Hi I was after some advice please as I keep getting conflicting information.

I have a 2011 MK3 Ford Focus 1.6 petrol and my steering wheel rack needs replacing which I have learnt is a common problem. I have bought a brand new aftermarket part with 12 months guarantee as it was on sale for a price less then what a used reconditioned one would cost. I have spoken to a local garage who quoted me roughly £200 to replace it including wheel alignment which I believe will be needed. My question is this: As this is a brand new part, will it need some sort of programming, or can I simply replace and when I put the new one in it’ll work? A lot of people buy used reconditioned parts which are already programmed but I’m unsure as I have also read some people say no it’s not needed. My car doesn’t have any fancy features like lane assist etc so I wonder can I just replace and it’ll do that trick? I’ve got the part now ready at home and I don’t even know any local companies who can do this for me if it’s needed? I’m based in East London.

thanks in advance

Is it an electric rack?  If it's a 1.6 Ti-VCT then it should be a hydraulic rack so no programming needed.

As above. Only an electric steering rack needs programming. Well it's the steering angle sensor within the steering wheel that needs re learning. But yes wheel alignment needs to be done which ever type of rack used.