Ford Fiesta Mk7 Faulty Steering Column (common fault)!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- 2010 Model of the Ford Fiesta Mk7 car with Common Fault - Steering feels clunky and notchy at slow speed when parking, reversing, turning into driveway etc. Appears to be a common fault with this model of the Ford Fiesta. We look at the fault/defect and carry out a repair in the video. Our solution was to re-lubricate the needle bearings in a universal swivel type of joint (like a mini CV joint) at the upper end of the lower steering column. However, if you have plenty of cash - then you may prefer to replace the whole lower steering column - but it's not cheap, and only available from Ford Main Dealers.
UPDATE - 6th February 2015 - Thanks for your comments. Car is running great since I lubed the steering CV joint. Mileage currently on 34,000 miles.
UPDATE - 2nd August 2018 - Mileage now 87,000 miles. Very slight roughness noticed in steering, but car running great! May re-grease these joints again on the next fine day.
Dude. I deadass searched for this fault the whole dang year since the TÜV wouldn't let me pass again with this noise...
Great Video! I really appreciate folks that search for the problem instead of just replacing everything!
That's why I like TH-cam!
Thank you for this video; excellent explanation and narrative. I myself work at Ford (specifically in steering and suspension) and own a Fiesta. The quality of work I witness behind closed doors is disgusting, issues like this are ignored and passed through inspection forcibly. If it were not for honest and intelligible people like yourself, this brand would give no answers themselves for these issues. Thank you again, and bravo!
Hi Stuvie. Thanks for your comment - it's very interesting to hear your views. As mentioned already, I find it hard to understand why such a popular mainstream manufacturer as FORD can overlook such a silly quality defect!!! The FORD Fiesta has built up an enviable reputation over the years - it's basically a very GOOD car! My car is now on 108,000 miles! I hope to do a video update to show how it has fared over the last 10 years! I'm glad my humble video (and comments) has proved helpful to all my viewers!
Thank you. I have recently bought a 2011 titanium model and I had a clunking noise when reversing or turning at low speeds, I bought a £7.99 can of spray grease from halfords and covered both connections. The noise has completely gone. Thank you
Nice!
I put grease in every joint, so it will not hurt, I removed the small door where there's OBD socket so you can see the upper joint and from there I sprayed the Grease spray with a long straw just inside the joint so being very liquid at the beginning, has penetrated through the lower tube where there is a sliding joint so that it can be lubricated without removing everything.
There are now two years that I have done this and I've had no problems.
Sorry for my English, I used the google translator.
UPDATE: I am surprised to have over 60,000 views since I put this video up nearly 4 years ago! It is obviously such a common fault affecting so many Fiesta Mk7 cars world wide! Thank you for the many comments and experiences that you have posted up on here - this is really helpful to all involved.
Hi there , I have a 2011 model and I have the exact same problem , do u recommend purchasing a new part or simply re-greasing the old? If I regrease the current bearings apart from the noise going away will it still be safe to utilise?
I cannot answer questions about what is safe, or not, to do! If you are concerned about safety then go to a Ford Main Dealer and pay their price! The comments on her are for diy enthusiasts who don't mind getting their hands dirty, and taking responsability for their own actions. Only YOU can decide how to repair your car - but read all the comments and make your own decision! Hope this is helpful to you.
Thanks Alan, I was slightly concerned but knowing it’s an easy fix has left me assured, thanks again
Thanks so much for this video. I had this very issue with mine (a 2013) when it was just 3 months old! The dealer continually re-greased the joint for over a year, and each time the noise went away for a couple of weeks then came back. After bitterly complaining to the dealer's various managers and threatening to block their service garage entrance, they finally replaced it under warranty. Mine got so bad before the replacement that it threw off the steering position sensor, so it began to read the "10 o clock" position as the straight ahead position. Therefore to go straight, I basically had to keep steering to the right... if ever I released the wheel while driving, the car would veer violently to the left. Needless to say I could not let anyone share in what was supposed to be a pleasurable experience of driving my new car! This added issue also went on for about a year, even after I suggested to the dealer (after the first month or so of it happening) that the sensor may have been affected by the knocking issue... to which they replied that the steering in a Fiesta had no sensors!!!! Ford needs not only to address this steering problem with the cars themselves, but also the quality of workers at their dealers. I have no choice but to keep the car for now, but it has been the worst ownership experience of any car I've owned, and when I'm finally in a position to sell it on, I will NOT be buying another Ford.
