Steering rack - Ford focus 2011 to 2017- How to replace

[@devanodimico2763]

Hey all that are just now reading this I just wanted to say thanks to Jim! I replace this with an OEM used part from LKQ online and no re-coding/flashing was needed. I was concerned with this myself but after replacing the steering rack it works just like new no other processes needed

[@jeffreywilliamson4863]

Did this job this weekend, video was a huge help. Not sure how we got along before KZbin and guys willing to take the time to make videos like this! Thanks a million, definitely saved a lot of ciphering and possibly some unnecessary disassembly.

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Thats great! Thanks for watching! And the awesome comment 👍

[@eltanquedecasma1184]

how long did it take you? And how much did you pay for the part? Thanks!

[@jeffreywilliamson4863]

Ed C Paid $350 from Detroit Axle on eBay. Took us probably 5 hours but I could do it much quicker the second time. Mine seems to be working fine without any type of programming.

[@eltanquedecasma1184]

@@jeffreywilliamson4863 Awesome. Thanks for the reply. May have to try my hand at this soon.

[@hovanic]

This video was a life saver. Just did this repair in the States and saved me $3000+. There were some differences in our US car but nothing that was not overcome very easily. I jotted down all the steps to give a checklist and keep the process moving so we would not miss a step. Error code went away and drives straight after the repair. Will still take it for an alignment at the shop and do the reprogram/relearn computer process. Thank you so much for taking the time making this video.

[@timgosling1205]

Excellent . Clarity and all the info needed for the job without any guff. Thanks.

[@jordanrussell345]

A few tips: 1. If your upper endlinks are recessed in a bracket, use a pair of locking pliers behind to hold the exposed metal of the end link (just in front of the boot behind the bracket) and impact the nut off from the front. 2. Just take the sway bar completely off and install the rack; it makes it so much easier than just rotating it around. 3. Take the tie rod ends (track rod ends across the pond) off the rack after you get the rack out, but break the jam nut loose while the rack is still on the car. Much easier. Use locking pliers on the inner tie rod to assist outer tie rod end removal after you've got the rack off. 4. Use an air hammer on the side of the control arm, by ball joint, after removing the pinch bolt and the ball joint studs will fall right out of the knuckle. 5. I used a salvaged OEM rack as replacement and it did not need any reprogramming or relearning. Worked perfect immediately. Great video and to the point. Wonderful editing and help. Thanks Jim.

[@huckfinn8444]

This is just what i was looking for, step by step, torque settings the lot, a great professional how to in removing Ford subframe thank you!

[@dannydirt5D]

the best video on KZbin on hiw to remove the front subframe on a mk3 focus, thank you, I need to do thos job myself thos week and been scratching my head around it. Will definitely be using this as a guide. I have all the correct tools etc but the only bad thing is that I'll be doing it on my drive way 😅

[@bryanbrooks4551]

Thanks alot for this video , best step by step tutorial, i mean i follwed it pic by pic and you didnt miss a bolt . Hopefully the next job i have trouble with you have another video for me to follow 🤙🏾 life saver

[@joshmcdonald7599]

Thanks for the video. Was very helpful. I ended up using a used rack and pinion from a junkyard and did not need to "relearn".

[@Hondeer]

Thank you my dude! Saved us a lot of money and the wife is *very* impressed. :)

[@michaellatham9212]

Did mine a couple weeks ago exactly how you showed it. I had to replace 1 anti roll bar link as it fell to pieces undoing it. cut the rest off with angle grinder, replaced the link everything was great. then i saw your video.

[@HecticSkidz01]

Thank you for this great tutorial. I have a USA-spec 2015 Focus Titanium with the 2.0L Duratec and MTX-75 5-speed manual; the only thing that I noticed was different on my car was the lower gearbox mount bolt was a 15mm instead of an 18mm. For those that want to replace their torque-to-yield fasteners and the steering column bolt with new OEM fasteners, I wanted to make a list of FoMoCo part numbers; I am unsure if Ford changed these during the model run, so definitely double-check these for your car: - Rearward subframe bolts (2): CV6Z00812A - Rack and pinion mounting bolts (3): W714807-S900 - Anti-roll bar bolts (4): W711107-S442 - Lower steering column bolt (1): W711137-S442 I also replaced the rubber steering column coupling shield with a new part instead of reusing it; its part number is CP9Z-3D677-A. Thanks to this video and my own copy of the factory service manual, I was able to install a brand new OEM rack and pinion unit (with a new steering column shield and new fasteners), have the PSCM programmed at my local Ford dealership, and have an alignment done all for $1504.18 USD. A local shop for a major automotive service chain in the USA wanted $3000 USD for this job; a couple of online posts claim Ford dealerships in the USA wanted $2800+USD for this repair a few years ago. Thank you once again!

