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        General >> Problems >> Steering 'iffy' and ticking noise
        
(Message started by: ChrisHolman on Mar 14^th, 2004, 8:09pm)

Title: Steering 'iffy' and ticking noise
Post by ChrisHolman on Mar 14^th, 2004, 8:09pm

Hi all,
I've had a read through the site, particularly the bits about the wishbone bush, but I'd just like to check what anyone thinks my problem might be.

The steering feels 'not quite right' to me - but i'm pretty fussy. I've found that it seems to be easier to turn right than left, though it drives reasonably straight.

At slow speeds, turning the wheel can feel a bit like a fifty-pence piece - as if the wheels aren't round!

Gentle braking causes vibration in the steering, but firmer braking is OK (fitted new discs last year).

After the car's been parked a few hours, e.g. overnight, the steering seems to 'stick', but once freed it doesn't happen again.

Finally, there's a 'ticking' noise when driving straight ahead, which reduces on lock. Listening to this close up (while someone drove at walking pace) it sounds a bit like rubber creaking (think 'Frank Bough' and you'll know what I mean - or maybe that's not such a good idea...).

Lifted on a jack, the wheel spins fine and the bearing is tight and quiet.

I've tried swapping the tyre for the spare, and it's still the same.

Does all this sound like the wishbone problem, and what do I need to do to check it?

Thanks

Title: Re: Steering 'iffy' and ticking noise
Post by Badboytunes on Mar 14^th, 2004, 10:46pm

regarding the stiff to one side part of your problem, i had a similar problem on a capri. On this it was down to a worn rack which needed replacing. Done it a few times on a few capris. LOL. However i dont know if this will apply to the scorpio.

Cheers Nick

Title: Re: Steering 'iffy' and ticking noise
Post by Grant on Mar 15^th, 2004, 12:30am

Had exactly this problem on a 97 mondeo. Almost as if the p/s fluid had to warm up a bit. First couple of turns to the left in the morning it would go over a 'notch' as you describe. I had plenty of spares at the time so just put another rack on which cured it. Possibly the rack could have been repaired I just didn't bother finding out. Do you have a standard rack or the speed variable cosworth one?

Title: Re: Steering 'iffy' and ticking noise
Post by john.n on Mar 15^th, 2004, 7:43am

Got to agree, sounds like the rack to me. If it is the cossie one with the electric connection the earlier one from the old Granada cossie fits. john.n ;)

Title: Re: Steering 'iffy' and ticking noise
Post by ChrisHolman on Mar 15^th, 2004, 8:05am

Not what I wanted to hear but thanks!

Mine's the 12v, so I believe it's the 'standard' rack - any idea how much that would cost?

Chris

Title: Re: Steering 'iffy' and ticking noise
Post by SaveTheNight on Mar 15^th, 2004, 11:01am

around a hundred ..recon .. STN

Title: Re: Steering 'iffy' and ticking noise
Post by ChrisHolman on Mar 15^th, 2004, 6:55pm

That doesn't sound so bad - and I can't complain - the car's served me well. I'll get it checked out.

Cheers