Son of Nod Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 Hi, struggling here. Ok, we have a 56 plate Focus and it has started making a whirring sound the last few days. I checked the oil, and topped it up as was low. Started the engine up and the sound is there still. Googled and came back with power steering fluid issues, barings or alternator fault....or even oil pump. Booked in for service this month the 27th, but fears moving it as worried more damage is caused? Any ideas of what it could be? Thanking you in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stef123 Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 Hi, Without any investigation/inspection we could spend all day suggesting parts that it could be. If you can get hold of a stethoscope (automotive type) then you could prod about each component to try and determine the location. Even removing the drive belt and spinning each pulley, idler etc to see if any of then feel any different to the rest, any roughness/notchy feeling. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlos1987 Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I can only echo what stef has said. A stethoscope is a really handy tool to have in your tool box. Sent from my C5303 using Ford OC mobile app 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Nod Posted August 6, 2014 Author Share Posted August 6, 2014 I am gonna check the power steering myself after work. Haven't a stethoscope, or access to one. Got a doctors one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlos1987 Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I have heard of people using a long screwdriver and placing it on the suspect part and put your ear to the handle and it's similar to the stethoscope. Don't no how true this is. Maybe stef can confirm or deny. Sent from my C5303 using Ford OC mobile app 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stef123 Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I have heard of people using a long screwdriver and placing it on the suspect part and put your ear to the handle and it's similar to the stethoscope. Don't no how true this is. Maybe stef can confirm or deny. Sent from my C5303 using Ford OC mobile app Your absolutely right, it does indeed work. It's not as good certainly but worth a go. A stethoscope would be easier to get down into the hard to reach bits as you don't need to try get your head right in close either. I normally use a screwdriver to check injectors are working - you can hear them clicking very clearly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlos1987 Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 To be honest at the time I thought someone was trying to pull my plonker. Lol. Wasn't going to try it infront of them and look like a !Removed!. Lol Sent from my C5303 using Ford OC mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Nod Posted August 6, 2014 Author Share Posted August 6, 2014 Not totally sold on the screwdriver idea.....worried of the crazy looks I'll get. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stef123 Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 To be honest at the time I thought someone was trying to pull my plonker. Lol. Wasn't going to try it infront of them and look like a !Removed!. Lol Sent from my C5303 using Ford OC mobile app It does look a bit suspicious and strange putting your ear to a screwdriver under the bonnet in any case lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlos1987 Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 Lol. I may try it one day. As long as no one can see me. Lol Sent from my C5303 using Ford OC mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bry0586 Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 if i was doing that and somebody looked at me weird, id end up saying something completely random just to make me look that lil bit more strange, like my mechanical fairy is playing hide and seek again........... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Nod Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 Think I sussed it, it looks like the power steering fluid has been leaking, on min. and you can tell fluid has leaked. So, could be the pump? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stef123 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Is the leaking fluid from the pump itself? A failing pump could explain the noise and the loss of fluid right enough Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Nod Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 Is the leaking fluid from the pump itself? A failing pump could explain the noise and the loss of fluid right enough I need to clean the area and then top up and check the area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stef123 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 What engine have you got? It's not a 1.6 petrol is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Nod Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 Yup, 1.6 petrol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stef123 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 The 1.6 petrol mk2 are prone to a power steering failure. The pump and high pressure hose are usually replaced. It sounds to me like you might have just caught yours before it burst and coats the place in red oil 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Nod Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 The 1.6 petrol mk2 are prone to a power steering failure. The pump and high pressure hose are usually replaced. It sounds to me like you might have just caught yours before it burst and coats the place in red oil I read a lot about this the last few days, nightmare isn't it! Been told a new pipe would cost approx. £30ish - is this true? Can this be done without a mechanic? Or garage, with someone with knowledge of engines? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Nod Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 What about this stuff like this - Lucas Power Steering Stop LeakDoes it work? Is it just a short term solution? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stef123 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 I read a lot about this the last few days, nightmare isn't it! Been told a new pipe would cost approx. £30ish - is this true? Can this be done without a mechanic? Or garage, with someone with knowledge of engines? I would expect the pipe to be around that price mark anyway. You could replace the pipe easily yourself if your confident enough with a set of spanners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stef123 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Personally I wouldn't bother with any of these additives, I would go for a permanent fix as soon as possible. I'm not entirely sure what part actually fails but I know the pump and the pipe are usually both replaced together. Presumably it's a threaded part or something that fails? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Nod Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 Thank you so much. Didn't need to break out the screw driver to listen to the engine. ;) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 If you do ever use the screwdriver trick make sure you use the handle end to your ear. How not to do it :d Sent from my SM-G900F using Ford OC mobile app 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlos1987 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Lol. Could you imagine trying to explain that down a&e. Lol Sent from my C5303 using Ford OC mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Think about this scenario- You're just putting your head to the screwdriver and your plonker mate sounds the horn :p Sent from my SM-G900F using Ford OC mobile app 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Ford UK Shop
Sponsored Ad
Name: eBay
Ford Model: FordUK Shop
Ford Year: 2024
Latest Deals
Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessoriesDisclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.