Why Can't the Ford Focus Steering Wheel Turn?
2 Answers
Ford Focus steering wheel may be locked. Here are the relevant explanations: Steering Gear Failure: The official name of the steering gear is the steering mechanism, which directly controls the rotation of the wheels. The car's steering system adopts a mechanical hydraulic power steering system, electro-hydraulic power steering system, or electric power steering system. Anti-Theft Function: This is actually an anti-theft feature of the vehicle. Generally, when the car is turned off, turning the steering wheel in one direction to a certain angle will cause a "click" sound, after which the steering wheel can no longer be turned, indicating it is locked. Note: If the driver encounters a sudden loss of power steering assistance while driving, making the steering wheel extremely heavy and almost impossible to turn without any prior warning or specific conditions, the first thing to do is to brake and stop the vehicle as safely as possible.
I've encountered the issue of the Focus steering becoming stiff several times, most commonly due to a problem with the power steering pump. After prolonged use, the oil in the pump may leak or the pump itself could fail, making steering particularly heavy. A loose belt can also cause the pump to malfunction, resulting in poor transmission. In winter, the oil thickens, making steering even more difficult. It's recommended to first check the oil level in the power steering reservoir and top it up if it's low. If the oil level is fine, then inspect the condition of the pump and replace it if necessary. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues, with an oil change recommended approximately every two years. The steering system is also connected to the steering gear and steering column; mechanical jamming can also make steering heavy, though power steering system failures are more common. Ensure all connecting components are secure, and don't underestimate minor issues—they can be dangerous while driving.
