Steering resistance

I have a 55-reg Ford Focus Mk2 hatchback with the 1.6 TI-VCT engine, and it has covered 119,000 miles. I have a problem with the steering, which seems to be worse when cold. When driving straight ahead and a slight adjustment is needed due to a bend in the road, the steering has a slight resistance, almost as though it's sticking. This only occurs in the straight-ahead position; otherwise there are no problems.

I have had two garages check all the front suspension components and they both say they can’t fault it. I have also had a four-wheel alignment carried out at my local tyre fitters. The tyre pressures are correct and new tyres have been fitted recently. Can you help?

Roy Guthrie

Having had the suspension components checked, and as the fault is only present in the straight-ahead position, and also given that the problem appears to be only when cold, then it is possible that the fault is with the lower steering column's universal joint (UJ). This could, when warmed up, lose the stickiness which is apparent from cold.

The joint is easily checked by disconnecting it from the steering rack and then attempting to swivel it in all directions, feeling for any tight spots. Access is from inside the vehicle. After removing the lower pinch bolt the UJ and shaft should slide upwards and off the steering rack. Ensure that when doing this the steering lock is on, to prevent the steering wheel from swinging round out of position.

It is sometimes possible to free off the lower UJ by using a light oil and working it into the joint. If the joint has play in it or will not free sufficiently then a new steering column will be required.

From your description I do not believe the problem is hydraulic in origin, but if no fault can be found with the lower steering column joint, it may be worth changing the steering fluid to alleviate the problem.