Ford KA steering/tracking
Variant: 1.3
Model Year: 2002
Categories:
Steering, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels & Tyres
Right, this is one that's been confusing me for well forever. My 2002 Ford Ka had a problem where as it would suddenly veer to the left or right as if blown by wind. I took it to the garage, they did the tracking, it went again. Also in this time i went through 6 brand new tyres on the front axle in 3 weeks and it was becoming unaffordable. Eventually I had new wish bones, suspension bits and pieces fixed and the issue went away for a while, recently it has come back. So I had 2 new Tracking Control Arms fitted, it's now the worst its ever been. Literally a friend did my tacking for me and by the time I went to the end of my road, round a roundabout and back again the car was nearly an inch toe in again. It literally screeches the whole way along when I drive and I have had to borrow my girlfriends car. I am completely lost as to what it could be but now it's been suggested that my steering rack could need replacing. I don't want to fork out £300 for a new rack in case this is still not it. I have spent over £350 on tyres now and it's becoming ridiculous. Any ideas???
Posted: May 15, 2011 (13 years ago)
Well the steering rack is the only part left to replace from what you have said on the repairs you have already done.
Posted May 15, 2011 (13 years ago)
You need to get a full geometry test carried out covering camber / castor and not just wheel alignment . With something as bad as you describe with tyre wear it should be easily seen looking at wheel angle before you even put gauges on , must be miles out .
Posted May 15, 2011 (13 years ago)
Yeah you can see the wheel sitting at a really bad camber. Would I still need a rack fitted as this is a recurring problem?
Posted May 16, 2011 (13 years ago)
Unlikely to be rack unless severe wear causing geometry settings to alter and it would be that bad you couldn't help but notice it .Apart from that all the people who have worked on car and adjusted wheel alignment etc .should have checked for wear on rack beforehand .
Posted May 16, 2011 (13 years ago)
Hi, ive just seen your post re. 2002 KA steering problems. I also have a 2002 KA and have the same problem! Driving in a straight line and the car will veer to the left or right suddenly, and also changing up through the geers (particulary 4th to 5th) the car wil veer to left or right. Last year it did it and i spent a few hundred getting the Universal Joint replaced (and the whole rack, as i have power steering you cant just buy the UJ, you have to buy the whole thing!) and its been fine until last month it started this new thing.. anyway i had the wishbones replaced today as i was told this would be the problem (tyres were also being worn unevely very quickly) but this hasnt helped! Just given me a rattle in the passenger footwell now. Wondered if you had had your problem sorted yet? and if yes, how? Thanks
Posted Jun 7, 2011 (13 years ago)
hey, glad i came across this.
i've a 06 ford ka and a couple of months again my car felt like it was sliding on the road just felt there was no grip. i'm a bit wary driving it cause i've taken it to a few garages and keep getting told different things. my wishbones at the front were done last oct and a garage has said maybe the bushes inside them could be soft. to look at everything on the car looks fine. been told to change my tyres all round, get the tracking done which i have done but still not right. now i've been told the problem is not at the front it is actually at the back. there is 2 bushes on the back axle infront of the wheels that seem to be worn so now they say that is what is causing the problem.
just wondering if anyone else has maybe been told that. don't want to spend money on thing it "might" be.
any advice would be grateful.
i've a 06 ford ka and a couple of months again my car felt like it was sliding on the road just felt there was no grip. i'm a bit wary driving it cause i've taken it to a few garages and keep getting told different things. my wishbones at the front were done last oct and a garage has said maybe the bushes inside them could be soft. to look at everything on the car looks fine. been told to change my tyres all round, get the tracking done which i have done but still not right. now i've been told the problem is not at the front it is actually at the back. there is 2 bushes on the back axle infront of the wheels that seem to be worn so now they say that is what is causing the problem.
just wondering if anyone else has maybe been told that. don't want to spend money on thing it "might" be.
any advice would be grateful.
Posted Sep 8, 2011 (13 years ago)
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