01 Ford Focus loss of power steering

adocholiday

Hi all,

I have an 01 Ford Focus and last weekend the power steering gave up on me. There was no prior indication it was about to go. The funny thing is once I rev it to 2k revs the power steering kicks in and works normally. Its only at low revs or idle that it fails to work.

The fluid levels are normal and have been all week so there's no leak. There are no bubbles in the system either so its not an air lock. The fluid is a very dark brown even black colour.

I have no clue what it might be but can't really afford an expensive overhaul of the system. Anything I could check before I go to a mechanic?

Belt may be slack and slips at low revs or something. You shouldn't drive the car until it's sorted, quite dangerous driving with intermittent power steering.

adocholiday

Sorry should have said that I checked the belts and they're fine. Today I was checking the car and I found that when I rev it and turn the wheels there's a loud kind of squealing noise. If I stop turning the noise stops. Should I take it that this is the pump working under a lot of pressure?

The power steering isn't intermittent as such. Once the car is driving it has power steering. It's just when it it's idle or at very low revs that there's none.

Hal1

Maybe it's the power steering rack that's at fault. Either way get it checked.

Plug

The mk1 focus leaks from the shaft of the pump.

adocholiday

adocholiday wrote: »

The power steering isn't intermittent as such. Once the car is driving it has power steering. It's just when it it's idle or at very low revs that there's none.

Whilst driving a car you will find the revs quite often get very low You would be mad to drive around in a car with the issue you have.

adocholiday

RoverJames wrote: »

Whilst driving a car you will find the revs quite often get very low You would be mad to drive around in a car with the issue you have.

Well I've been driving it all week without any hassle except for parking! I know its not exactly an ideal situation but I have no option at the minute unfortunately.

Does anyone know of any good mechanics in the stillorgan/dun laoghaire area that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

Hal1

If it's the pump that's at fault, you can get a reconditioned one from drive shaft services.

adocholiday

Thanks for that they're pretty reasonable. No Focus pump on their online shop but have emailed them see what they say

Thanks again

Andy013

Give the guys in precision motors a ring. I’ve got a focus and had some work done last month, really looked after me and at a reasonable price. They are located in Dunlaoghaire and they used to work in Esmonde Motors in Stillorgan. Google them to get the contact details.