Fiesta Steering Problem

[neilesh86]

Got a 97 mk4 Fiesta w/out power steering, which seems to keep going tight and loose (not lock to lock but rather over a period of days). Last MOT I had the universal joint greased, which helped, but then went back to norm again.

Is it def the UJ or could it be something else?

[nighthawk]

There are no grease application points on the Fiesta, so if someone has lubricated a universal joint i'd say it's in need of replacement.

If it's the lower UJ just above the rack, they are prone to water ingress and failure.

Also, the lower arm ball joints can give a similar feeling of intermittant tightness, have then checked for condition and operation.

[duncscz]

I have the same issue (MkIII Fiesta) with the steering and the garage have said the UJ probably needs replacing, which I plan to do myself to save a few quid.

However, before I start, would like to check that the UJ can actually be removed without moving the steering column up and/or dropping the steering rack down .. if not so easy, I think I'll avoid the hassle (no doubt it wil be 'siezed' onto the column and/or splined shaft!) and give it to the garage to sort out. Tks

[duncscz]

Decided to have a go .. actually, very easy to swap Working from under the car, ocne the bolts are removed, he UJ assembly slides up the column, so relatively easy to remove.

[neilesh86]

Decided to rid of it in the end! I had a garage quote me £60 for a new UJ fitted, so I booked it in, but got a call from them saying they'd taken it off but it looked and functioned fine!

They reckoned next attempt would be a steering rack - they're cheap and aplenty at scrappies if you need it!!