Ford Zetec steering problems

jaymoe

I have a Ford Fiesta Zetec, not my fault, its all we could afford.

Yesterday I went to pull away and the steering was stiff. You could only turn the steering wheel a quarter of a turn (if lucky) once the car was moving and you were driving normally the power steering kicked in and there were no problems.
When it came to parking the steering problem reoccurred so the steering seems to go stiff when stationary. You really struggle to move it
I checked the power steering fluid and it was on the max so that can't be the problem. The only other problem I can think of is the steering rack.
Can anyone shed some light on this problem so when I go to the garage I can look like I have an idea and they won't see someone who knows nothing about care and double the price!!!

thefishdude

yoiu say once the car was moving the power steering kicked in, now do you mean it got easier or it kicked in properly cause when the car is moving it is naturally alot lot easier to turn the steering wheel as anyone that has driven older cars with out power steering will know. if that is the case then maybe the poer steering pump has gone.

jaymoe

When I was moving and turning corners it was so much easier. I was weaving down the road to test it out and it was so much nicer to drive, just like how it was prior to this issues it has now so I'd say the power steering is working. Turning round corners there isnt any stiffness. Its only when the car comes to a halt and you have to turn the steering to park.

CKhalvashi

thefishdude wrote: »

yoiu say once the car was moving the power steering kicked in, now do you mean it got easier or it kicked in properly cause when the car is moving it is naturally alot lot easier to turn the steering wheel as anyone that has driven older cars with out power steering will know. if that is the case then maybe the poer steering pump has gone.

Another fairly common problem on Fords (which I’ll still buy every time as they offer great VFM and customer service when things do go wrong!)

I can give you the name of a reputable independent if you’re in the Herts/Essex area, who I’ve let loose with anything that’s been out of warranty for some time!

C

jaymoe

Wheres the person in question? I am in the Brentwood area. I am also trying to go in there with some idea coz me and cars, well we just dont get on lol

CKhalvashi

jaymoe wrote: »

Wheres the person in question? I am in the Brentwood area. I am also trying to go in there with some idea coz me and cars, well we just dont get on lol

D. Bonney, they’re based in Manuden, close to Stansted Airport. Telephone number 01279 813315

They’re Ford/Peugeot specialists, and work out really cheap compared to both Dagenham Motors and Gates Ford (I’ll play the two against each other for maintenance)

My mother has used them since we came to the UK (1991) and I know one of the taxi drivers that has used them for over 30 years! First class service each time, with replaced parts available for inspection.

C

jaymoe

Thanks for the tip, I have friends that live around the area. It may be a little to far from mine, about 70 mile round trip but I will pass the info on to them and get them to use them.

So, sounds like the power steering pump. Can anyone estimate things cost wise. At the back of my mind I think this has gone before. Do they go quickly or was it replaced shoddily (if thats a word)

CKhalvashi

jaymoe wrote: »

Thanks for the tip, I have friends that live around the area. It may be a little to far from mine, about 70 mile round trip but I will pass the info on to them and get them to use them.

So, sounds like the power steering pump. Can anyone estimate things cost wise. At the back of my mind I think this has gone before. Do they go quickly or was it replaced shoddily (if thats a word)

I’d say around £100 + labour, however don’t quote me on this (as stated, I run Ford cars, but on S-Max no.3 now) for a ‘W’ plate Focus 2.0 Ghia, last done in December 2009.

colino

Please don't diagnose this from a distance, with these its just as likely to be the steering knuckle joint that is seizing (cheap) against the power steering pump/rack needing replaced. Pop in to your local, friendly independent and get it properly checked over.

jaymoe

Thats the aim but I also want to go in there looking someone that might have a clue rather than what I really am, someone with no clue whatsoever

jaymoe

Colino, with a steering knuckle joint seizing would it not affect all kinds of steering as at the moment its just seizing when you are at a standstill if you are moving and doing 30mph - 70 mph the steering is acting normally as if there wasn't any problem, its only when you are turning into a road and/or parking that the steering is affecting