Hi folks.
A funny steering effect. In this cooler weather on initial driving the steering feels very stiff as if the power steering is weak. After a couple of miles it seems to free up, as in normal. All fluids ok in fact new pws fluid and no leaks, tyres are about 1/2 worn about 5mm left 205/55 x 15 a touch wider than std (speedo reads approx 5% slow) but all are good and same make all round. Steering couplings all good and lubed well.
Question I am asking is could this be the result of the ps fluid being thicker maybe or has anyone another theory? Cold tyres? Seems to take longer the colder it is and didn't notice it in warmer weather.
Thanks all
Barrie

 

what car?

and yes, fluid cold is more viscous than fluid warm

 

Sorry, senior moment, Focus 2004 1600 zetec 3 door aircon and climate kit.
Many thanks, I was leaning in that direction but not knowing much about p/steering I was lost.
Barrie

 

The steering racks on the MK1 Focus are known to fail quite often.

Normally they fail with a tight spot felt just off center when driving. I've not heard of the steering being tight over the whole range of movement.

Does it do it lock to lock or just for a part of the steering movement.

I had the tight spot and tried everything suspension wise and ended up replacing the rack. Quite a few others I know have had to do the same. (Focus Owners Club).

 

My rs does this. Only when cold.

Try tightening the peddle box bolts

 

as a 2004 model, is it a mk1 or mark 2, could make a difference

sorry

mk1 is the triangle original, mk2 is the rounder version

 

I have this same problem on the escos.

I've not done anything about it yet, but people I've asked have said either the bypass valve in the pump or the valve in the rack.

Can anyone tell me: when on full lock you get a different noise. Is that noise the pump on bypass? I don't hear that when the steering is tight, so would point to the rack.

 

when it hisses its the pump on bypass

there should be a pressure vlave inside to sotp any extra pressure going into the rack

so essentially you are preserving the rack

but if it fucks up, do youchange the pump or the rack orboth or just the fluid and hope it sorts itself out again quickly?

 

Mine is mk 1.5 zetec. It is tight across the whole range of the steering movement and not a single 'notch' although very occasionally feel that 'notch'.
Dojj I get the 'hissing' at the full extent of the rack so take it the relief valve is working ok.
As said before it seems to go 'good' after everything warms up, a couple of miles in this weather. Remember I live in the frozen north LOL. No really I notice it more below about 5/6 degr' or so. Above that it seems ok all the time. That is why I also wondered about tyres in as much as the rubber being cold and therefore stiffer to twisting action.
Glad others have had similar.
Barrie

 

Check your fluid and replace it at least. As others have said Focus racks are prone to failure. We had our fluid replaced and it cured it, despite plenty of people saying it was shot. The old fluid was like petrol it had broken down so much.