Steering failed at 50,000 miles nearly causing a serious accident.
After investigation, it has been found that the universal joint, mounted on top of the power steering rack had seized up, causing the steering to 'lock' into place.
The Ford dealership had not experienced this problem before and the Ford Motor Company have yet to reply to my urgent communication.
If your steering becomes heavy, particularly at different angles of wheel movement: please stop driving and have this investigated at the first opportunity. By removing the universal joint, it will move in One direction, but not the other. This is probably a 'one off' manufacturing fault with the component, hope fully!
In general it has been a good car, however, the gearbox mounts have gone several times in 50,000 miles. The front steering bearings on top of the shock absorbers have worn out on 4 occasions. Also the car failed its first MOT after 23,000 miles. I would not buy Ford again because the spares are very expensive and there is little or no backup from Ford in terms of information and product recalls.
My steering racks failed after just 20k as one did, owned by a friend of mine! This is not very good. Ford wouldn't cover costs as just out of warranty which is also unsatisfactory. Had a 'pattern part' put on to save money. Was around £500!
My steering rack failed at just under 40,000 miles (2001 Ka 1.3). I had been experiencing all the symptoms described above. The steering was extremely stiff when steering to the right but would suddenly loosen when straightening up.
The garage initially diagnosed a fault with the steering knuckle, but it turns out that the whole rack needs replaced. They say the part retails at £158 plus VAT. Part + labour = best part of £300, which by all accounts is a good deal. I'm told some garages have charged £700.
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