Whirring Noise

[Busylizzy]

Hi everybody.

I've just passed my test at the ripe old age of 39 and have inherited my ex-husbands focus estate. I went camping last week and found myself in a muddy field. The wheels span and now there is what is would call a whirring noise. It starts as soon as you start the engine and is more noticeable in the lower gears. What have I done?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[alz]

it could possible be that you have got mud/grass on the Alternator drive belt, it a long shot but worth a look, especially if the under sheld is missing..

[Leemaxd]

Sounds like the clutch to me, had it on an escort for years after going through a massive puddle once and rode the clutch slightly to much, but as I said it then made a whirring noise For ages prob 60k.

[H3lly]

Stopped or moving? is there any smells inside the car. I suspect the clutch was riding a bit high and or some splatter on the auxiliary belts.

[Leemaxd]

It used to make a noise when I pressed on the clutch when moving or sitting still.

[hawker]

if it only happens when your actually moving, check your wheel arches. there may be a build up of mud in there that is catching the tyre as it turns, or the mud has knocked a section of the wheelarch plastics out of place.

[Busylizzy]

if it only happens when your actually moving, check your wheel arches. there may be a build up of mud in there that is catching the tyre as it turns, or the mud has knocked a section of the wheelarch plastics out of place.

[Busylizzy]

Thanks everybody for your suggestions. I get the noise whether the car is stationery or moving. This has given me some ideas to be working on, or rather, for my boyfriend to be working on. I appreciate your comments. Thanks

[Busylizzy]

Thanks everybody for your suggestions. I get the noise whether the car is stationery or moving. This has given me some ideas to be working on, or rather, for my boyfriend to be working on. I appreciate your comments. Thanks

[Busylizzy]

Hi all

The car has just had a platinum service at my local ford garage. I got them to check the whirring noise (I have been only driving the car in emergencies up till now). They said the whole steering rack needs to be replaced at a cost of £700. They topped up the power steering fluid to keep me going for now. I have two questions, first does the whole steering rack need to be replaced for a fluid leak? Secondly, a week after Ford topping up the fluid it has gone below the minimum level and the noise is coming back. Do I have to buy a Ford power steering fluid, or can I pick up something in Halfords? What should I be looking for when choosing the fluid? Halfords had a few in stock.

Thanks again.

[alz]

A lot depends on where the leak is coming from, and the model of the focus, I ask about the model because, MK1 focus uses red type fluid, and MK2 uses green type fluid this is because MK1s are belt driven pumps and MK2s are electric motor driven pumps, also putting the fluid in the MK1 is easy,as it is on the of the engine bay,, the MK2 is under the drivers side headlight which as to be taken off the car to get to and fill the fluid,,get the fluid from ford, if you can I recommend that you get it repaired at a ford dealer, at least you will know that it should be done right..

I have been down that road of changing racks at local garages, lot of money later and still no good, took it to a ford dealer in the end.. and job done..

[stef123]

A lot depends on where the leak is coming from, and the model of the focus, I ask about the model because, MK1 focus uses red type fluid, and MK2 uses green type fluid this is because MK1s are belt driven pumps and MK2s are electric motor driven pumps, also putting the fluid in the MK1 is easy,as it is on the of the engine bay,, the MK2 is under the drivers side headlight which as to be taken off the car to get to and fill the fluid,,get the fluid from ford, if you can I recommend that you get it repaired at a ford dealer, at least you will know that it should be done right..

I have been down that road of changing racks at local garages, lot of money later and still no good, took it to a ford dealer in the end.. and job done..

doesnt say what year the car is but some of the mk2's also use the red 'ATF' fluid, only petrols as far as i know though

[Busylizzy]

doesnt say what year the car is but some of the mk2's also use the red 'ATF' fluid, only petrols as far as i know though

The car is a Y reg.

[stef123]

The car is a Y reg.

do you know where the leak is? it might not be a rack fault but knowing some garages they would say anything for a few quid.

do you know what colour the power steering fluid is? Halfords have a 'ford' p/s and atf fluid, which is red.