[@andri818]

I'm just replace the rack and pinion in my focus SEL 2012, i got the rack used from the junk yard ($80)! Works like a new and the other best part, i don't need to go to the dealer for reprogram! The steering message go away! Just replace and play!

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

that's great! thanks for sharing :)

[@alexcintas8792]

And you replaced it with the same defective part, congratulations !!

[@jeffreywilliamson4863]

The rack I bought advertised that it would need a programming from the dealer, but it seems to be working just fine right out of the box. Dunno:

[@berneaubourg7882]

Hey just wondering if you still have the same car and if it had given you that problem since?

[@andri818]

@@berneaubourg7882 I no longer have that car, I sold it shortly after fixing it!

[@EdFromOhio]

Thank you very much, Jim. Your video helps make it seem like I know what I'm doing. :)

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Thanks for watching 😄

[@spydergto1]

Jim can i buy u a beer ? this video saved my ass i followed it step by step and did my steering rack today the part was crazy expensive but im sure i saved a ton doing the labor myself

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Thats great, glad I could help 🍻

[@makeaway4554]

@@ALLTHINGSJIM is this the electronic power steering?

[@brianharris1581]

Watch out at 8:37 because he tells you torque down those 2 rear subframe bolts before the next few steps that tell you to put the rear crossmember on first! Just learned this the hard way now have to untorque and retorque the rear subframe 2 main bolts AFTER installing the crossmember.

[@brianharris1581]

Thanks for posting this video. It might of been better just to say disassemble the entire car. All this for replacing a power steering pump. Old days this is a 30 minute swap and 40 bucks!

[@CritterCustoms]

Great video brother. Found this right as I started replacing the steering rack in a 2012 focus. It was really nice to have this to refer to.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Thanks, 👍👍

[@ricardoescalera3740]

For the reprogramming, can the alignment shop do this?

[@BenotzJoe]

This is a good video. But I just spent a few hours trying to pry the control arm male ball joint down out of the knuckle female. The spring holds the knuckle down while the bushings hold the control arm up. You can loosen the joint pretty easily. But if you try to pry them 2 inches to disengage them, you run out of travel with your lever. And when you release the force to reposition the lever, they spring back together. They also bind up for the last quarter inch, because as you pry, the knuckle moves out and maligns them. Just break them loose, but leave them engaged until you lower the arms with the rack.

[@mrgreen3874]

Great video, watched this with a couple others, this by far has the most detail on focus steering rack replace imho. I have 2012 focus with 197k, started getting message "Steering assist malfunction Check Handbook" message about 3.5 years ago. I was always able to reset by turning ignition on/off. Last night stayed on for good. I was able to muscle it home from parking lot w no power steering. Tried all the battery disconnect stuff etc. Going to go the refurbished OEM rack approach, even if a couple hundred bucks and time under the car, worth it for this car before caving in and dropping couple K at a garage.

[@mrgreen3874]

just an update, got a $95 salvage yard rack(west oakland), replaced fine and worked wo any new scanning or having dealer reset etc. my only pain points were those swaybar bolts, trying to loosen and move swaybar up to get new rack on subframe. I saw a tip youtube short, but I ended up yanking too hard on the swaybar link and pulled it right out of the socket. That was another $25 part from junkyard, still way cheaper than garage mechanic.

[@Sovek86]

It likely set a U3000:53 code. I'm debating salvage yard myself or going with a reman unit. Did you get one out of a different year? so far as I can tell years 2012-2017 are all the same.

[@mrgreen3874]

@@Sovek86 yeah, I don't have a scanner tool to check for codes, I just go off the messages displayed on dash above steering wheel. They told me my salvage rack came from a 2016 focus, I wasn't able to see the car though. So hopefully being 4 years newer than the one I replaced will last me a bit.

[@frankster1969]

Thanks for making this video, it was very helpful. One thing I would like to add is that after removing the 4 main bolts that hold the subframe, I would highly recommend cleaning out the tread in the holes before installing the new bolts (or the old ones)...

