What are the common problems with Ford Fiesta steering rack?
Ford Fiesta is a small car that is very popular all over the world. It has attracted many car owners with its compact body design, excellent driving experience and efficient fuel economy. However, although Ford Fiesta performs well in all aspects, as a long-term car, its steering system, especially the steering rack, may have some problems after long-term use.
The steering rack is one of the core components of the steering system, which is responsible for transmitting the driver's steering wheel action to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to change the direction of travel. Any failure or damage to the steering rack may affect the safety and comfort of driving. Therefore, it is particularly important for car owners to understand the common problems and related maintenance knowledge of Ford Fiesta steering rack.
The structure and function of Ford Fiesta steering rack
Before discussing the common problems of Ford Fiesta steering rack, we need to understand its basic structure and function. The steering rack of Ford Fiesta usually adopts a rack and pinion type steering system. This system consists of the following main parts:
● Bogie body: The main part of the Ford Fiesta steering rack includes a rack and a pinion. The rack is a long strip with teeth that is responsible for converting the steering action into linear motion. The pinion meshes with the rack and rotates to push the wheels to turn.
● Steering gear: The steering gear usually works with the bogie to provide auxiliary power for steering. In the Ford Fiesta, it is usually equipped with an electric power steering (EPAS) system that provides power assistance through an electric motor.
● Steering rod: The steering rod connects the bogie to the wheel and helps the wheel turn according to the action of the bogie.
● Steering system hydraulic or electric power steering: In some models, the bogie may also be equipped with a hydraulic system or an electric power steering system to reduce the force required by the driver to operate the steering wheel. The electric power steering system of the Ford Fiesta is widely used.
The main function of the Ford Fiesta steering rack is to transmit the driver's steering action to the wheels so that the vehicle can change the direction of travel smoothly. Since the steering rack bears a large workload, its reliability and durability directly affect the driving experience and safety of the vehicle.
What are the common problems of Ford Fiesta steering rack?
The steering rack of Ford Fiesta may have some common problems during long-term use. The following are some typical failures and damage phenomena.
1. Steering rack oil leakage
Oil leakage is one of the most common problems in Ford Fiesta steering rack, especially in aging or damaged steering systems. Oil leakage usually occurs in hydraulic power steering systems. Although most modern Ford Fiestas use electric power steering (EPAS) systems, hydraulic systems are still used in some older models.
Oil leakage usually occurs in the following parts:
● Hydraulic pipes and joints: Pipes and joints in the hydraulic system are common sources of oil leakage in Ford Fiesta steering rack. These parts are easily damaged due to vibration, aging, corrosion, etc. during long-term use, resulting in hydraulic oil leakage.
● Steering gear seals: The seals of the steering rack may lose elasticity due to long-term friction or aging, resulting in hydraulic oil leakage. This type of problem usually causes the hydraulic oil in the steering system to gradually decrease, affecting the steering assist.
● Bogie body: In some extreme cases, the Ford Fiesta steering rack body itself may develop cracks or other structural damage, resulting in hydraulic oil leakage.
Leakage will cause the hydraulic oil pressure to drop, which in turn affects the steering system's assist performance, and the driver will feel that the steering becomes heavy or not smooth. When there is an oil leakage problem, the owner should check and repair it as soon as possible to avoid affecting the normal use of the vehicle.
2. Abnormal noise in the steering rack
Abnormal noise is another common problem in the Ford Fiesta steering rack. Abnormal noise is usually caused by wear or damage to certain parts in the steering rack. Here are some possible causes of abnormal noise in the steering rack:
● Rack and pinion wear: The rack and pinion in the Ford Fiesta steering rack will experience a certain degree of wear during long-term use. When the meshing clearance of the rack and pinion increases, it may cause abnormal noise. Wear of the rack and pinion may also cause the steering system to lose precision, making the steering inaccurate.
● Steering gear damage: Some parts in the steering gear (such as bearings, gears, etc.) may be worn or damaged during use, causing abnormal noise in the steering rack. Damage to the steering gear is usually manifested as obvious noise or vibration when the steering wheel is turned.
● Poor lubrication: Poor lubrication in the steering rack is also a major cause of abnormal noise. If the lubricating oil fails to fully lubricate the various parts of the steering rack, the friction will increase, which may cause friction sounds between gears or other abnormal noises.
● Loose or damaged steering rod: The steering rod connects the steering rack to the wheel. If the rod is loose or damaged, it will also cause abnormal noise in the steering system.
