Steering Noise

Hi all,

I have an old (1999) Focus and feeling I should probably have not started all this work on it.

It started with a whining noise (subsided with topping up the disappearing power steering fluid periodically) which was diagnosed as a power steering pump leak. This pump was changed and there was still a leak. I took it back to the garage and they checked it. Whatever they did whilst checking it caused it to have a catastrophic leak in the garage and left the car undrivable (fluid pouring out within minutes). They told me the steering rack had a bad leak.

I took it to another garage who replaced the rack on Tues. They said the pipe and new pump was fine.They also checked the front brakes for squealing and I think they just cleaned them as they were fine with no squealing after but no replacement work needed. The rear brake had a new cylinder as old one was seized.. As I drive away I felt the steering was heavier than it used to be, and there was a bit of a grinding/slight knock when doing 3 point turn. Whenever I was driving slowly and turning I could hear it. I took it back and when the mechanic drove it he (nor I) could hear it. He didnt actually visually check the rack tho. When I drove away I thought great, I was imagining it and I couldnt hear anything for the rest of the day (only 15 miles or so). Didn't drive it yesterday.

Today... the power steering fluid is starting to drop a bit again, the steering is stiff/heavy and the creaking/knock is back when turning. Definately not imagining it. Any ideas?

Update; they squeezed me in for a check over... we could hear the noise this time on test driving. There is not a fluid leak (just normal expansion/contraction of liquid.) The car was put on the ramp and jiggled about and inspected and no problems there. It's probably shock absorber thing (sorry very technical language!), nothing major going on and the car is safe to drive. PHEW!!!!!