Your "dealership" experience does not surprise me - that is why I do ALL my own car maintenance. One of my son's took his VW car to a VW dealership for manufacturer "recall" work. They broke all the plastic cowling around his steering column to carry out work on his pedal box. When questioned about the poor workmanship they admitted their workshop had allowed an "apprentice" to work on it - enough said!!!
I got this problem on my Fiesta 2012 model in Thailand after 5-6 years of use but the Ford dealer who serviced my car could not find where the noise came from. Now the car is 11 years old and I will repair this myself. Thanks for sharing, hope I can get rid of that annoying clicking noise every time I try to parking my car and need to turn the steering wheel left and right.
Good luck!
Cheers for the tips in the video glad to see it's still going after all these years helping people out. I recently had the same issue with my 64 plate fiesta st, following your tips in the video I went to remove the steering shaft only to find that the top bolt had come undone slightly and that was the reason for the clunking. Tightened it back up and everything is fine again so didn't need to remove the shaft. Great video though for pointing me in the right direction or I wouldn't have had a clue
Hi Rob, thanks for your comment. The car is still going strong - on 108,000 miles, and 10 years old! Hope to do a video update of it soon!!
great vid, we removed ours and couldn't see anything wrong , applied grease and its been perfect now for 5 months :)
Great to hear!
Thank you for the video, some wd40 solved my problems, I was thinking my front end was buggered. Greetings from Australia.
Glad you liked the Video. Australia & New Zealand look nice - I've been recently watching lots of vids on "HubNut" channel - Ian touring and trialing classic cars over there! Worth a watch!!
You only need to wiggle the joint across it's range to redistribute the grease. Worked for me. Thanks for the video.
I reckon you're bang on with the EPAS motor getting hot. Certainly on the MGF the motor got hot, but it wasn't by a column joint on that car. I'll be looking out for that on my Fiesta.
Good video but need to mention.The joints you are referring to are universal joints,not CV joints.Constant Velocity joints are usually found on drive shafts and are constructed using large diameter ball bearings not tiny needle roller bearings as found on our universal joints.Only mentioned this incase it causes confusion.
Have a 2011 fiesta with the same issue. Will try this fix. Great video, thanks.
i did this on relatives car. mine was slide joint out of greese , put some wd40 then some general purpose greese in ... got stiffer pretty much straight away. put her back in no more noise. thx to uploader
Thanks Alan. It’s now 2021.
My wife’s 2011 mk7. Mot advisory , offside wishbone and ball joint and steering rank has some play( Evans halshaw ) 3 years in a row))
Wishbones done. And I’ve been searching for some answers to my findings after new wishbone and ball joint install,, I thought maybe it was something I had done whilst installing said wish bones. I’ll certainly have a look at the column now . Thanks for sharing. Stay safe 😷.
Thanks for watching and good luck. I also did wishbones around 100,000 miles owing to lower ball joints worn. Not had any steering rack problems. Also don't forget to check front wheel alignment after replacing wishbones!
@@AlanCooney oooohhh. I didn’t think of that. 👍 thanks again Alan. Go safe mate.
I have 2013 with 105k. Same issue. Just finish fixing mines. Took about 1.5hrs. The shaft on mines just had 2 regular 10mm. Make sure to turn the steering wheel 1/4 turn to the right (passenger side) The ford logo should be facing the passenger door, this will allow you to access the top bolt. Make sure you lock the steering column before removing the bolts. I used a rope. After removing bolts remove the bottom of the shaft first. then top. (TIP: mark the top of the shaft before removing. this will allow you to align it properly later.) I used PB blaster to clean free the cv joints. Move it back and forth until it's moving smoothly. Grab a rag and clean all the old grease. Apply new grease. I used brake caliper grease on mines, it withstands up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. (Autozone) Go heavy on the grease. Clean excess and put back together. Thank You!!!!
