Power Steering - Old Ford KA
Discussion
Hello guys,
After nearly three years of trouble free motoring the family second car/town run around has finally decided to have something go wrong.
Took the KA out (it's a 1998 KA3) for a 20 minute drive and I'm pretty sure it's the power steering, seems more or less fine in a straight line with a faint sort of on and off pumping high pitched sound, yet when turning (especially say at 90 degrees or so) this gets considerably louder.
I know KAs are known for their faults with power steering, only last week did I give it a check over and powersteering fluid was fine, although engine coolant had dropped quite a bit over the few months from checking it beforehand so not sure if there is something else? Haven't had a chance to look at the power steering level since the sound started, but will do first thing tomorrow.
Just wondering if anyone had experienced similar problems with the older KA and exactly what parts are needing to be replaced.
Thanks a lot
After nearly three years of trouble free motoring the family second car/town run around has finally decided to have something go wrong.
Took the KA out (it's a 1998 KA3) for a 20 minute drive and I'm pretty sure it's the power steering, seems more or less fine in a straight line with a faint sort of on and off pumping high pitched sound, yet when turning (especially say at 90 degrees or so) this gets considerably louder.
I know KAs are known for their faults with power steering, only last week did I give it a check over and powersteering fluid was fine, although engine coolant had dropped quite a bit over the few months from checking it beforehand so not sure if there is something else? Haven't had a chance to look at the power steering level since the sound started, but will do first thing tomorrow.
Just wondering if anyone had experienced similar problems with the older KA and exactly what parts are needing to be replaced.
Thanks a lot
Based on my experience of Ford parts prices I doubt the bits will cost much.
I've recently bought a Focus in place of an E39, I honestly find buying parts a pleasure now. I paid £33 earlier on for a coil pack AND all four HT leads. I don't think I'd have gotten a single coil for that on the E39
I've recently bought a Focus in place of an E39, I honestly find buying parts a pleasure now. I paid £33 earlier on for a coil pack AND all four HT leads. I don't think I'd have gotten a single coil for that on the E39
Yep - went through the same loop with the daughter's Ka.
The noise is the pump suffering from low fluid level. The level is low because the rack has bust its seals (they all do that, sir). Replacement was about £300 fitted by an indie IIRC.
Your next challenge (if it runs true to form) is that one or more of the spark plugs will seize in the head. Then the UJ on the steering column will cry enough. Then the rear suspension mounts will fail the MOT because they have dissolved and extensive welding will be necessary.
Lovely little cars - so cheap to run...
The noise is the pump suffering from low fluid level. The level is low because the rack has bust its seals (they all do that, sir). Replacement was about £300 fitted by an indie IIRC.
Your next challenge (if it runs true to form) is that one or more of the spark plugs will seize in the head. Then the UJ on the steering column will cry enough. Then the rear suspension mounts will fail the MOT because they have dissolved and extensive welding will be necessary.
Lovely little cars - so cheap to run...
littleredrooster said:
Yep - went through the same loop with the daughter's Ka.
The noise is the pump suffering from low fluid level. The level is low because the rack has bust its seals (they all do that, sir). Replacement was about £300 fitted by an indie IIRC.
Your next challenge (if it runs true to form) is that one or more of the spark plugs will seize in the head. Then the UJ on the steering column will cry enough. Then the rear suspension mounts will fail the MOT because they have dissolved and extensive welding will be necessary.
Lovely little cars - so cheap to run...
Thanks for the info, will go and check the power steering levels in a bit.The noise is the pump suffering from low fluid level. The level is low because the rack has bust its seals (they all do that, sir). Replacement was about £300 fitted by an indie IIRC.
Your next challenge (if it runs true to form) is that one or more of the spark plugs will seize in the head. Then the UJ on the steering column will cry enough. Then the rear suspension mounts will fail the MOT because they have dissolved and extensive welding will be necessary.
Lovely little cars - so cheap to run...
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