Is that high pitched groaning sound like when it has no or insufficient fluid? But the fluid level is fine, steering goes heavy when its like this, but once the car is warmed up or driven, it stops the noise and the steering is normal, i cant work whether the rack is knackered or the pump, or one or both are on the way out?

I didnt think Focus were too bad for wishbone issues? I thought it was Fiesta/Mondeo/Escort and Ka that went through them like no tommorow !

Are the racks hard to change? Apparently the subframe has got to come out underneath, exhaust off to get the subframe off, wheels etc ?

Ive had a look down the back of the engine and theres a big white plastic cover over where the steering goes into the car? what on earth is that !

Thanks