If the Ford Fiesta steering rack makes abnormal noise, the owner should immediately check the various parts of the steering system and repair or replace the damaged parts if necessary.
3. Heavy steering or loss of power
In the Ford Fiesta's Electric Power Steering (EPAS) system, the power assist provided by the power assist motor is very critical. If the motor fails, it may cause the steering to become heavy and the driver needs to exert more force to operate the steering wheel. Common causes include:
● Motor failure: The motor in the electric power steering system may fail during long-term use, resulting in loss of steering assistance. Motor failure may be caused by damage to the motor coil, failure of the control module, etc.
● Low battery: The electric power steering system relies on the vehicle's battery for power. If the battery is low or there is a battery failure, the electric power steering system may not work properly, resulting in heavy steering.
● Sensor failure: The sensor in the electric power steering system is responsible for detecting the driver's steering force and transmitting data to the control module. If the sensor fails, it may cause the power steering system to work abnormally, which in turn affects the weight of the steering.
Loss of power in the steering system makes it difficult for the driver to operate the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when parking. When such problems occur, the owner should check the electric power steering system in time and repair it as needed.
4. Loose or deformed steering rack
As the vehicle's mileage increases, the Ford Fiesta steering rack may become loose or deformed. A loose steering rack may cause inaccurate steering wheel operation, steering dead angles, or problems that cannot be returned to the center. A deformed steering rack will affect the stability of the entire steering system and may cause the vehicle to deviate from the track during driving.
Common reasons for loose or deformed steering racks include:
● Improper installation of the steering rack: If the Ford Fiesta steering rack is improperly installed during manufacturing or maintenance, it may become loose. Poor installation of the steering rack will reduce the accuracy of the steering system and affect the vehicle's handling.
● Body collision or collision damage: If the Ford Fiesta collides during driving, the steering rack may be subjected to severe impact, causing deformation or loosening.
● Component aging: Over time, seals, screws and other components on the Ford Fiesta steering rack will gradually age, causing the steering rack to become loose.
When the steering rack becomes loose or deformed, the owner should stop driving immediately, inspect it and repair it as soon as possible to prevent more serious safety accidents.
5. Reduced steering accuracy
Reduced steering accuracy is one of the common faults of the Ford Fiesta steering rack. As the steering rack is used for a longer time, the meshing of the rack and pinion may become inaccurate, resulting in reduced steering accuracy. Reduced steering accuracy will make the driver feel that the vehicle's steering wheel is not sensitive during driving, or the steering wheel cannot be turned back to the center.
The reasons for reduced steering accuracy include:
● Wear of rack and pinion: After long-term use, the rack and pinion may wear, resulting in reduced meshing accuracy between them and insufficient steering response.
● Deformation of the bogie body: If the bogie body is deformed, it may cause the geometry of the steering system to change, thereby affecting the steering accuracy.
How to solve common problems of Ford Fiesta steering rack?
In response to common problems of Ford Fiesta steering rack, car owners can take the following methods to deal with them:
● Regular inspection and maintenance: Car owners should regularly check the bogie and its related components, especially after the vehicle has traveled a long mileage. Regularly checking the sealing, lubrication and tightening status of the bogie can effectively prevent problems from occurring.
● Timely replacement of damaged parts: If the Ford Fiesta steering rack is found to have oil leakage, abnormal noise, heavy steering and other problems, the damaged parts should be replaced as soon as possible. Timely replacement of key components such as racks, pinions, and steering gears can restore the normal function of the steering system.
● Avoid violent collisions: During driving, the vehicle should try to avoid violent collisions, especially near the steering rack. If a collision occurs, the owner should immediately check whether the steering rack is damaged and make necessary repairs.
● Check the electric power steering system: If there is a problem with the electric power steering system of the Ford Fiesta, the owner should check the motor, battery, sensor and other components, and replace the damaged parts in time to ensure the normal operation of the steering system.
Steering Gear Products with High Quality and Low Prices
Guangdong Diamond Auto Parts Co., Ltd. (DKM) is a trusted supplier of power steering gears, known for providing high-quality products at affordable prices. Established in 1996, we have extensive experience working with automotive manufacturers worldwide. Our production capacity of 300,000 sets annually ensures that we can meet the demands of large orders while maintaining the highest quality standards. Get in touch today for quotes, promotions, and more!
