Hi took my st for mot today and it failed on play in the steering rack both sides any idies if this would be the tie bars or the rack itself?

 

you can buy the ends themselves but on my mondeo with the same fault it was wear in the rack itself caused by play in the end wearing the rack body out

make sure you are sitting down when they quote you the replacement

 

anyway i can check the tie rods?

 

yes, they simply unscrew from the end of the rack body and are about £50 each

but the rack is 10x's that amount

 

Thanks il have a look in the morning to see whats going on

 

right i got to the bottom of it the 2 tie bars had loads of play in them so took them off and picking new ones up tomorrow

 

Hi-got the same problem, was advised track rod ends, due to play in wheels, but still got same issue, if I move steering wheel left and right there is a knocking noise, can only describe coming from the middle by the gators!

 

mine was the same changed the tie rods and then flew mot common problem

 

these r what you need not the track rod end,these are the one i bought
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FORD-FOCUS-98-04-INNER-TIE-ROD-STEERING-RACK-END-X-2-/390189423374?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM& hash=item5ad91a1b0e

 

Ok looks the cheaper option to check, did the mot test centre advise on the problem and the actual cause? Mines due in 3 weeks!

 

no just said play in steering rack but there comomn mot faiure just take the rubber boot off then you will see the knuckle hold the hub and and turn it left and right and you will see the play

 

Ok thanks - It looks like the tie arm screws into hub?

 

they go into the steering rack i took mine off with a pair of Stiltons but took the wishbones off instead of drooping the subframe