Hi all, just picked up a 2004 (2005 plate) Focus 1.6 Ti with only 33K miles on it! Service history is minimal, it had an oil change by dealer I bought it from but last service appears to be 2014!

MOT history shows a few fails over the years that have obviously been fixed and current MOT (June this year) was a straight pass.

So far I have changed plugs, air filter, flushed and changed PAS fluid (it was black!). Fuel filter change next. No codes showing on my cheapo code reader.

My main concerns are:

1. (despite changing PAS fluid) the steering is hard to turn, no way you could turn it with one finger like some cars. Is it known for being tough or is there something I should be looking at?
2. Air con works well, pretty cold, but makes a nasty grating/rubbing sound when running. Compressor bearing perhaps? Any other ideas?

It's a bit knocky at the back and I have been told anti roll bar drop tie bushes are worth looking at. Any other likely culprits (on such a low mileage car?

Any advice welcome.

 

It's full hydraulic PAS on those...so it will be heavyish at slow speed.  Is it alright on the road or does it still feel heavy at 30mph?

Cars with electric or semi electric steering lighten up the steering for parking manoeuvres, that's where the one-finger steering becomes possible.

Thanks @TomsFocus it is stiff at road speeds but it may just be that I am used to much lighter steering (last two cars were electric assisted). But having said that I have had fully hydraulic cars before (1990's cars) and this is way heavier to steer than them, in fact heavier than anything I have ever driven.

Is the power steering working. Eg before starting engine, pull the steering wheel like you are giving it some effort to try to turn it, whilst keeping a strain on the steering wheel, start the  engine , do you feel the wheel turn as the engine starts? 

11 hours ago, tim091 said:

Thanks @TomsFocus it is stiff at road speeds but it may just be that I am used to much lighter steering (last two cars were electric assisted). But having said that I have had fully hydraulic cars before (1990's cars) and this is way heavier to steer than them, in fact heavier than anything I have ever driven.

Ok, well, check the PAS is actually assisting as above.  

I take it the aux belt is tight and not slipping? 

Tyre pressures may be too low?  I was surprised how heavy the semi-electric steering was when I collected my Mk2, from a trader, having just been serviced...turned out one of the front tyres had a slow puncture and about 20psi in it.   

There is also the chance of mechanical restriction, such as suspension top mount bearings having seized through lack of use.  They generally feel notchy through the steering though, rather than just stiff.

Thanks all. PAS definitely kicks in when switching on whilst turning wheel.  Drive belt seems tight (no squealing) and tyres are at 34psi.

Maybe this is just how stiff it is. I need to drive another similar focus to find out I guess.

Seized balljoint in track rod end?

28 minutes ago, RMurphy195 said:

Seized balljoint in track rod end?

Thanks @RMurphy195 I shall investigate. Trolley jack has sprung a leak so not able to do much at the mo! One thing after another...!