Whining Power Steering (on S-max, But The Same As Galaxy)

[S-MaxDave]

Hi All,

 

This is my first post!

I have a Ford S-Max and theres a whining coming from the power steering area. As soon as I move the steering wheel even slightly it starts. Is this normal or is this the start of a major breakdown?

I have just bought the car so thats why I'm concerned.

 

Any help/advice will be very welcome.

 

Cheers, Dave

 

(I Know this is the Galaxy forum but the mechanics are basically the same)

[big_kev]

The belt that powers the steering also powers other items, Alternator, air-Con, tensioner bearings etc.

 

It could be the belt is loose or worn or one of the other items is worn out.

 

It obviously could also be the power steering.....but check the belt first.

[7up]

No its a common problem and you should see your ford dealer. check out the smax owners web site as this fault has been on there alot

[jonnyp]

Hi All,

 

This is my first post!

I have a Ford S-Max and theres a whining coming from the power steering area. As soon as I move the steering wheel even slightly it starts. Is this normal or is this the start of a major breakdown?

I have just bought the car so thats why I'm concerned.

 

Any help/advice will be very welcome.

 

Cheers, Dave

 

(I Know this is the Galaxy forum but the mechanics are basically the same)

 

Hi Dave,

 

Galaxy 2.0TDCI Ghia 2007

 

Just had my pump changed as I started to hear a very faint whining, also the steering sometimes felt heavy for the first few miles after the morning start.

After reading the forum, there are many entries referring to this problem and seemingly it is one of the many known faults. As my warranty runs out in April, I reported it and there was no hesitation from Ford in replacing it, which is probably a good indication that they are aware of a problem!

 

Hope this helps

 

Jon

[S-MaxDave]

Thanks Chaps for your replies.

 

7up, I did have a look at the smaxownersclub but their forum didn't look anything, it was only after I registered that more was opened up to me! so I'll have a good look around. Thanks.

 

Also Jon, It sounds like I have the same problem you did and its good to see what they did to sort it.

 

I have 3 months warranty from the place I bought it (its 3 years old) so could I get the pump replaced under the warranty, even though it hasn't actually failed? Or should I just take it back to the place I bought it from 2 weeks ago, bearing in mind its a 2hr 45min trip!!!

 

Many Thanks, Dave

[jonnyp]

Thanks Chaps for your replies.

 

7up, I did have a look at the smaxownersclub but their forum didn't look anything, it was only after I registered that more was opened up to me! so I'll have a good look around. Thanks.

 

Also Jon, It sounds like I have the same problem you did and its good to see what they did to sort it.

 

I have 3 months warranty from the place I bought it (its 3 years old) so could I get the pump replaced under the warranty, even though it hasn't actually failed? Or should I just take it back to the place I bought it from 2 weeks ago, bearing in mind its a 2hr 45min trip!!!

 

Many Thanks, Dave

 

Get it changed now and tell them that the steering goes a bit heavy sometimes. If you don't, you will forget about it and the warranty will expire! Also, it's something you don't want to wait until it fails.

 

As I said before, they know it is an issue. I believe it is something to do with the hydraulic oil inlet filter to the pump being too restrictive!

 

Jon