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ford focus power steering issues


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coastalwelding
Novice

Oct 3, 2011, 9:39 PM

Post #1 of 14 (44221 views)
  post locked   ford focus power steering issues  

I have a 2007 Ford Focus with a 2.o litre engine and 132K miles on it. 10,000 miles ago the power steering pump started growling- ps fluid was full of airbubbles. Turn vehicle off, checked fluid- okay. Waited until cooled, checked fluid- still ok. Vehicle had 115K miles on so decided to flush system. Against my better judgement I was told could use ATF. Took about 15 flushes and finally got the noise to stop. Engine still had a slight whine which I mistook as ps pump. After R&R of pump I realized it was an idler pulley. Prior to installing new pump I flushed system with a flush & conditioner kit. New pump bled quickly and functioned great for about 2K miles. Once again aeration and growling is back in system with still no apparent leaks to closed system. With the exception of fluid bleeding out of cap when wheel turned hard in either direction, with & without engine running. With front tires raised off ground, if I move wheels side to side by hand I can hear air in rack & pinion. Would appreciate anybodys input.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Oct 4, 2011, 12:53 AM

Post #2 of 14 (44183 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

Rack and pinion could be the problem and might need help to diagnose that. IMO almost all cars ATF and PS fluid are compatible,



coastalwelding
Novice

Oct 4, 2011, 9:16 PM

Post #3 of 14 (44167 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

Thanks for that. I'ld like to do a pressure test but dont have any adapters that will work. Have you ever seen Hoses defragment from the inside that might cause a restriction? Speaking of restrictions, I noticed that their is a factory restrictor in the return line. Whats up with that?
As far as rack and pinions go, I agree with you , but I'm wondering why I am not feeling any resistance in the steering wheel. Just a terrible growling noise, And air bubbles in the fluid. I've never torn down a rack, so I'm not sure what seal would go bad , I've pulled breather off and looked for any oil = found none.
Any more ideas will be welcomed, THANKS, Stumped!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Oct 5, 2011, 1:17 AM

Post #4 of 14 (44159 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

OK - if willing put some of what's called "Trans-X" in with PS fluid - just a little. I don't generally believe in magic in a can/bottle but it should stop the foaming which ATF or PS fluid is supposed to do on its own but also dissolves any sludge/sticky shellac built up for either automatic transmissions or power steering items but could take a day to work.

Stuff is a strong solvent and use just a little. If PS is too full mark or toss a turkey baster and suck some out but DON'T mix it up with anything for food - EVER. Sold at NAPA parts stores or elsewhere but that exact product.

It's strong so don't overdo it! As said, don't like magic in a bottle but stuff works! In all my own (too many) vehicles and high cure rate with no damage.

Hope that alone can cure it or get help with the diagnosis or fluid change entirely first if tight and safe ATF as PS fluid is full of detergents to fight foaming and stickiness in the system. Keep it full no matter as you risk making more harm and costly repair,

T



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Oct 5, 2011, 3:09 AM

Post #5 of 14 (44152 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

You are getting air introduced into the system somewhere and adding solvents isn't going to help that. I have run across this type of thing before and it turned out to be a problem with the hose between the reservoir and the pump allowing the pump to suck air into it.



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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Oct 5, 2011, 5:00 AM

Post #6 of 14 (44146 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

That system uses Mercon V transmission fluid. HT is on the right track. Look for cracks on the ends of the return hoses at the pump and at the cooler. Did you replace the o rings between the reservoir and pump? Don't omit the restricter in the line. It's there to slow the fluid flow down to keep the system quiet.





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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Oct 5, 2011, 5:32 AM

Post #7 of 14 (44140 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

I assumed it had a remote reservoir bur it appears t doesn't.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



coastalwelding
Novice

Oct 6, 2011, 9:16 AM

Post #8 of 14 (44128 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

I think your onto something. I pulled the molded return line and res. off last night. I checked for any evidence of leakage and or rolled "o"rings at res. Everything looked ok. I replaced the "o"rings on both the press and the returned line at the rack, R+R all flex line in the factory return line (new one is N.A.)(reinstalled the restrictor) and I replaced the "O"rings on the res. just because I had it off. Still to no reward. System still sucking air and pushing oil out of the cap. I'm going to install thick wall "O"rings @ res. If that doesnt work, I'll install a new reman. pump (under warranty) It's a NAPA brand pump, anyone had issues with them? I talked to Manuf. tech last night, He said the same thing you did.
Last thing, Pump appears to be what I would describe as "cavitating" Anyboby have thoughts on that???????????????/


coastalwelding
Novice

Oct 6, 2011, 12:16 PM

Post #9 of 14 (44122 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

Well I put quad rings at the res. to pump conection, which is the only thing I could use that was a little over factory o-ring----------and no that didn't work. I replaced the pump, and no , that didnt work. Besided the fact that I REALLY dont want to replace the rack, I'm not sure how air could be ONLY getting in and not out thru the rack ass.
THIS IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Oct 6, 2011, 2:55 PM

Post #10 of 14 (44117 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

I seriously doubt the rack is the problem. It has to be something in the intake side of the system.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



coastalwelding
Novice

Oct 6, 2011, 5:35 PM

Post #11 of 14 (44111 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

OK well I finally figured it out. All who guessed it was on the return side, good job!!!. After going thru the return side of the system and running out of options. I decided to pressure test the res. too look for any leaks and blow the s';.t out of it just in case there was something lodged inside it down where it bottle necks. Well in doing so in my angst I literally blew the freekin thing apart. GUESS WHAT?????? THERE A STINKIN FILTER INSIDE THE THE RESERVOIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well it was totally clogged and causing all the problems. I guess, sometimes accidents do happen for a reason.
THANKS for everybodys help. Till the next time.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 6, 2011, 5:53 PM

Post #12 of 14 (44107 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

Well, I'll be damned. Good find. Never thought that Ford would put a filter screen in their reservoirs like they do in some of the Chryslers. Thanks for posting your find. I'll have to remember that when one of those rolls into our shop. Not only is your PS system relieved, but I am sure you are too. Blush





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


shilely
New User

Mar 28, 2013, 12:52 AM

Post #13 of 14 (36619 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

Hello I am very glad to read about your power steering issues because I have a 2007 ford focus 2.0 that is giving me the same problem. I already paid twice to get the power steering pump to get replace, I also had it flushed out and the car still is giving me the same squizzi noise and leaking PS fluid. I don't want to keep wasting my money because your description about the problem it's just the same we have. Can you please be able to guide me trough the process to order the part and some tips about how much will cost me to get a fix. I don't want to keep wasting my money, I just want to go order the exactly part and get it done. I try to google it the reservoir filter but it's just not giving me to much info about the part. Please provide me the part name so I can go head in order it. I will highly appreciated anything you could do for me.
Thanks


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Mar 28, 2013, 3:14 AM

Post #14 of 14 (36615 views)
  post locked   Re: ford focus power steering issues  

This question is a year and a half old.

Please read the FORUM RULES before posting.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







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