 days and it started knocking.

 

when do you hear it knock?

 

ive changed it now but it was when started and just turn it slightly to the left you could feel it clunk like it was jumping a tooth or something, if you change yours and get stuck with owt just give me a shout .

 

If I'm at a standstill an move my steering left to right an vice versa it knocks pretty loud. It turns fine when I'm driving but over bumps it knocks bad an feel it through the wheel. Checked all bushes, droplinks etc an all seem fine

 

check the springs arnt snapped but it sounds like you rack like mine was

 

Going to check my springs again as it seems to bottom out over speed bumps an car seems pretty low for a standard rated spring.

 

i just done a search under steering wheel an checked the steering rod/shaft and can actually move it back an forward by hand maybe 3-5mm. it clunks when i move it. sound like new rack or is there a nut to tighten on the steering rack system?

 

Steering rack is fudged.

 

Can you use the rack off a different model or is it an st fit only? St racks are more difficult to find but have access to lots of 1.8 zetecs etc....

 

st racks are quick racks,

 

Balls sounds as though mine has the same problem

if im stationary and i turn the wheel slightly to the left then to the right i can feel/hear a clunk. if i do it in the other direction it doesnt do it.

 

could it be the inner tie rods??

 

https://passionford.com/forum/ford-f...ing-noise.html