Power Steering Falling Asleep??

[exponential]

@jeebo. I know! Sounds strange but it really does feel completely different? Almost featherlike, hardly any resistance whatsoever. Maybe my memory of it is altered after having the courtesy car for a week??

[jeebowhite]

It could well be altered, but the general driveability, the efficiency, the steering and the feel of the driving yes - that could be explained as different. I would be shocked though if the clutch was changed by this software update.

[exponential]

Maybe the much harder clutch pedal of the courtesy car has altered my memory of what mine was actually like beforehand....

Anyway, all seems ok up to now so happy days. Thanks for all your input guys! :)

Mike.

[GeorgeDJ7]

No problem, also look into the steering you have on your car I have seen some websites saying hydraulic steering systems have assists that alter when the steering is light/heavy to keep you in a straight line. Which ill admit sounds like a massive design flaw! Who doesn't want to turn!

[exponential]

The steering definately alters to suit speed. At high speed it firms up for sure. There are so many electronic components in cars these days, its hard to keep track! :0

[jeebowhite]

The change isnt major in the steering, it just adds or releases resistance to the steering wheel.

For example, on all occassions and settings, you could still easily move the wheel single handed, and with little effort, however the sport setting means that it does a little less work, so you feel a little more resistance in the moving of the wheel, but again its still light in comparison to no power steering.

Comfort gives maximum support. It leaves the minimum effort from you to turn the wheel.

Dont worry, its not a case that sport mode kills all power steering and your left steering a tank!

[GeorgeDJ7]

My Focus steers completely fine until after 30mph then after that I would definitely say the steering has a big change- all it wants to do is go in a straight line and b roads it locks a lot on sweeping bends, how ever after looking up on the steering system in the car they all say it it designed to have high resistance in the centre then little after? Just sounds confusing and un necessary!

Sent from my VS TOUCHTAB 7DC using Ford OC mobile app

[Pedals]

Apologies from a newbie for bumping this old thread but I have a very similar issue. I have a 2005 1.6 Ghia estate. Just bought and still under 3 months warranty. To be fair to the dealer, he pointed out a problem with the power steering before I even got in the car. In almost all situations it is not noticeable at all. The only time I feel anything odd is when the car is at rest. The steering can be very hard to move (like steering a power steering equipped car, when the ignition is off). As soon as the accelerator is pressed the steering returns to normal. At all normal driving speeds there are no issues at all. The dealer did the fluid and changed the rack before delivering the car. Although it is better, the problem is still there. He has said that he is willing to change the pump too. Looking at the above responses this seems in some cases to work but exponential seems to have had his fixed with a software update.

Any advice much appreciated.

[MrRedman]

I would let him change it I had to pay out £340 for a new one recently on 55K it's still stinging ! 

[Stoney871]

100% agree.
Even if it's not the problem, if they're willing to do the work let them do so.
One less thing to discount in the process of solving the problem.
Never know, it mighr be the cause after all.

Sent from my SM-G930F

[Pedals]

Thanks for the replies. That was my thought. I'm guessing it won't make it any worse. Even if it doesn't cure the problem it will fend off having to change the pump later.