Mk3 Fiesta steering

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Sun 7 Nov 2004 21:03
Mk3 Fiesta steering - far0n
My trusty fiesta has started doing something a bit worrying. The steering is very stiff, in fact so stiff that if I let go of the wheel when going round a corner, it doesn't straighten up. It's just been for it's MOT a couple of weeks ago and passed with flying colours so I can only assume it's nothing too serious ? Any ideas ?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 7 Nov 2004 22:05
Mk3 Fiesta steering - Civic8
It is serious.When did it start..Was it after mot or before..Would suggest as starting point check out track rod ends. If they/one siezes will cause this?.If power steering could be fluid level low. would check this out if you have it?
--
Steve
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 7 Nov 2004 22:33
Mk3 Fiesta steering - far0n
Haven't got power steering so it's not that. Only started last night so I haven't really had much chance to muck about with it yet.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 8 Nov 2004 09:04
Mk3 Fiesta steering - madf
It could be:
seized sterring rack: unlikely
seized track rod ends: most likely culprit
seized top joints in suspension strut: unlikely

Best tip: jack up one wheel and disconnect offside (passenger ) track rod end. (this is most likely one to have seized due to puddles and raod splash)

If the socket of that track rod end rotates freely, then its ok. Don't Replace it but replace wheel and try nearside one. Test again.
If both rotate freely, try turning steering wheel slowly (no track rod ends connected at present). If it turns freely, then fault elsewhere. (Fault could be rack or seized Unoversal joint in column.. try praying it with WD40.. rustsy stains are a giveaway..

Then test each suspension strut for ease of rotation.

Usual comments on safety use axle stands etc..care when rotating wheels when jacked up etc..



madf


Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 8 Nov 2004 09:12
Mk3 Fiesta steering - tyro
I don't know a thing about what's under the bonnet, but this sounds like a problem I had with a Fiesta Mk 3 some years ago. I was told that it was the universal joint, and a Ford Garage sorted it out fairly quickly. (Which was a relief, because while the problem wasn't too bad when it started, it was pretty well undrivable by the time I got it into a garage)
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 8 Nov 2004 09:50
Mk3 Fiesta steering - Beezer
Tyro has the most likely answer. Usually just a good going over with grease can sort it. UJ is just above the rack in engine bay.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 8 Nov 2004 13:57
Mk3 Fiesta steering - Civic8
Good point about UJ.Their are two types though. one is steel. The other is rubber flexi. Flexi type failed a lot faster than steel UJ.Not sure which you have but a good bet it is.correct me if wrong??
--
Steve
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.

Tyre News And Advice