2 simultaneous Focus faults. Are they related?

gabbleRatchet

The power steering on my 52 reg 1.8 TDCi Focus stopped working today. At the same time it's started juddering when I accelerate in fourth or fifth gear.

Could these 2 things be related or is it just coincidence that they occurred at the same time?

forgotmyname

Possibly. Check the belts. Dont drive it until they have been checked.

arcon5

Maybe.
Maybe not.

Steering rack possibly?
You still got PS fluid?
Whats wrong with it?

gabbleRatchet

I haven't checked the belts. It happened after dark but I wouldn't really know what I'm looking at anyway.

So I shouldn't drive it? Damn. The only garage I trust is 40 miles away. I was going to drive it there tomorrow.

TBH it's got 210,000 on the clock and I'm thinking this is the point at which I call it a day and look for something else.

gabbleRatchet

forgotmyname wrote: »

Check the belts.

Hmm. Battery warning light also came on

arcon5

gabbleRatchet wrote: »

Hmm. Battery warning light also came on

Battery lamp.
PS not working.

Screams snapped auxiliary belt to me.

Battery now be charged, PS fluid not being pumped, AC won't work. Better hope there's enough charge left in the battery to start the engine.
There's a lot of electronics in cars now adays, fuel pumps to ignition systems, sensors etc etc. Power for which will be drawn from the battery - it may, it may not even make it 40 miles. Saying that, i've previously made it 60 miles after my alternator failed so it is possible.

You really need to look under the bonnet....

arcon5

Just a thought...

doesn't the TDCi have two auxiliary belts. O/S and N/S of the engine, the NS running power steering pump and water pump off the camshaft....... if so, I guess the question is, does the car overheat?

Under the bonnet op -- look for pullys , they'll have grooves on (well, most + a smooth idler puller)..... what do you see? (or don't as it may be)
Auxiliary belts are easily visible under the bonnet, especially on the focus. You could fit an elephant in the engine bay and still have plenty of space.

Marktheshark

Sounds like the Aux belt or Crank pulley damper thats fallen out, dont drive it anywhere