fiesta mk 3 stiff steering

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Sat 10 Mar 2007 09:36
fiesta mk 3 stiff steering - milkyjoe
hi, the steering has gone a bit stiff particularly when turning left , is there an easy way to lube the rack and steering box without a load of hassle
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 10 Mar 2007 10:25
fiesta mk 3 stiff steering - mjm
It is unlikely to be the steering rack unless the rubber gaiter(s) have split and water has got in, starting corrosion. I would be more inclined to check ball joints and the strut top mount. If the steering feels less stiff with both wheels off the ground (car safely supported, of course) then this would indicate the strut top mount. If it feels the same I would look at the other steering joints. The stiffness could be caused by either side joints, because it is stiff turning left it doesn't mean that the left hand side is the cause.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 10 Mar 2007 11:44
fiesta mk 3 stiff steering - jc2
Not on a Fiesta but I had the U/J in the column start to seize on another Ford.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 10 Mar 2007 12:14
fiesta mk 3 stiff steering - Granada Cosworth
If there is a Power Steering system fitted then the Fluid may needs re-new, a local Ford Rapid-Fit can do it and check over the steering system for any other problems.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 10 Mar 2007 13:04
fiesta mk 3 stiff steering - milkyjoe
thanks all, il get the jack under the front this afto
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 11 Mar 2007 20:17
fiesta mk 3 stiff steering - bell boy
It will be the uj as you look to the left behind the engine block.
Quick temporary fix?
Squirt with lots of wd40 but duck oil is better.
The tightness will return and can happen on a journey so it needs replacing, £15 fords max these days.
Make sure you put the steering lock on when removing the old one to facilitate refitting and also so you dont damage the airbag squab if the steering turns too quickly.
You wont need retracking when the job is done.
Be warned this is an easy half hour job but it the upper ? (can tremember could be lower) joint is seized on the splines then they can be a devil to remove ,you need to hit it downwards.
Good luck.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 11 Mar 2007 20:39
fiesta mk 3 stiff steering - LeePower
Seen a few Fiesta uj joints replaced in my time, parts are dead cheap & its an easy fix too.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 11 Mar 2007 21:22
fiesta mk 3 stiff steering - Fullchat
As Lee says, bottom uj. Common problem on the Fiesta.
--
Fullchat
Reply | Report as offensive | Link