My 2006 focus with no accidents suddenly developed a noise when I try to turn right or left. I took it into the dealers and they insist it is my steering rack that needs replacement. How can a vehicle so young with regular dealer servicing develop a problem like this?

Am I being ripped off?

Where I am from the cost of a steering rack could buy a wide range of used cars.

Hi have a look at this link it is the older focus, its the symptoms that you need to look at, if it is the same then your dealer is right, don't use a refurbed rack, try and get a genuine rack fitted if you can, ford did one for me 2 years ago, cost £600, plus the £300 that i wasted on refurbed racks before ford had it.. it not that common on mk2 but more so on mk1

Hi have a look at this link it is the older focus, its the symptoms that you need to look at, if it is the same then your dealer is right, don't use a refurbed rack, try and get a genuine rack fitted if you can, ford did one for me 2 years ago, cost £600, plus the £300 that i wasted on refurbed racks before ford had it.. it not that common on mk2 but more so on mk1

Actually this is the sound I am getting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdin281BsKw&feature=related

They said there is a major leak and it from the rack.

have you checked the fluid, you will find the reservoir under the drivers side head light, you will have to remove the light to get to it, if you need fluid get it from ford, you can't mix fluid types, something to do with temperature and that it uses an electric pump.

have you checked the fluid, you will find the reservoir under the drivers side head light, you will have to remove the light to get to it, if you need fluid get it from ford, you can't mix fluid types, something to do with temperature and that it uses an electric pump.

Unfortunately I didnt do any real research into the issue until after I took it to the dealers. I only started digging because I have all this time waiting for my part to get ordered and replaced.