Thanks for the heads up on the fault, so far I've not had this problem but will get some spray grease and give the joints a good going over.
Oh! I'm starting to see a few rusty Fiesta's on the road just lately, 08 - 09 - 10 plates.....they are rusting on the lower front wheel arch/sill edge, turns out that the rust starts from a part of the lower edge of the wheel arch, its prone for chipping on its edge, then the rust really kicks in.
So check your lower arch/sill edge for rust or even blistered paint! any rust spotted get it sorted out ASAP.
Interesting to hear about early signs of RUST on the 08 - 09 - 10 plates!!! No rust on mine yet - but give it regular washes to prevent accumulation of mud from the road. Also I recommend - don't put a wet car in your garage or it will stay wet and rot! Cars parked outside get nice flow of air underneath to dry them off.
+Alan Cooney Don't have a garage so I'm fine but known for years about putting a wet car into a garage is not advisable, I'm OCD when it comes to keeping my fiesta clean under the arch's, infact every three month's the wheels are taken off and everything is cleaned, the rear drums are rust free and painted in heat treated satin black as is the whole rear arms/nuts/bolts.... The front is also treated in the same way in everything was stripped and all painted in satin black & all nuts & bolts are fully greased to prevent any rust.
In your 'other' video at 3 minutes 14 seconds you can see the front lower strut where it attach's to the solid steel arm, well a friend has an 08 plate fiesta and its just failed its MOT at this point! The car needs both front struts replacing as the steel on the strut was so badly corroded that it had split & cracked, pretty shocking to see on such a car for its age...... I'd suggest removing the big bolts out of your suspension, clean out any debris/rust and apply some rust preventative and then give if a good painting over to stop any future rusting.
Thanks for comment on CORRODED FRONT STRUTS. I've added your comment to my "other" video! Much appreciated.
+Alan Cooney Alan! I never realised my steering was notchy, must have come on gradually, it wasn't bad so my Son blasted the joints with spray grease and really worked it in, can't believe how much smoother & easier it is to turn the steering wheel. Thank-you for this.
mine got such problems after 10 years and 70000km. here in Russia 99% mechanics said that it is steering rack....and only one specialist said the same as You. thanks!
Pleased I could help. Good Luck.
Ilia Pokidkin same here in philippines. 80000km now and most mechanics said replace the steering rack assembly. Which will be very costly ofcourse
You are correct. The heat from the electric motor dries the grease out in the upper joint / bearing. Ford did not grease this joint when assembling, so it's a manufacturing fault which they will not rectify. Some garages will try to tell you that you need a new electric steering motor. You don't. You will have the same problem after a couple of years. It's a simple enough job for a mechanic to grease the bearings with the correct silicone, heat resistant type grease that Ford actually recommend. it costs around £45 at my local garage, but over £85 at a ford garage.
Thanks for your comments. Very wise words which should be appreciated by many viewers of this topic!!
Yep you are right... Also my column shaft suffered from the same issue! How over the fix in an older car is not really simple.. it's better to go to your local dealer and tell them about the problem! Ford has already accepted the problem and they will make the same thing you for free and you will also be safer for everything ;). In any case thanks for the video !!
Awesome video, VERY helpful! My wife own the 2011 model and it has this exact problem and thanks to you, it looks like it'll be an easy fix, thanks!!!
Thanks Patrick, I'm pleased the video is helpful to you. As we continue driving this car the steering still feels great - so the FIX really works, and it's cheaper than buying new parts! I'm just disappointed that FORD are letting quality control slip because the Fiesta Mk7 is basically a great little vehicle!
Hi Alan, I have done as you indicate - removed the complete column assy - put some cleaning solution through and then oiled the Uni joints -syringe and motor oil, then used synthetic 'chain lube' and sprayed several times it down into the spline joint while holding it upside down and allowing the lube to dry. Refitted and so far has been ok ~3 months. The top uni join was sticky/gritty. Thx
Yes Michael - your fault description is spot on - "top uni joint was sticky/gritty"
Hi Alan I had this common fault with my 10 reg fiesta and found WD 40 spray grease to work well. my problem was in the bottom joint.
