Haunted Steering!

[smugpuff]

Hi all,
My 03 ZX5 sounds like a haunted house or a wooden roller coaster on a windy day whenever I crank the wheel. I am going to the dealer's on Fri. but I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem. There is a definite groan that gets especially bad making right turns. I thought it might be the struts sticking but a romp over the local whoop de doos in the Cdn Tire parking lot didn't make a peep until I turned around. Any thoughts?

[Mustangman25]

I've experienced this on quite a few FWD Fords, and (not mine thankfully) and if I recall, the problem has something to do with the power steering pump...

[Turtle1217]

Also check to see if your tire has enough clearance, or if it is rubbing on any deformed parts, hence making weird noises.

[smugpuff]

Originally Posted by Turtle1217

Also check to see if your tire has enough clearance, or if it is rubbing on any deformed parts, hence making weird noises.

Nope. 15" rims with 195/65r15 blizzak ws-50s. lots of clearance, nothing hanging, and this was an occasional noise over the winter; In the last few weeks it has become much more pronounced. Maybe the bushings? I know urethane bushings squeak if you don't lube them but I assumed the suspension bushings in the Focus were rubber. Thanx for the input tho,Turtle. It's all good.

[stinky817]

is the groaning coming from the center of the car? or more near the wheels? if it's coming from the center, it's probably the power steering pump (check your fluid?) and if it's from the outside, i'm guessing bushings

have someone turn the steeringwheel while you have your head underneath the hood, and jsut try to pinpoint where the groaning is coming from

[Sintek]

prolly the power steering fuild.. it expands and contracts from winter to summer.. that might have been it

[smugpuff]

OK, more weirdness.. i checked under the hood as my G-F went lock to lock withthe steering wheel, not a peep.BUT, when I changed out to my summer rims in the driveway this afternoon and lowered the car in the back I got the groan, but not when I raised it. So I suspect that's why the groan occurs when steering; The opposite corner is pre-loading but why IS IT GROANING?Is it just the struts sticking? I am s-o-o-o tempted to buy an SVT suspension kit to clear the problem up AND lower the car...Hmm...

[smugpuff]

Just a quick note to tell you the results from the dealer... I went in for the #3 Service and mentioned the groaning. They c/o two tsbs for loose suspension bolts and re-tested. Still there. After some searching discovered that the front sway bar bolts had seized! All covered under warranty, but I am wondering what that would have cost me if it was out of warranty. I'm thinking that maybe the expense of an extended warranty is justified. Any opinions?

[Turtle1217]

Man you are lucky you have the extended warrenty. That could have easily could have cost you a pretty penny. I always recomend getting the warrenty as long as you can even if it costs a little more. hey glad your focus is working good for ya again.