Anyone got any guesses what's wrong with my Focus causing it to make this noise?

Suddenly started today. 2014 petrol model

I had a similar issue, For me it was a bad bearing on my alternator.

Some sort of bearing is making the noise if it’s that constant. If the noise gets worse when you add throttle then it’s probably your tensioner or alternator. It is NOT your power steering as it’s electrical steering on mk3 focus and up.

@Zander
Don’t you see the cap with the steering wheel on it? That’s the PS fluid reservoir.

Power steering fluid low

Kris said:
Power steering fluid low

This is a joke, right?

Reece said:

Kris said:
Power steering fluid low

This is a joke, right?

No, whining PS pumps can cause a whine. It’s because the fluid is cavitating, so it’s essentially trying to pump bubbles instead of liquid.

@Bennie
I thought all mk3 focus models used electric power steering. Didn’t look closely at the video. Guess there were some exceptions. Reservoir looks full, though.

I’m guessing alternator or power steering pump

Similar issue happened in our Sentra. It’s the alternator. When was the last time you changed it?

Val said:
Similar issue happened in our Sentra. It’s the alternator. When was the last time you changed it?

That would be never. I’ve had it from 68k miles to 110k miles

Hux said:

Val said:
Similar issue happened in our Sentra. It’s the alternator. When was the last time you changed it?

That would be never. I’ve had it from 68k miles to 110k miles

You can bring it to a mechanic and have them confirm but it honestly sounds like your alternator. Any battery troubles?

@Val
No battery troubles. But it started happening just after we left home so I drove home straight away. Booked in with mechanic tomorrow

Hux said:
@Val
No battery troubles. But it started happening just after we left home so I drove home straight away. Booked in with mechanic tomorrow

OK, that’s good to hear. Don’t want you stranded on the side of the road. Hope it’s just the alternator and a cheap fix.

Idler or tensioner pulley

Get a long screwdriver and put it on different places and put the handle against your ear. You will find it, sounds like a pulley.

Power steering pump. Fluid is low or bad.

Power steering pump

My water pump sounded exactly like that when it started to go, then turned into a constant loud squeal. May as well get a timing belt kit as you’ll need to remove it to get to the water pump. If you’re going to DIY it, just be sure to get the correct cam locking kit for your engine code and make sure it’s at top dead center when you lock it. Don’t forget the locking pin behind the CS pulley. When taking the auxiliary belt off, loosen the alternator studs and 15mm bolt that holds it onto the engine mount and it should slip forward enough to fall off if you don’t have a tensioner pulley.

Power steering fluid low or bad power steering pump