Hi there, i'm new here, I am hoping somebody can help me out please, About 18 months ago our 04 Focus TDCi 115 developed a steering fault and got trailered to the local Ford Garage, The powers steering fluid was black so the system was fushed out and new put back in, they were not sure if it's a Pump issue or a Rack.

Now its black again and the steering is not great to say the least !. If anyone can help me out as to which is to blame and if its a common problem etc i will be very grateful as my wife uses the car for work every day so i need to get something sorted asap.

Many thanks !

Sounds like there's certainly some form of contamination taking place making the fluid black. Like the Ford agent said to you it could be either the PAS pump or the steering rack, both would be fairly expensive to replace.

Sounds like some further inspection is needed both under the bonnet and underneath the vehicle to try and determine what's happening to cause the fluid to become so contaminated. It could be wear inside either of the components as inside they're complicated items.

That's all I can think of as of now, have you booked the car into a garage or waiting for advice from here?

Hope you get it sorted anyway :)

Dan

EDIT: I should ask whether you've heard any unusual noises while turning the steering wheel? Particularly with the car parked with the engine running and by turning between full lock on both sides?