lost power steering!

[fes_786]

mk3 1.8 mondeo 2001

went down to newcastle everything fine
but slight nocking noise and nocking feel from steering wheel

on the way back half way down a19 steering goes very heavy

drove car home

no fluid in resivor and at the back were the pipes connect to rack oil every were
my m8 reckons the rack needs replacing but i think its the pipes
just had a m8 fit alternator yesterday
maybe a pipes broke???

how much are new pipes from ford and do they come in a set??

thanks

 

[jim.son]

sounds just like the rack is gone

check the gators at each side
its usually the knuckle inside that streches & the rod pops the fluid leaks from the gator
the rod will be loose.

they can be fixed but i'd say get it of and get a reconditioned 1 trade in for your old 1

as for the pipe if it is that, then local scrappy would be the best option as they dont usually go.

 

[pipsqueaker]

If the problem is a leaking pipe :
I needed new power steering pipe a while ago.
Cost was over £300 (Saab) Main dealer part only.
My garage went to a hydraulic pipe making firm and got a pipe made up for a fraction of the price, worked perfectly. Worth thinking about.

 

[breeze]

Check the power steering cooler in the front grille, I had similar problem and it was due to small crack in the cooler, Cost about £50 to replace.