direction indicators won't cancel

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Bilbo - 29 Mar 2005 19:53 GMT

The plastic ring that cancels the indicators, fitted to the steering column
has broken, I know this to be a common problem with focus's, question is how
easy is it to replace assuming you have to remove the steering wheel?

Reply to this Message

Dave Gower - 31 Mar 2005 17:11 GMT

> The plastic ring that cancels the indicators, fitted to the steering
> column
> has broken, I know this to be a common problem with focus's, question is
> how
> easy is it to replace assuming you have to remove the steering wheel?

I have never heard of this problem on a Focus before - indeed it's rare on
any of today's vehicles, but be very careful of any work around the steering
column of vehicles with airbags. Those things can be extremely dangerous,
and should only be touched by people with the proper training and equipment.

Reply to this Message

Bilbo - 06 Apr 2005 17:24 GMT

> > The plastic ring that cancels the indicators, fitted to the steering
> > column
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Both my focus and one owned by my brother have had this happen, he had his

fixed under warranty and the dealer told him its a known problem on the
focus, along with seized rear wheel bearings that shear the splines on the
stub axle!

Reply to this Message

Mike2 - 07 Apr 2005 15:29 GMT

Sorry if it's too late now: I've only just read your post. I had the same
problem, obtained the part relatively cheaply from Ford (under ?30)and
replaced it myself. Not too difficult but I recommend following
instructions (as I did from the Haynes manual) which will draw your
attention to hazards/dangers working around air bags etc. - you do need to
be careful. I think they recommned disconnecting battery which is a pain
because of the consequences of this. I also bought myself a torque wrench
as taking the steering wheel off it is very important to refit it properly
to the right settings! Any doubts though, and get your dealer to do it:
it's not a long job so shouldn't be too expensive.

Reply to this Message

Dave Gower - 09 Apr 2005 15:42 GMT

>> Both my focus and one owned by my brother have had this happen, he had
>> his
> fixed under warranty and the dealer told him its a known problem on the
> focus

Maybe over there in Olde Blighty, but not here in the colonies to the best
of my knowledge. The issue is the softness of the plastic, and with improved
plastics this problem largely vanished in the 80s. Maybe Ford of Europe got
a bad batch.

> along with seized rear wheel bearings that shear the splines on the
> stub axle!

I would challenge your dealer on that one, if indeed he was implying that
wheels have actually fallen off. It was a recall issue only. In fact, the
rear bearing would become unbearably noisy and rough before the wheel
sheared off, so no one would drive that long. That will be familiar to
anyone who's ever tried to limp home with a failing bearing.

Reply to this Message