hi folks, my st170 seems to have a strange tight spot on the steering when cold, it only lasts for a mile or so then it's fine, has anyone any ideas?, thanks, steve

 

have you checked the oil as it may need changing also a worn out track rod end siezing

 

Replace the fluid as a short term measure, ours had broken down and was like oil. Long term it's a new rack.
We had the fluid done and some sort of treatment added, cured it for about a year but when winter set in it was back. Fairly common problem with focus generally.

 

Mine had a tight spot when turning left. Once the car was warm it was ok. I changed the steering rack and its beem spot on.

I got a recon rack off ebay for 120 quid.