[@SamWDutch]

I've read that the Ford cmax of the same year is the same frame etc as a focus. So I can only assume this video will help me also. I'm going to jack the car up and have a goosey. Hopefully this vid will help me also

[@davekawalski7076]

what a great video only thing wrong is that music ha ha went to work this morning knowing that i could sort the focus out no probelm took half an hour with your video first class mate

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Thanks for the kind comment, yeah the music... youd be suprised how hard it is to find anything decent that doesnt get flagged for copyright! So its mostly off youtube free creators but atleast you can mute it ! 😂

[@andrewlyon2707]

Great vid it’s been an awesome help wish I was still in the trade I’m so out of touch and doing this on the driveway is no fun that’s one heavy lump of expensive metal

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@jamescordova1663]

This video was very helpful thank you for making the video

[@phillipmccollough8707]

This is a perfect how-to video, thanks.

[@brianharris1581]

Any tips for breaking that ball joint loose from the control arm. It's like wedged in there and I can't pry it out all the way.

[@brianharris1581]

Learned this the hard way and now have 2 new ball joints. Do not pry away the control arm from the pinch bolt. Simply lower the K-member and it will drop out. If you try to pry it out you will damage the ball joint and still not get it out at that awkward angle. Good luck.

[@BenotzJoe]

@@brianharris1581 I wish I had read your comment before I started. I just spent a few hours on each side trying to pry the control arm male down out of the knuckle female. The spring holds the knuckle down while the bushings hold the control arm up. You can loosen the joint pretty easily. But if you try to pry them 2 inches, you run out of travel with your lever. And when you release the force to reposition the lever, they spring back together. They also bind up for the last quarter inch, because as you pry, the knuckle moves out. Removing the control arm is the way.

[@joichiro000]

thanks for the great video, its help me to done my car power steering replacement. but after replacement i am getting warning '' Lane keeping sys malfunction need service'' do i have to get programming fpr steering rack?? if yes who can do programming thankx ? Or can i use Forscan to solve this ?

[@danggeh7489]

Do you have to get the steering rack reprogrammed? My rack didn’t solve the problem

[@brookado]

Hi, would this be similar to a 2011 cmax 1.6 titanium & how long would it take? Thanks.

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Yes should be exactly the same for the focus cmax , around 2-2.5 hours 👍

[@brookado]

@@ALLTHINGSJIM garage charged me 4 hours labour, bit excessive?

[@TheViajero12]

Nice info. Thanks. How many hours does it take to do it? And what would be the price

[@kabyaherovlog4514]

Good day sir! I have a question, does steering rack assy of ford focus 2013 automatic can repair or overhaul inside? ( module)can it stays longer? Because, the steering wheel is so heavy to drive.

[@karlknudson1264]

Orsum video mate 👍👏

[@jimarmbrester1721]

That impact removes lug nuts very slowly, but requires no hands, so that kind of makes up for it!

[@cozzav8]

Perfect video! I had to replace a cat converter on this exact model and the rack had to come out. Thanks!!

[@cagrgunes7155]

hey jim im a mechanic and id like to be like you great. that's really let me work at ur garage

[@lucchery1221]

Where can I buy a Complete Electric Power Steering Rack Assembly for my 2016 Ford Focus ?

[@natesavesyoumoney]

Unfortunately I am back on this video replacing the rack and pinion again, the last one lasted 4 years, 3rd times a charm eh? But with this video I’ve saved 4000$ doing it myself. Cheers

[@terrancefagan8919]

Do you have an ST or focus and did it work fine without programming? My power steering still works its just makes a sort or grinding noise when spinning wheel

[@michaelaclayton3778]

Does a 2nd hand rack need to be programmed to the car?

[@krislau6442]

May I know where I can find the right hand drive steering rack for my 2013 focus st now?

[@joemason9187]

Excellent vid for the job well explained

[@henryherrera9111]

Is programming required?

[@tanglewood777]

mine has stopped working went off few months ago in rainy weathear then it started to work nx day now its gone off agin any idea wots caused it

[@Cheif.D19]

Is it the same on a north American version ford focus?

[@riogrande587]

Great video! Any tips on diagnosing if I need to replace the rack? Our Focus seems to have an intermittent issue where the power steering works perfectly or not at all. I thought it might be a bad connector or corrosion so I wanted to start by opening the connectors and cleaning them if necessary, but I can't even get to them from above or below. I'd hate to throw an expensive part and 5+ hours of my time at it if there are other things to check first.

