Mondeo Mk4 - A few issues

[meb90]

Hi all,

After some advice on my Mk4 Mondeo, which has a few issues! To keep you all happy, I will tell you that it is the 2.5T version

I'd appreciate your thoughts on these:

1) There is a knock from the steering rack. Not tie rod ends as it doesn't knock when changing the direction of turning the steering wheel, it will knock several times going from one lock to the other. I'm sure I've read somewhere that Mk4 Mondeos don't have a great reputation when it comes to steering racks, and that if the rack is on its way out it is prudent to change the rest of the power steering system.

2) It has recently developed a hiss type sound that comes from under the dashboard. The hissing is only there when the air con is on, it goes away when the air con is turned off. Could this be the air con evaporator? The air con was re-gassed in August but it has only recently started hissing. I haven't smelt air con gas, and I believe the air con still works. If it is the evaporator I assume it is a dashboard out job.

3) The nearside dipped beam intermittently goes out momentarily, flashes a warning on the dashboard and then returns to normal. I have changed the bulb, but have read that it may be a fault with the central junction box under the glove box.

Any thoughts/comments welcomed.

Thanks,
Matt

[carguy143]

From one Mk4 owner to another.

1. It could also be the suspension top mount bearings. The power steering issue is well documented and many suggest changing the power steering reservoir and fluid is enough to save the rack.

2. How loud is said hiss? I've had a few cars that always hiss ever so slightly with the air con turned on but they don't leak. My Mondeo actually suffered from a leaky air conditioning condenser. The symptons were the air con would hiss loudly when first turned on, almost like a whooping sound, but it would soon stop. Thankfully a new condensor is only a couple of hundred fully fitted at a good local garage.

3. Try removing the connector in to the back of the light and giving it a good spray with contact cleaner. It worked for me.

[meb90]

carguy143 said:

From one Mk4 owner to another.

1. It could also be the suspension top mount bearings. The power steering issue is well documented and many suggest changing the power steering reservoir and fluid is enough to save the rack.

2. How loud is said hiss? I've had a few cars that always hiss ever so slightly with the air con turned on but they don't leak. My Mondeo actually suffered from a leaky air conditioning condenser. The symptons were the air con would hiss loudly when first turned on, almost like a whooping sound, but it would soon stop. Thankfully a new condensor is only a couple of hundred fully fitted at a good local garage.

3. Try removing the connector in to the back of the light and giving it a good spray with contact cleaner. It worked for me.

Thanks for your reply.

1. I guess is could be the top mount bearings. Especially as it doesn't grumble all the time. I changed the power steering reservoir and fluid back in August when I bought the car.

2. On this, I also posted my original post to a couple of Ford specific forums. The main suggestion from them was the refrigerant level was low. Could be plausible as I got the air con serviced in August - less gas went in than came out. The hiss is noticeable, but not that loud, and definately isn't a whooping sound.

3. Tried that!! Haha. It helped for a little while the first time. I also checked/cleaned up the earth points for the headlights. Still thinking its some electrical infidelity.