I am interested in buying a 2010 Zetec which has the following (unrepaired) advisories on the MOT. Does anyone know roughly how much this might cost to remedy? 

1. Play in steering rack inner joints

2. Steering rack has slight free play at steering wheel

 

Hi,

If the wheel play is only caused by the inner joints then you can buy a pair of inner joints (inner rods) and track rod ends for under £50 on eBay.

If paying garage labour then I'd expect at least 2 hours.  Call it £150.

And wheel alignment afterwards.  Another £50.

So £250 total using aftermarket parts and an independent garage.

 

Obviously if the rack itself is worn then a new rack costs a lot more.  And if you use genuine Ford parts then they'll cost a lot more.  But that's a rough ballpark figure.

42 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Hi,

If the wheel play is only caused by the inner joints then you can buy a pair of inner joints (inner rods) and track rod ends for under £50 on eBay.

If paying garage labour then I'd expect at least 2 hours.  Call it £150.

And wheel alignment afterwards.  Another £50.

So £250 total using aftermarket parts and an independent garage.

 

Obviously if the rack itself is worn then a new rack costs a lot more.  And if you use genuine Ford parts then they'll cost a lot more.  But that's a rough ballpark figure.

 

OK - I will then ask if the issue is limited to the inner joints and not the steering rack itself. 

No need for genuine ford parts - do you know how much it would cost for a new rack? 

12 hours ago, beren123 said:

 

OK - I will then ask if the issue is limited to the inner joints and not the steering rack itself. 

No need for genuine ford parts - do you know how much it would cost for a new rack? 

New rack from Ford - £700

New rack aftermarket - £350

Refurbished rack - £150

(All plus the ~£250 for rods/ends, labour and alignment)