Mine started making the noise recently and although I greased both U/J's I found it was actually the sliding joint that had dried out. I've used good quality silicone grease to lubricate that and all is good again.
My 2009 1.6 tdci Zetec s had a slight knocking and got worse, turning to clunkingbwhen turning the wheel. It's strange because it sounds like it's coming from the steering rack. When I hit bumps it sort of clunkiped too. So I removed the bottom 12mm bolt joint and pulled from the shaft. Pulled it down to the end of its stroke applied grease and pushed some up into the very small gap with my fingers. I then put loads on the shaft and put my hand around the shaft making a fist. I then pushed the lower rod back up inside the out top part slowly moving my fisted hand down bit by bit pushing the grease up with the top part of my hand. Did this a few times. Then i pulled the rod up and down 20 or so times applying more grease in the gap. Then finally did this very quickly about 20 times. I pull grease on my fingers and pushed it into the cv joint smearing the bearings and connecting parts. I never disconnected the top end. I then cleaned the hole and shaft popping out of the car floor. Bobbed a little bit of clean grease in there and pushed back home. Got a paper towel and cleaned up grease that was were it should be. Put some semi perm locktite on the bolt and tightend back in to the same pressure I felt when I removed the bolt. Use a torque wrench if you not sure on feel of bolts. Started car and took for a drive going from lock to lock rapidly on a quite bit of road. Job done and all noises gone. It's not rocket science and if you've got some basic machanical knowledge it's easy! if the bolt has damaged head or threads fit a new one. Ow and if the bolts loose you'll get clunking. It's designed to nip the outer joint onto the steering rack stub. If you reuse the bolt make sure you use locktite and once set it will not come out... when I pulled the shaft apart there was some visible grease right on the edge of the splines I could just see, but obviously not enough inside there. Before falling out on a new rod at £150 or any other steering connected parts, you need to try this first! Took me 10 mins if that and just leave top part connected. Use multi grease or a gear grease. Spray maybe to thin and not last. You want a compact grease in there that will last a while and take compression of metal to metal. Wd40 is a no no. if you got a syringe you could use that and squeeze in the grease. Don't use oil either....
Thank you very much from Germany!
Glad I could help. I currently drive a VW Golf Mk7 (petrol), and really appreciate the German quality!! It's one of the best cars I have owned in many years!
Diagnosed the same problem yesterday, thx
Did u replace the engire part or just re grease it?
I haven’t got clunking noise but mine squeaks when i turn the wheel after 20mins of driving. I might give your method a go! :) thank you
Good luck!
Any body know the torque for the 12 mm nut and the12 mm torx nut involved as this repair involves the steering the torque setting is important
Sorry Martin, I don't know the torque setting, but you are good to mention this because it is important, and can be a safety concern if these are not correctly tightened!
I have a 2011 a Fiesta Zetec that exhibited the same symptoms as described in this video.
Ford Oz replaced the steering shaft under warranty.
Lucky you were still under warranty! Glad you didn't have to pay!
Wow our fiesta has been clunking this for years and years, I thought it was something a bit worn under the car but the wheel alignment guy keeps telling me everything is fine there, never imagined it would be the shaft sticking
Cheers mate, spot on, job done and that's on a 2013 model, not on ford !!
The joint did not dry out, ford let a lot of fiestas leave the factory without any grease inside the sliding shaft, it is this that causes the notchy feel and knocking noise. You should be spraying grease into the column itself not on the joint. Although you should not be recommending anyone to do this at home as sliding the upper shaft to far down onto the lower shaft can cause damage to the steering column and at £600 its not something you want to get wrong. Leave it to the guys who know what they are doing.
Your findings are slightly different from mine, but thank you for your interesting comment.
+Alan Cooney Im a mechanic in a ford dealer and this is the repair procedure they recommend. I've done it several times successfully.
