Ford Freeda steerng problems any ideas garage stumped

[ultrasonic]

Hi Everyone

I am hoping that someone will be able to answer a problem that I am having with my Freeda, I have an intermittent fault with the steering not centralising, I put it into the garage who checked everythiing he could think of brakes, steering rack, tyre pressures, power steering fluid but can not come up with a fault sadly this is now getting to a point that the car is not driveable if I turn right the steering does not want to centralise and I have to turn the steering wheel back manually.

I love my van it is my pride and joy but seems that it needs some love recently had to replace the water pump following a service but trouble seems to keep re visiting her at the moment can anyone help PPPLLLEEAAASSEEE

Thanks

[munroman]

Hi, sorry to hear of your problems!

I remember seeing something on a Ford Transit forum (I think) where a guy had a similar problem, he kept changing racks, etc, it turned out that a bearing on the steering column where it when through the floor was faulty.

Not being an expert, but perhaps worth a look at all the various bearings in the system?

When you say the garage has checked the steering rack, what have they checked, has it been changed, bled, etc?

[dandywarhol]

Top strut bearing seized?

[Northern Bongolow]

agree with alan.this happened on one of our wagons recently,now they are not sevicable on wagons it couldnt be greased,so had seized at the top swivel.

[teenmal]

Hi Everyone

I am hoping that someone will be able to answer a problem that I am having with my Freeda, I have an intermittent fault with the steering not centralising, I put it into the garage who checked everythiing he could think of brakes, steering rack, tyre pressures, power steering fluid but can not come up with a fault sadly this is now getting to a point that the car is not driveable if I turn right the steering does not want to centralise and I have to turn the steering wheel back manually.

I love my van it is my pride and joy but seems that it needs some love recently had to replace the water pump following a service but trouble seems to keep re visiting her at the moment can anyone help PPPLLLEEAAASSEEE

Thanks

Hi ultrasonic,

Does this just happen on right lock,or is it on left also.

Cheers.

[ultrasonic]

Yes on both but more on right hand bends

[teenmal]

Yes on both but more on right hand bends

Hi,you could lubricate the 2 universal joints on the shaft that goes from the steering col to the rack.
You could also disconnect the outer track rod ends and check (as Dandy said)the strut bearings etc for tightness.

PS The garage might have done this already ??
Cheers..

[gmaczbongo]

Good soaking of wd40 on all the joints under the dash. Paper on the carpet to catch the extra.
I think that the heater pointed to your feet dries out the joints.
Should be a cheap and easy fix if this is the problem.
New garage needed as this is a common problem, assuming again that this is the problem.

[maxheadroom]

these may help

http://www.lushprojects.com/bongopartsm ... mgno=.html

http://www.lushprojects.com/bongopartsm ... 5tr.html#7

[David Edwards]

Awesome replies chaps well worth remembering for future reference.

[dandywarhol]

Good soaking of wd40 on all the joints under the dash. Paper on the carpet to catch the extra.
I think that the heater pointed to your feet dries out the joints.
Should be a cheap and easy fix if this is the problem.
New garage needed as this is a common problem, assuming again that this is the problem.

Don't think it'll be the steering u/j - if a joint was partly seized it would be a jerky motion every 1/4 turn

[Northern Bongolow]

long story but stick with it----------. last year my pinion seal was replaced(leaking slightly) fixed it with new seal until this november when i put my winter tyres on. changed from 195 70 15 tyre pressures were 40 psi to 205 65 15 36 psi. leaking again,put this down to strain on rack with the softer compound and lower pressures of the tyres , then the steering became lumpy to turn, and slow to centre after turning,used a product to attempt to fix called wynns powersteering leak fix (also for auto boxes),comes in a coke can sized tin. put it in at the weekend and wow what a difference. i have a smaller steering wheel than standard. now the steering feels very light in weight,it centres far better,and the lumpy feel at very low revs has gone.
dont really know what its done, i pressume its fixed an internal seal in the rack,or just cleaned out the power steering pump or rack.
end result the steering is like new for the price of a pack of fags.
dont know if its fixed the leak as its not stopped raining to check everything.
try it you never know.

[dandywarhol]

Good shout Ady - it's got a "seal swell" additive which rejuvenates the rubber - there's also seals in the rack distribution valve.
I've used it too - works well!

[ultrasonic]

HI everyone
thanks for the tips, been back to the garage he says that I need a new UJ any ideas where I can get them from Ideally new but cheap LOL

Thanks

Paul

[mister munkey]

Bongobits have some in. Not new but checked for serviceability. £70 delivered next day.