Ford focus 04 auto car makes grinding noise

possible power steering problems

sounds like your belt broke. replace with a new belt. battery light is on because the belt is not spinning the alternator. If it busted you should be able to pull it right out. Make sure to check the tensioner pulley, alternator pulley, power steering pump pulley and ac compressor pulley for free play(if you can make it spin with your hand it's good) and make sure that they're not binding or making any grinding noises. If the belt has never been replaced, then most likely it gave out.

Check the front engine mount..If its bad it could make a noise while turning or reverse..Hold the car in gear with your foot on the brake and carefully raise the engine ..do it in both reverse or forward and look for excessive movement..

What you need is Power Steering Fluid. You should be able to buy it in any autoparts store or maybe service stations, depending on where you live...you are talking about the power steering pump is very low, right? Are you hearing a grinding noise when you turn the wheels?

Hi, it does sound like your on the right track as the noise gets louder when you turn the wheel. without turning the wheel you should have a slight noise that will get louder when you turn the wheel this would then point me to believ the power steering pump needs replacing.

As your not loosing any fluid then the rest of the steering should be ok so changing the pump will solve your problem, just remember to make sure you bleed the pump properly and the steering properly after fitting the new one as not doing this properly could cause damage to seals inside the rack itself causing more problems than you need so double check you have bled all the air out ok.

Let me know how you get on or if you need further assistance ok

First, check and make sure it is full of fluid. If it's not fill it and watch for leaks. Hope this helps.

sounds like the power sterring pump check valve is failing because it only when you turn, try to turn the wheels standing still to verify the noise, if noise present, replace the ps pump.

Check fluid level could be low.

you have a power steering leak, when in full lock position the power steering pump is actually sucking in air and this is your noise. you will have to locate the leak and replace the leaking part and fill it to proper level.Ford will accept trans fluid for power steering fluid.

I had the same exact problem with my 2003 Focus with 108,000 on it. Making right turns and accelerating was even worse. Had many ideas from differant mechanics saying it was wheel bearing, steering rack, loose heat shields, transmission...ect. Well after having wheel bearing replaced and steering rack replaced, the grinding was still there. It was finally discovered that the noise was coming from a bad motor mount on the right side. Had the dealer replace the motor motor mount and finally!!! the problem was solved. Thank God.