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?

 

Sounds more like a steering rack failure (another one! These are common as muck now these focuses are getting on abit)... or the power steering pump!

Had both replaced on mine.

 

Sounds interesting, firstly thank you for replying. How much did it cost for the replacement, it doesn't seem to come across cheap at all.

 

£256 fitted for a new steering rack. Although the mechanic I use does cash

 

that's not bad... mines been fooked for the full 3 years ive had it, it feels as if theres a "knot" if you get me..

but the op... if yours is really stiff to turn constantly id say ether....

its running bone dry

or the pump has had it

 

itll be the rack mate! if you get your normal mechainc to check the car for you, if he removes the inner steering boot clips and look in towards the rack and pinion youll find theres water there and its going to be all rusted, ive seen two like this in the last 18months

 

yeah deffo be the rack, very common, wouldnt bother wasting money going down the power steering flush route, for it not to work, then you lose all your fresh fluid changing the rack. We fitted a second hand one on an 02 tddi focus with 290k on the clock racks still okay now though been about 2 years