+Daniel Warren How much would i be looking to get this done on my Fiesta as i have the same issue with mine and ive had all the bearings, steering rack and lower suspension bushings checked so im hoping this is the cause of the issue i have
+Daniel Warren I've been trying to sort out this issue on my MK7 TDCi (2011 first registration) but so far i have not been successful. I first tried with a WD40 spraying the joints only without removing the shaft. I think that the problem was slightly fixed for 2-3 days but then the noise came back. Last Saturday i took out the whole shaft following instructions from Alan and i lubricated both joints (i even put them in a small bucket of oil 10W40 and left them covered for 10 minutes there) but unfortunately the noise is still there when i put it back. Now, i am reading that Daniel (Ford's mechanic) suggested to lubricate or better grease the sliding shaft (even though on Saturday i tried to put also some oil there but of course this is not grease) and i will try again with a spray of grease. Any other recommendation Daniel? What is the product i should be using? I do not want to take the car to any dealer here in Belgium (they are very expensive and will definitely suggest to replace the whole part/shaft which of course i will have to pay from my pocket as the warranty expired). Many thanks.
+Daniel Warren One more question: In case that i undo the lower bolt only is it possible to de-assembly the sliding shaft so i can put some grease there and lubricate the shaft? Do i need to have spraying grease only or can be any grease? Many thanks
Great and detailed video. Did you have to remove much of the plastic facia panels below the dash to get access to the column?
No. I did not have to remove any facia panels. I was just lying on my back looking up under the dashboard.
Thanks Alan
Thanks Alan,
I have a Fiesta 2011/2010, 1.6L with powerSHIT transmission, yes SHIT...LOL .
Stupid azz transmission.
STEERING.
In just 5,000km my steering rack made the funny noise. Replaced under warranty and needed like 9 months wait for the parts which comes from Thailand and the que is just so insane for this repair. My Fiesta is Thai assembled. Now its only 15,000KM and the new steering rack/assy is like 5,000KM old only, it started to come back that noise. Approx US$650 is what Ford Indonesia will charge me if I were to replace the steering rack/assy. Mine is not only about the noise but it is worn out, the noise is like a worn out steering ball joints. Now the 3 years warranty has expired.
If it weren't for the excellent handling, driveability ( must be above 40KM/hr ) and great seats, I would burn this piece of shit Ford engineering. My powerSHIT is also shitty, making noise now. In bumper to bumper traffic the powerSHIT gearbox is purely slow....very slow response. I change my gearbox oil every 6 months and will never believe a 100,000KM bullshit. I do 5,000KM a month max on the Fiesta, got some other cars to use.
I am from in Indonesia and they just mailed me that the powerSHIT now has 5 years warranty, instead of the original 3. They know it is POS gearbox. I can't believe Getrag made that powerSHIT gearbox...LOL.
Ford cars in Indonesia DO NOT sell. Fiesta sales save their local azz. Focus and Everest is like a diasease, nobody wants them. The Ranger did decent only in coal mines but not for personal use.
Q1 2014, total Ford sold in Indonesia...TOTAL...1,300 unit. Bulk of it from Fiesta.
Monthly sales of just Fiesta in UK would be 2,000 easy...yes ?
Again thanks for the steering tips yah.
I stopped doing DIY for my cars a looooong time ago.
2015 fiesta - stiffish steering which is pointing to the top CV / knuckle joint due to motor heat - car has drivers knee airbag fitted just below the intermediate column. it's impossible to remove the top torx bolt without removing the airbag section. Tried every which way. I'm not attempting to remove the airbag, but I have tried a 12mm torx ring spanner, small 1/4 drive 12mm torx socket, 14mm ring spanner etc. No room at all to get a proper grip on it. Any other options without taking the car apart? Not sure if I'm missing a trick with this. Cheers (Great video by the way).
Thanks for commenting. I've not seen a drivers knee airbag, so can't give an opinion on this. Sorry I can't help, but good luck anyway!
great vid many thanks
Hi I've taken my column off and the slider in between the uj's is very tight in a few places. I've tried soaking it in oil and working it but it doesn't seem to be acting as smooth as it should. Do I need a new column at £130?. Symptoms were knocking on steering in slow movement etc you know the usual fiesta mk7 knock.
