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 steering rack, help

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andrekua2
post Nov 18 2025, 08:18 AM

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QUOTE(guest54321 @ Nov 18 2025, 12:39 AM)
It is sold under Ee lee auto. Got original and there sell oem like hl mando also. Then again, how can one be hundred percent sure?

You can visit their fb page or physical shop at jln ipoh and tell me this ori or oem.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1075864...075864604546533
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It is exactly because I knew them that Im asking the obvious. They are famous for offering OEM parts. Some are okay, some are not.
SportyHandling
post Nov 18 2025, 11:48 AM

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QUOTE(andrekua2 @ Nov 18 2025, 08:15 AM)
Blame the auto manufacturer.

It is just part of the scam with the industry as a whole. They made the power steering electric and attached it together with the steering rack. When we had hydraulic power steering, everything is separated and can be replaced separately.
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The auto manufacturer(Ford) have ceased production of passenger cars across the globe so they can't continue with their ways already. Since i don't own the Focus now I am not tied with costly repairs anymore associated with unreliable parts and electronics caused by their incompetent design team as you have aptly put it.

I'm not sure what other cars adopt this similar design approach whereby the steering rack is lumped together with the electronic or ECU box which will require costly repairs in the event the electronics in the ECU box fail. Anyway I'm not interested to know already as I'm back to Japanese cars. biggrin.gif
speedy3210
post Nov 18 2025, 01:37 PM

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QUOTE(ktek @ Nov 17 2025, 09:00 PM)
will not contaminate other fluids ?
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As far as I can tell, no. The mixed fluids are still in service in my cars. It's so good that I even dripped a drop or two of AT205 on the reservoir cap oil seals, which were flattened at contact point and started to leak. And as expected after the treatment, no leak was observed after cleaning the reservoir area with degreaser.

Somehow SealFixx is cheaper than AT205.
littlefire
post Nov 18 2025, 01:39 PM

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QUOTE(andrekua2 @ Nov 18 2025, 09:15 AM)
Blame the auto manufacturer.

It is just part of the scam with the industry as a whole. They made the power steering electric and attached it together with the steering rack. When we had hydraulic power steering, everything is separated and can be replaced separately.
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EPS also can be separated out and fix is just some of the parts especially the electronic part ECU/PCBA related if fried might got issue, if not serious a lot of ECU repairer also can fix but those serious 1 (especially flooded cars) might need to change new/used.
SportyHandling
post Nov 19 2025, 07:16 AM

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QUOTE(littlefire @ Nov 18 2025, 01:39 PM)
EPS also can be separated out and fix is just some of the parts especially the electronic part ECU/PCBA related if fried might got issue, if not serious a lot of ECU repairer also can fix but those serious 1 (especially flooded cars) might need to change new/used.
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Since you have mentioned that a lot of ECU repairer can fix units which are attached to the steering rack, perhaps post some references here as it may be useful for future Ford Focus owners who will encounter failure of the steering rack. As far as I know it can't be fixed.
littlefire
post Nov 19 2025, 10:38 AM

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QUOTE(SportyHandling @ Nov 19 2025, 08:16 AM)
Since you have mentioned that a lot of ECU repairer can fix units which are attached to the steering rack, perhaps post some references here as it may be useful for future Ford Focus owners who will encounter failure of the steering rack. As far as I know it can't be fixed.
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My mechanic already help few Merc EPS steering rack to fix their ECU/PCBA module by sending to those specialize in ECU/PCBA repairers. Some of the ECU/PCBA boards can sent to them and ask them to quote for repair, if cant they will let you know. Just google or facebook search for ECU repairer.
SportyHandling
post Nov 19 2025, 10:58 AM

