I own a Ford Focus 1999, 5 door, 1.8 petrol.

Recently I have been using the car for long journeys to work, which consists up to 100 miles a day. Background information if it means anything to anyone, but I doubt it.

Anyway the problem I am occuring is...

When I start the car, the car sounds fine, feels fine - when I am stationary. Okay a I might have a slight over reving, but I had a little tube replaced and the problem was fixed but I think it is only minimised. Besides the point anyway.

So when I move the car forward in first, its okay, but as soon as I turn the steering wheel it immediately is so stiff I have to force the steering wheel to turn. Dangerous!

When I have turned a few more times it seems to be okish, not perfect but it still is noticeable.

Now reading around on the internet it has been suggested that there could possibly be a blockage/contamination in the power steering fluid system. I believe this could be possible.

A possible solution can be a total flush of the system, however I would like to know how much this could cost. Has anyone had this done before? Does anyone know how much it could possibly cost? It has also been suggested to replace the power steering fluid container too. Anyone know about the cost this could present?