What are the symptoms of a faulty power steering pump in a Ford Focus?
2 Answers
The symptoms of a faulty power steering pump in a Ford Focus include: 1. Increased noise during steering, caused by poor lubrication of the power steering pump when cold, leading to internal wear and resulting in abnormal sounds; 2. Stuttering or jerking sensation in the steering wheel during steering, due to oil leakage from the power steering pump causing low oil levels; 3. Noticeably heavier steering wheel during steering, caused by oil leakage from the power steering pump; 4. Inaccurate steering response during turning. The Ford Focus is a compact car with dimensions of 4647mm in length, 1810mm in width, and 1468mm in height, a wheelbase of 2705mm, a fuel tank capacity of 53 liters, and a curb weight of 1245kg.
I drove a Ford Focus for several years before. If the power steering pump fails, the most noticeable feeling while driving is that the steering becomes extremely heavy, like pushing a rock. When making low-speed turns or parking, your arms get sore from the effort. What used to require just a light turn now demands full-body strength to pull the steering wheel. The front of the car may also make strange squeaking or gurgling noises, audible under the hood, similar to the whining sound of a water pump struggling to draw water. If the power steering fluid is leaking, you can see oily stains on the ground when parked. If not repaired promptly, forcing the car to drive like this for a long time can cause more damage to the steering system, and components like gears may wear out prematurely, leading to more expensive repairs. I experienced this once myself—changing lanes on the highway felt sluggish, which scared me into pulling over at the nearest service area immediately. Regular maintenance, like checking fluid levels, helps avoid such hassles.
