Weird PAS Noise

[Simbu]

Hi Guys,

My mk1.5 Focus's power steering has started making a loud, distinct whining noise if the steering wheel is turned quickly, but it only does this after the car's been driven for a long time, presumably because it gets hot. (Heard it after a 1.5 hour run between Berks and Surrey this weekend, for example)
It sounds like it's coming from a particular side of the car - its louder on the nearside than the offside. The PAS fluid is filled to the top marker, so it's not a lack of fluid. The whining happens as you steer and stops if you stop steering, so its definitely PAS related.

The Ford garage will be getting a call tomorrow (car has a warranty), but i'd like to know if anyone knows what's likely to be causing this? It's always good to go in armed with knowledge.

[Beardo]

Nothing to worry about, they all do that when the fluid gets hot sir. My Escort did it, my Fiesta does it, my sister-in-law's Focus does it.

[Simbu]

Thanks, that's reassuring to know. It'd be good to know what the cause of the noise is. It sounds like a rubbing / whining noise, coming from the bowels of the engine bay somewhere, on the passenger's side of the car. I don't know if the PAS pump is situated around there?

It's the first time i've heard it in 9 months of ownership, perhaps this is the first time we've had weather hot enough to cause it since i bought it.

[The Wookie]

Actually, it sounds like the drive belt might be slipping once it's warmed up. Could be a dead tensioner or an old belt, neither is cripplingly expensive to change, although personally I'd rather take it to a trusted local garage than a main stealer.

They'll probably try and tell you your pump has died and your car will explode if you don't change it.

Edited by The Wookie on Monday 12th April 09:08

[Torquey]

Not trying to scare you here, but i've just had to change the pump on mine. 1.6 2005 focus, 44000 miles.
Starting p!ssing fluid out the bottom, particulalry when warm. Result was a new pump and some pipe.

Maybe the PAS is a weak point on these cars??

[Simbu]

Thanks for the replies chaps, as i said the car is still under mechanical warranty with the Ford stealer, so i'll be giving them a call to ask them to take a look. Seems like i'll have to take it for a run first... what a shame!

I've been keeping an eye on PAS fluid since it happened and it's not budged. It's happened a couple of times over the weekend so i'll take it out for a run this evening to try and re-create the problem. Garage will be getting a call at lunch to book it in.

[Simbu]

Yodelling eh? It would be an improvement on the DERVesque chugging that i currently enjoy!

Anyway, i'll report back on what the outcome is, thank you everyone for the input.