[@tylerquirk9365]

Hey this just started to happen to my car. Did you end up needing to replace the rack?

[@riogrande587]

@@tylerquirk9365 For me, the issue turned out to be an electrical connector on the rack. It was VERY hard to reach, but just pressing the connector firmly seemed to solve the issue for us. I didn't even disconnect it or clean it because I couldn't reach it well enough to do that. If the issue resurfaces, I'd find a way to dig down, disconnect, clean, and reconnect that connector.

[@johnplato4976]

@@riogrande587 My wife's 2014 Focus BEV has the same problem, intermittent power steering. Can you tell me where that connector is located on the rack? I'm going to try the fix myself. Thanks again.

[@dave23572]

Do you think it's possible to put a Focus ST rack on a non ST? I don't like the steering on my 2014 pre-facelift Focus and I know the ST has quicker steering and is progressive. I was wondering if I could swap to the ST rack to improve steering response and turn-in? I did read somewhere that this could be done but you also need the steering arms.

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Sorry I cant answer that as I actually dont know- I dont like the ST steering though when trying to do a 3 point turn or something though. Makes them turn like a canal barge!

[@adamboychuk3271]

If I have a 2012 focus, do I have to replace it with another 2012 or can I use a different year that has less problems? This is my second time replacing the rack in 2 years...

[@makeaway4554]

is this the one with electronic power steering

[@chinmaypatel5292]

hi Jim I installed an remanufactured sterring rack and pinion on 2012 Ford Focus se, have it reprogrammed at the delear. now I don't get any error code or dash massage but it can only make a one steering turn left easily and then it's hard to turn and same with the right turn. any suggestion? thanks for your help.

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Id probably say the rack youve put on is probably faulty unfortunately

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Hang on, when you changed the rack you did put the one way valve into the new one off the old one?

[@toyotoe3732]

Hi . Just fitted reconditioned steering rack to 2010 citroen c5 1.6hdi. It has an electric power steering pump, but rack seems conventional to me( t40 torx screw holding the 2 pipes into the rack). After fitting, when I start engine (and car stationary) the steering wheel turns by itself to the right until stopping in the full right lock position. This happens if the front end is of the ground or front wheel on the ground. I do think I centred rack correctly before installing, maybe I need to recheck. Basically, what could cause the steering wheel to move by itself always to full right lock position? Any ideas appreciated. Thanks

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Hi there! It could be that your old rack has a one way valve fitted in one of the holes where the pipes attach and your new one doesnt, have a look if thats the case you can normally pull the old one out and put it in the new rack 👍

[@lesediguy662]

Hi I have a problem with Ford focus 1.6 engen 2012 model electronic steering rack can u guys assist me with steering rack part number than in advance

[@batacachuck]

Do you have part number for assisted steering motor? I need to import from USA. Regards

[@brianharris1581]

Just took her for a drive. The gear shifter was still locked until I drove it for a few miles then it didn't lock anymore. The wrench light also went away but there is a "I" info message now about engine fault and hill start assist not working. Seems to come and go. I guess I"ll have to take it in to get and alignment and this info message removed. Drives fine but pulls slightly to the right.

[@NOOBKILLER052]

Will this work on the 2005 focus?

[@Simoamri-h4s]

2012

[@muckbaby8411]

Do you have to reprogram the power steering module after replacing the rack??

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Not as such, its usually plug and play I would however if you have some diagnostic equipment recommend resetting the steering angle sensor learned values etc 👍

[@jordanrussell345]

Is there a source for these alignment pins in the States? All the shipping options look months out.

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

I dont know sorry

[@markmckenzie3072]

I took the inner and outer track rods off the old rack before removing it from the subframe. That way it came off without disturbing the anti roll bar (sway bar) at all. Might help someone. Cheers.

[@lucaschow5989]

Hi there I had a question so after the replacement will the Power steering work ( the steering not heavy ) and able to drive ?

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Yes it should work, providing theres not another problem in the system, you may also benefit from tracking, resetting any old fault codes and carrying out a steering angle reset if you have the equipment to do so, but in short yes it should work 👍

[@ricardoescalera3740]

Can an alignment shop do the steering angle reset?

[@fpsmzungu2661]

thank you soooo much!

[@mihixoxostr]

How much would something like that cost in a garage, what is your opinion?