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QUOTE(littlefire @ Nov 19 2025, 10:38 AM)
My mechanic already help few Merc EPS steering rack to fix their ECU/PCBA module by sending to those specialize in ECU/PCBA repairers. Some of the ECU/PCBA boards can sent to them and ask them to quote for repair, if cant they will let you know. Just google or facebook search for ECU repairer.
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It's not just about sending a small box to them. The ECU box is attached to the steering rack, the whole car needs to be jacked up and the steering rack dismantled to have access to the boards. IF the ECU repairer only takes in the boards and does not offer service to accept the vehicle with the damaged steering rack/ECU box, a 3rd party mechanic will need to be hired to dismantle the steering rack/ECU box, that if it can be done since the Mercedes is not a Ford. The box attached to the steering rack/parts are all different. Also, say after the electronics in the ECU box are repaired (if that can be done as claimed), it will need to be reinstalled to the steering rack, and the whole steering rack fixed to the car and final testing. Who will do the final testing, the mechanic of the ECU repairer? If anything goes wrong or doesn't work, who will take the blame, and can the costs of repair (trial) be waived? The car would still be dead in the workshop and can't be driven, only can be towed.

This post has been edited by SportyHandling: Nov 19 2025, 11:09 AM
littlefire
post Nov 19 2025, 01:23 PM

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QUOTE(SportyHandling @ Nov 19 2025, 11:58 AM)
It's not just about sending a small box to them. The ECU box is attached to the steering rack, the whole car needs to be jacked up and the steering rack dismantled to have access to the boards. IF the ECU repairer only takes in the boards and does not offer service to accept the vehicle with the damaged steering rack/ECU box, a 3rd party mechanic will need to be hired to dismantle the steering rack/ECU box, that if it can be done since the Mercedes is not a Ford. The box attached to the steering rack/parts are all different. Also, say after the electronics in the ECU box are repaired (if that can be done as claimed), it will need to be reinstalled to the steering rack, and the whole steering rack fixed to the car and final testing. Who will do the final testing, the mechanic of the ECU repairer? If anything goes wrong or doesn't work, who will take the blame, and can the costs of repair (trial) be waived? The car would still be dead in the workshop and can't be driven, only can be towed.
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If mechanic quote you the fix they will take all the responsibility, the mechanical part they will sent to steering rack repairer, while the ECU/PCBA they can either ask the steering rack repairer to help take out or themself. Each repairer only do their part, in the end as you only direct to the mechanic you deal with him only, so if either one fail the Mechanic will settle it. Unless you pandai pandai want DIY then is your own risk de.
SportyHandling
post Nov 19 2025, 03:27 PM

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QUOTE(littlefire @ Nov 19 2025, 01:23 PM)
If mechanic quote you the fix they will take all the responsibility, the mechanical part they will sent to steering rack repairer, while the ECU/PCBA they can either ask the steering rack repairer to help take out or themself. Each repairer only do their part, in the end as you only direct to the mechanic you deal with him only, so if either one fail the Mechanic will settle it. Unless you pandai pandai want DIY then is your own risk de.
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Now I see where the issue lies. Most if not all Ford specialist workshops will only replace the whole steering rack and won't deal with aftermarket ECU repairers. As I've mentioned earlier, several known Ford specialists only deal with steering rack replacement. It's a question mark if the electronics inside the ECU box of the steering rack of the Ford Focus could be dismantled and successfully repaired provided a mechanic who deals with ECU repairers are available. As far as i know, Ford specialist workshops don't deal with ECU repairers.

In my mind, a good mechanic will be required to cover everything and the owner only deals with him only. So it's a moot point for the owner to look for ECU repairers online or Facebook since they won't be able to fix the car. There might be other underlying issues other than the ECU box or steering rack that may be contributing to the failed steering rack, such as the clock spring which was replaced alongside the steering rack by the shoddy workshop. My Ford specialist claimed that the steering rack workshop who replaced the steering rack might have damaged the clock spring when they tried to fix the problem.

In summary, your idea will not work with the Ford Focus as described above. As for your mechanic covering the ECU box repair with Mercedes vehicles, that I'm not sure but is another matter.
littlefire
post Nov 19 2025, 04:38 PM

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QUOTE(SportyHandling @ Nov 19 2025, 04:27 PM)
Now I see where the issue lies. Most if not all Ford specialist workshops will only replace the whole steering rack and won't deal with aftermarket ECU repairers. As I've mentioned earlier, several known Ford specialists only deal with steering rack replacement. It's a question mark if the electronics inside the ECU box of the steering rack of the Ford Focus could be dismantled and successfully repaired provided a mechanic who deals with ECU repairers are available. As far as i know, Ford specialist workshops don't deal with ECU repairers.

