Ford Focus klunk on when steering left
Variant: 1.8 TDCI 115
Model Year: 2004
Categories:
Steering, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels & Tyres
I have a 2004 focus diesel. I have now noticed a 'tight' spot on the steering wheel. I feel it when i move the wheel slowly to the left, never to the right. It feels like the steering wheel stiffens slightly then you feel a 'thud' and all is ok. It doesn't do it when you turn the wheel sharply like going round a corner or roundabout. It does it also when you are stopped. Having your foot on or off the brake doesnt seem to make any difference. I do notice however that after driving 10 to 15 mins it goes away. The noise does seem to come from the stearing wheel and not from outside. It also has passed it's MOT in the past couple months too. I have also moved the steering wheel to different positions on the height adjustment column, no difference either.
Posted: Oct 21, 2011 (13 years ago)
Have ;ook at you track rod ends. They may be going down and need replacing. Jacl up the car remove the wheel then hold the rod while someone turns the steeriing wheel. Slao keep an eye on the rod enf joint to see if ti is lose
Posted Oct 21, 2011 (13 years ago)
sounds like top strut bearing siezing situated on the top of the mc pherson strut that holds the spring and suspension (easy fix)
Posted Oct 21, 2011 (13 years ago)
check the steering u/j joints on the column for signs of seizing or rust marks and that the pinch bolt where the u/j connects on the rack is tight as it may be loose allowing it to slip slightly which is the thuding noise,i have had earlier ones where the fault was the steering rack itself causing the problem
Posted Oct 21, 2011 (13 years ago)
check the steering u/j joints on the column for signs of seizing or rust marks and that the pinch bolt where the u/j connects on the rack is tight as it may be loose allowing it to slip slightly which is the thuding noise,i have had earlier ones where the fault was the steering rack itself causing the problem
Posted Oct 21, 2011 (13 years ago)
Hi, we have a similar problem with our 2004 Focus 2.0 Estate, owned since new regularly serviced each year, developed a clunking /.knocking noise when turning left, what happens is you start to turn left and you get some resistance like it's sticking, then it clears but you get the clunk/knock noise, it always been when started from cold and it usually went away after car warmed up. Have been to several mechanics who have all been baffled stating that it could be anything from : steering rack, steering pump, top mounts etc etc, as the car has done early 90000 miles and is only worth approx £600 we didn't want to just start changing things at random, on advise of another mechanic we changed the top mounts as it was the cheapest thing to start with, this did improve the problem briefly but it has returned, it is getting worse where it is happening even when the car warms up, have been to a Ford main dealer where I used to work and the service manager says he believes it's the steering rack, if we are to replace this we are looking at a cost of over £500 which is fine if it resolves the problem but seeing as we can't get anyone to give a definitive answer.... Can anyone help???!!
Posted Mar 19, 2015 (9 years ago)
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