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Depends what sort of garage you would go to, if I had to make an educated guess...at a main dealers your probably looking close to £800-£1000 possibly. A decent back street garage probably between £500-700 at a dodgy garage that will be more problems than its work mabie around £400

[@markholyoak9790]

i have a quick question what is your torque gun setting to remove bolts because i'm looking to buy one

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Hi there, if you believe what MAC TOOLS say this particular gun has 1500nm/ 635 ft lbs breakaway torque 👍

[@markholyoak9790]

thanks for your help that was a great help and thank you for doing the videos i learn a lot

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

@@markholyoak9790 not a problem, comments like this make it all worth it. Thanks for watching 👍

[@oz32385]

other people talking:hey dude lets get goin me talking:hey have you seen the youtuber up there

[@chucksw1]

My 2012 Focus is not locking the steering wheel after I turn off the car, what needs to be fixed?

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

I take it this is a normal key operated steering column lock and not a stop start? And youve tried to turn the steering to get it to lock after key removed.... It will most likely be something in the ignition column parts e.g. either the barrel itself is faulty or the steering column lock / ignition switch assembley but youd have to check these to determine which

[@toyotoe3732]

Hi Jim. Thank you. Is the steering control module located on the rack?

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Sure is 👍

[@darrenbaker8378]

Do you need to program new one to your car like everything these days????

[@Sandro9466]

Hi, is possible to program the module with ids software?

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Yes thats what you use 👍

[@Sandro9466]

ALL THINGS JIM Thank you Jim 😊 Another question. Does it works with a used rack? Can ids reprogram the vin code in the module?

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Ive never fitted a used one tbh but I cant see why not youd just go through the usual programmable module installation section 👍

[@Sandro9466]

ALL THINGS JIM Ok ok thanks 👍🏻👍🏻

[@devanodimico2763]

Sandro did you end up reprogramming a used one? And how so? 300$ from the ford dealer JUST to reprogram so I’m trying to use Jim’s great video to do this myself for 175$ rack online I found. Any help thanks!

[@mwaylee]

name of the song you use for this video

[@stephenchinchinkimhong9184]

Hello Jim how to fix mazda 6 electric steering turn left is little bit hard but turn right is normal

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Sounds like a steering rack fault..

[@stephenchinchinkimhong9184]

Hello Jim can the ECU effect the electric steering

[@stephenchinchinkimhong9184]

Hello Jim you suggest me to check the steering rack first or replace the new steering rack

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Obviously check it first. But what your describing sounds like a problem with the rack or possible power steering motor if its seperate like where some motors are on the column

[@stephenchinchinkimhong9184]

Ok Jim i'll check it thanks Jim

[@OMARVELA1]

Hi, after install the steering gear rack i get the message "hill assist not available" or something like that, and get the code U428 about angle sensor, and when i turn the sterring to the left is a little bit hard. Do you know something to fix this? Regards.

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

It sounds to me like your steering wheel prob moved / spun when you repaired it and your clock spring aka steering angle sensor is knackered now unfortunately, you could try taking it off and try resetting or realigning it but ive never had them work again if that happens. Just end up replacing them

[@OMARVELA1]

@@ALLTHINGSJIM i remove the 10 mm bolt and spint to the right 1 turn and fix the reverse camera, the spin was 1 turn to the left, i will try it reprogram the module and will se if i solve the problem, the message of the hill assistant keep it in the cluster

[@thefalconloveridges8638]

Did it need reprogramming?

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

The steering angle sensor and stuff needs relearning so yeah sort of

[@360Sebastian360]

@@ALLTHINGSJIM Does the re-learning occur on its own ? or does someone actually need to connect to the car and reprogram ?

[@ALLTHINGSJIM]

Its not really reprogramming as such its resetting learned values, which would need a plug in-- if needed.

[@ricardoescalera3740]

By plug in could an ob2 port reset the car?

[@noelcardona1468]

🕶🧤 great 👍 👌

[@scotteric8711]

A manual transmission newer focus? You've already fixed half of the problem with this vehicle.

[@fanyfuk]

No need to remove sub frame or suspension ... George's cars ... 👍

[@geraintthomas1673]

Just a question on this, how do you do it without removing the subframe? I can't see any access to the rack without removing it all.

[@Francojimrod]

Necesito programar esta cremallera?

[@islandbeaches395]

Used a saw and cut rack out.

[@JuanMartinez-cd2yp]

P2016

[@islandbeaches395]

Stick

[@fanyfuk]

Wrong way to do this rack ,, Lol