Just got an advisory for top bearing on steering column 61plate fiesta
Thanks for your comment
Great video mate. 👍
But i did not understand is this problem just anoying sound or major problem wich can lead to some bigger issue?
Can you explain please?
It's a clunking sound that can result in FAILED annual MOT test in the UK. It may also be a safety concern as the clunking gets worse, but I am not qualified to say. Always consult a qualified motor engineer if in doubt!
same problem here in South Africa - luckily it was replaced during the last week of the warranty
Same issue with my '11. Ford being "disgraceful" - hmmm. This is a minor issue compared to the powershift fiasco. I suspect these problems - and how they were handled - is why they've chosen to stop making small cars (at least in the US), and really, that's for the best.
Excellent info
Glad you liked it
Can you put brake cleaner in the joints to clean them before greasing them ?
I suppose you could
I just had my MOT mine is a Fiesta 2011 it had a knock in the steering column before but was fixed about 4 years ago but back again. I can't hear any noise when turning or reversing at slow speeds. But car does slightly veer to left if I take hands off the wheel. Also when I put the key in to start the car, its hard to turn and gives a knock and the wheel moves a little as I turn the key.
Suspect more than one fault. Further inspection required, and a dose of good luck!
This is poor design. The electric motor for the power assist should be at the bottom of the rack, similar to the old style hydraulic racks. Since it is at the top, it puts alot of pressure on the universal joints, and hence the issues. This is what happens when Ford uses young engineers straight out of uni with 'new' ideas and not much experience.
Agreed - very wise comment!
Recently bought 2010 fiesta Titanium. I have this clunking noise on the steering. Notice it when moving slowly off. I'm wondering if the power steering Amber warning light that has just started to come on is related to this? The warning light does not stay on. As yet anyway. Or is it a separate issue? I've also found out that my wheels are slightly buckled. Apparently a common problem I've been told. Any connection with these issues? TIA
Buckled wheels is a different issue. I believe the standard ford alloy wheels are not quite strong enough to cope with UK roads. They buckle very easily. If you are a keen motoring enthusiast I would upgrade them to something stronger for a smoother driving experience.
@@AlanCooney thank you for your reply
try tightening torques bolt up I did because mine had a little play and it worked.
Hi Alan, very nice job. My fiesta same issue, do you know the torque for both screws, regards
Sorry I don't know the torque. Thanks for viewing.
@@AlanCooney HI Alan, thanks for answer, have fun, regards
Did you need to replace any of the parts? I heard that you need to replace the bolts after removing. What kind of lube did you use? Mine is pretty bad, the steering is actually pulling to the left now which I think is being caused by this. Thanks
I guess new bolts are always preferred for obvious safety reasons, but I just replaced same bolts after carefully inspecting them - they are very robust and mine were visibly in good condition. To ease off the dry bearings I started with 3 in 1 penetrating oil, followed by thicker 10w-40w engine oil. Note - the bearings have a 1mm rubber protector ring surrounding the outer edge of each bearing - I guess to keep the grease in. Simply prise this sideways with a pin, or miniature screw driver, to get the oil into each bearing. This fix really works! Happy motoring!!
I have a question regarding losing power steering on the same car. Is this a common problem as well? I have checked all the fuses both in the engine room next to the battery and the fuse console behind the glove compartment. Is this a common fault as well? The dealer shop where I bought my car new refuse to answer any questions since the warranty is expired. I live in Thailand (LOS) Land of smile (or land of scam)?
Sounds like you have an entirely different fault! Suspect it’s an electrical fault or maybe a weak battery!! Good luck!
Great job Alan!! Could you please confirm me if the right part number for this part(SHAFT - INTERMEDIATE) is BE8Z3A525B and if it is good to replace the old bolt with new one (also please confirm if the part number for the bolt is AY1Z3R827A)
Thank You In Advance
maltas
Hello guys. Drove my fiesta mk7 zetec s tdci today and had a red warning light come on. Steering malfunction and the car won't start. What can I do to fix this. Thank u. Any help would be appreciated
I may have the same issue on my MK3 Mondeo.
