2007 LT Focus Zetec Power Steering

[gnomes_skj]

I have a 2007 LT Focus Zetec 2 litre auto 3 months outside warranty with a power steering problem -
1) the car has 37k kms on the clock, and is a city driven vehicle
2) driven 3-4 days per week, maximum drive approx 50 km a trip, usually less
3) about a month ago, the steering got "heavier" at lower speeds and whilst better at higher speeds (max 80 km/h) there is clearly something wrong
4) when turning either direction at low speeds, the steering feels like it 'shudders' (for want of a better word), and the wheel is harder to turn.
5) there is no power steering warning light coming up on the instrumentation panel at all.
Any ideas, please.

[rand0mn00b]

hmm, this may seem obvious but is your tire pressure ok?

[In Focus]

Originally Posted by rand0mn00b

hmm, this may seem obvious but is your tire pressure ok?

Another obvious thing: power steering fluid level.

[Riksta]

Definitely check the fluid. My AU and the LTD both got real low on fluid, would shudder at the start of the turn, and make a hell of a noise as well.

[gnomes_skj]

Thanks a lot.
Problem solved. The service manula said no check of the fluid was necessary - I took that as being right. I didnt know that the power steering fluid reservoir was hidden underneath the drivers headlight - they wouldnt want to make it too easy to find. I too kthe light out and finally found it, topped it up and now it is as good as gold.

[Riksta]

Glad its working again now.

You might want to get it checked out though, could be leaking somewhere, and you'll forever be topping it up.

[XR5-Boy]

Power steering fluid should be check every 15,000km. It's amazing how quick you can go through the stuff!

It's not the best placed reservoir though!