sierraman Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 Got a knock on the focus, does it going over undulations and when the wheel is turned sometimes. It's coming from drivers side, I've changed the axial rod on that side and the track rod end. It also does it when stood still if I turn the wheel. There's no notching in the steering or play that I can see. Where to look next? Could the rack mounts be loose? I've discounted the rack being knacker's as there's no play in it.
beko1987 Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 Lower ball joint? Both the Meriva and ZX made these noises and lower ball joints (and changing the drop links and TRE's at the same time) cured it, but if you have already done 2 out of 3... The ZX was fine, as the joint was held on with nuts and bolts, the meriva big rivets, which needed much grinding off for the replacement bolts to fit...
sierraman Posted February 23, 2016 Author Posted February 23, 2016 The noise sounds if it's coming from the bulkhead area. But it's hard to say really. Can the rack knock without it actually being worn out?
John F Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 Almost certainly a suspension component, one of the wishbone bushes gets my vote. My prediction is that it's the back one.
sierraman Posted February 23, 2016 Author Posted February 23, 2016 I hate knocking noises with a passion. It can send a man mad listening to that. Might have a look at if there's excessive play in the bush
John F Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 If you can still hear the knock when the steering is operated when the car is parked, get someone to move the steering wheel so it starts happening & stick your head underneath to check where it's coming from. You probably already know this, but a screwdriver stuck in your ear makes a useful stethoscope. But by the sound of it you should probably see it moving, whatever it is.
sierraman Posted February 23, 2016 Author Posted February 23, 2016 Bottom arm is £27, changing its no bother. Was just concerned about the rack. I've never had one go, there's no play in the wheel at all, it would fail the MOT anyway if this was the case. Just didn't want to go at it like a tit in a trance changing everything. The spring is in one piece, don't think it's the strut top mounts as they graunch like fuck when the bearings are falling out.
sierraman Posted February 23, 2016 Author Posted February 23, 2016 You probably already know this, but a screwdriver stuck in your ear makes a useful stethoscope. But by the sound of it you should probably see it moving, whatever it is. Sounds painful! John F 1
alf892 Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 Could be a column bush? Sometimes a noise gets transmitted and can be a bugger to find
sierraman Posted February 23, 2016 Author Posted February 23, 2016 I've just been out for a grapple. Checked the bottom arms, they don't look too perished nor would I say there's excessive play in them. I held my hand on the axial rod (the side I replaced) waved the wheel and I could feel the knock with play on the axial rod. Can't feel any play between the steering wheel and the bottom of the column. When you turn the wheel and look at the road wheel there's no perceptible play that I can see. Can't test the passenger side as I didn't have an assistant. Was wondering then now whether it's the rack or if the opposite side axial rod could be causing the problem? There's no tight spots in the steering, apart from the knock the steering works perfectly!
bigfella2 Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 Had similar on the SWMBO Ibiza and the spring had broke right at top. And that made a strange noise when stationary too. But also had a civic that would also make noise when stationary and front dampers surprisingly cured that. So I would be focusing my attention at the spring, shocker and also top mount.
Barry Cade Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 Check the collumn UJ, Fiesta's are terrible for this, even ones a few months old- Ford's answer is to spray them with grease-which actually works!
sierraman Posted February 23, 2016 Author Posted February 23, 2016 Might give that a go then, the joint is open not shrouded up, I'll cake it in some grease and see what happens. Worth a go. Hopefully this will sort it out. If God forbid it was the rack I'd leave it whilst it was passing MOT's. The clutch isn't long for this world either so a fail on this point will be its final journey to the scrapyard. Having said that it only does 3-4k a year so could eek out a few years yet!
sierraman Posted February 24, 2016 Author Posted February 24, 2016 Caked the steering UJ in some grease tonight see if that makes any difference. Should there be any play whatsoever if you hold your hand on the axial rod and turn the steering wheel - 1/4 inch or so as you turn the wheel?
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