Iv got a late 2016 mark 7.5 and the steering column is different to what your showing do you know if they changed it or improved it in the later models?
I think from 2012 onwards may be different part number!
I’ve removed the two bolts but the top side of the column won’t budge. The bottom end slides off east but the top just won’t move. Any help on getting this off would be appreciated
Just patience and keep wiggling it until it comes free!
Well said!
There is a technical service bulletin for this that the dealers are aware of. Should be re-greased by the dealer for free.
I agree, they should re-grease it for free, but if your warranty ran out (like mine did) then it's tuff luck!
Thanks :)
Hi, this is so frustrating as I have already been to ford once with this issue and it was sorted under warranty, however as per my luck the warranty has since expired and long behold this issue comes back. When they have done the jon it hasn't even lasted a year which I think is appalling. Can this issue cause a light rattle on the steering wheel? as it sounds like something is loose and there is quite a bit of slack when I wobble the steering wheel? I am ringing ford today to see what they say doubt I will get anywhere tho
From my observations the steering column "issue" doesn't cause a "rattle". What you describe sounds as if something is loose. You need to get the car inspected by a trained mechanic because potential steering failure is a safety issue!!! Without seeing the car I can only offer a "guess" that maybe the dealer did not fully tighten bolts when they did your warranty work a year ago, or a popular cause of steering rattle can be worn track rod ends.
Sway bar links
I was just looking to buy used mk7 fiesta and tried one with this problem. Thank you for sharing.
Can anyone, who is driving mk7 fiesta, share with me the other common problems with this model and is it worth buying?
It's generally a good little car!, but other things to watch out for are buckled alloy wheels - they buckle on the "inside" edge so you can only see they're buckled if you jack the car up and look underneath while the wheels are spinning! They are not manufactured strong enough to withstand the potholes on UK roads! Suggest old school "steel" wheels are better, or at least Alloys by a different manufacturer. UK roads are so bad that I don't recommend "low profile" tyres on any car at the moment!
@@AlanCooney Thank you so much for sharing this info with me.
I have found the used fiesta 2010 and I'm going to buy it tomorrow. It has steel rims, but I don't mind. It is so well maintained. I was thinking about not buying it because it has some problem with the gearbox, but found the used one too for less then 100e in good condition so decided to buy it. Engine compression is great (all cylinders above 11).
Thank you again for the tips 👍
Ive just purchased a used 2011 fiesta and was having these creakings sound. Have removed both the bolts from the steering shaft, but the length adjuster is so dried up i can't lift the shaft away, its stuck there basically.
Do you think it would be safe to use a hammer or crowbar to force the joints off their connections?
You risk damaging stuff if you use a hammer or crowbar! I would suggest holding shaft firmly and constantly wiggle steering wheel from side to side to free the shaft up. Also maybe squirt a bit of WD40 onto sliding shaft spines. Hope this helps.
Have a 2012 it clunks over turns only sounds really bad could it be this. It doesnt clunk when sitting and moving the wheel help please
Yes, it could be this, but to be sure you need to fully examine the fault as I have not seen your car! If you are unsure yourself - then get an experienced mechanic to have a look.
Mine started doing this about a month after the warranty ran out!
If Ford had a longer warranty period like Kia 7 years, for example - then perhaps they would improve quality control at the factory???
I’ve got a new column do I need to apply grease to any part as I install a new one?
A new column should already be greased! Check the sliding spine has grease on it!
I'm having my Upper and lower Uj's replaced in my column my car sounds terrible and ford part only
Will 3 in one oil do for temp fix till have time to remove
Maybe? You'll have to try it!
My fiesta makes a tak noise whenever I drive off, when I steer the steering wheel it makes a noise, the tak is repetitive
Steering noises can be caused by a multitude of things, (not just the fault I highlighted in this video). If you're getting a "repetitive" noise I would be inspecting the front drive shaft CV joints. Good luck.
what Lubrication did you use? I am going to have to re-do this on mine as the noise has returned :-(
Just any old engine oil that you have lying around!,,,,,Tip: don't forget to use a pin, or miniature screwdriver to gently make a gap at the side of the nylon/rubber bands (which act as dust covers on each of these "swivel" bearings) so the oil can penetrate each bearing. As long as you get the oil into the bearings the fix should last a long time.
Hi Alan,
Maybe you could help me. Dont ask me why, but I mistakenly turned my steering wheel. Now I have the Problem, that my Power steering is not working anymore. Do you know, how to fix the problem? Thanks in advance :)
Thanks for commenting. I have not seen your car - so I can't offer a solution! Sorry! There may be other TH-cam videos if you do a search?
How on Earth can you remove it without removing the knee airbag? I really can´t find a physical way to reach the upper CV joint bolt, as it is right under the steering motor, on the upper side, it is barely touchable with the fingers (and I am an average size person, not fat, not slim).
I plan to disconnect the battery for an hour tomorrow, let the car properly discharge, then remove the knee airbag carefully, it is just 4 bolts holding it and the cable, which you can remove carefully. It is in far easier than removing a steering wheel airbag.
That is the only way I can picture being able to fix this.
I didn't touch any airbags. I slid drivers seat as far back as it would go, then lay down on my back with head and shoulders in the drivers footwell (my head right up against the pedals), and my legs hanging out of the drivers door with feet dangling onto path. In this position I was able to look upwards underneath the dashboard. Hope this helps. Good luck.
@@AlanCooney I did it yesterday, at last. I did remove the knee airbag, I guess I'm not that flexible :D
Anyway, sadly that was not the issue for me. My rod seems to be a newer version from 2010 and it was tight. I did clean and grease it but the k is king are still there. I suspect it might then be the CV joints so that is my next stop :(
REPLY to Maliaritis Anastasios: Sorry I don't know part numbers - I'm only a home diy mechanic - don't work for Ford. Regards the "bolt" - I think Ford always recommend fitting a new one for safety reasons. I didn't bother because mine looked OK. Always put safety first, and whatever you do is your own responsibility. Good luck!
I am a fully qualified mechanic and don't the same to my parents car. Which i undone the bottom bolt then the top and then removed the lower joint near then floor and then the top joint and soaked it in new oil and moving the joint side to side and back and forth until it felt more smooth then greased it and again moved it around to work grease in. Then placed it back in . Seems back to normal
+Alan Clooney thanks for posting the video, was looking at maybe getting a Festa for my next car as i heard they are great to drive but was worried about Ford reliability,sounds as average as it was years back, will stick with Toyota's not the best drive or looks but great reliability so far and great after sales, thanks again for saving me time and frustation!.
Hi Alan... I have the same problem, and I want to know if I have to remove the knee airbag to get at the upper CV joint.. And if I have to remove it, how do I do it?? Thanks
Don't touch the airbag! There is NO need to interfere with airbag!!!
@@AlanCooney Hi Alan, just to add - our 2015 fiesta with knee airbag - it's impossible to remove the top torx bolt without removing the airbag. I'm not attempting it, but I have tried a torx ring spanner, small 1/4 drive 12mm torx socket. Not room at all to get a proper grip on it. Any other options? Cheers (Great video by the way).
Were you in The Happy Mondays?
No I wasn't in Happy Mondays - but appreciate heavy rock music, some indie, soul, motown......and basically drinking beer and having good time! Happy Mondays OK. Some great music from Manchester - remember Tony Wilson and Hacienda Club, etc. etc.
Will this be under Powertrain Warranty?
Sorry, I don't know.
Are Ford Fiestas reliable?
It gets a high ranking compared to other makes & models if you Google "top 10 most popular small cars".
+Tom Jardine Pretty reliable but they eat front tyres.
I love mine. Mine is 8 now and this has just started. I had a seat before this.... never again.
@@IanLanc i was wondering smh have brand new ones and theyre almost dead
Can any one help do mine 😩
Great my car has the same problem