In my mind, a good mechanic will be required to cover everything and the owner only deals with him only. So it's a moot point for the owner to look for ECU repairers online or Facebook since they won't be able to fix the car. There might be other underlying issues other than the ECU box or steering rack that may be contributing to the failed steering rack, such as the clock spring which was replaced alongside the steering rack by the shoddy workshop. My Ford specialist claimed that the steering rack workshop who replaced the steering rack might have damaged the clock spring when they tried to fix the problem.

In summary, your idea will not work with the Ford Focus as described above. As for your mechanic covering the ECU box repair with Mercedes vehicles, that I'm not sure but is another matter.
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Yes, in the end is all about the mechanic want to help or not. A lot of mechanic just want fast money & less headache and for sure they will propose owner to direct buy new. Just imagine your ride need to park at his shop for a week to sent to steering & ECU/PCBA repairer to fix and also need provide warranty for owner, if anything happen need take out sent to repair again. Not many mechanic willing to do this, but those which can do will earn a lot of customer respect.
TScapyjohn
post Nov 21 2025, 01:01 PM

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QUOTE(SportyHandling @ Nov 16 2025, 09:06 PM)
What car is this? My 2 cents worth. The question of whether to get a brand new steering rack or a used/recond unit is very much dependent on two aspects as follows;

1. How long do you intend to keep the car
2. Can you accept a reduced performance and unknown reliability

You are quite hands on to be able to change the steering rack of your vehicle yourself. I'm not sure how you can do that as you need a machine to jack the whole vehicle up. To me, only an experienced good mechanic is recommended for this job.

My experience with the replacement of the steering rack on my Ford Focus (now sold) is not a pleasant one as it mirrors your experience with the reconditioned unit. Similarly I have gone with a recond steering rack, not once but twice , and both are unreliable. The first one showed minor friction sound when the steering wheel is turned, and it only lasted for about 8 months before it malfunctioned again. The second steering rack showed even louder friction sound when the steering wheel is turned. It just feels like a defective or damaged unit. I sold the car several months later as I don't want to go through the ordeal for the 3rd time. Most if not all recond steering racks are mostly in bad shape or damaged already, and what these workshops do is they just fix them to customers cars. As a result you will get a less perfect handling or performance and some friction noises with short lifespan.

It's a safety issue as well depending on the type of vehicle. A faulty steering rack is dangerous when it fails with the Ford Focus. The steering rack can fail when you are driving the car, and when that happens you will not be able to turn the steering wheel easily as it will lock up and turn very stiff. Most young men will still be able to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road with some effort but most ladies and seniors will not be able to turn the steering wheel and when that happens the vehicle will stop in the middle of the road.

My advice is to go for a new steering rack is you can afford it even though it is expensive. A new steering rack for the Ford Focus used to be above RM10k, outside workshop was selling at 9.8k and the price went down to 7.5k the last time I inquired. If you can't afford a new steering rack, at least look for an experienced and reputable mechanic which can fix it nicely for you. However, it's not about the mechanic but the availability of these recond or used steering racks as most of the time they are hard to come by. Usually it's the bad mechanics or workshops which have stocks of these poor condition or damaged units while the good mechanics may not have stocks. It's about timing as well.
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hi. i think i have talked to u before about the steering rack causing you to lose power steering on the highway. and yes this isnt my first time. i have changed an electric steering rack which require dropping the subframe and have learned alot since. i have taped a hole and used red loctitde but it does not seem to work after leaving it for 3 days. My next plan is to drill a second hole and use 2 bolt to turn the preload bolt. and thank you for sharing about your experience.
TScapyjohn
post Nov 21 2025, 01:08 PM

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QUOTE(littlefire @ Nov 17 2025, 09:59 AM)
Bro, just sent to steering rack repairer kaotim, they got plenty of special tooling to open these steering rack why the hassle? Just google steering rack repairer nearby or in facebook also can search few.

Regarding the bolt you ask machinist to custom made 1 tool also more cheaper then buying new steering rack. Most nut or rack nowadays are made from aluminum or cast composition, you cant weld using normal welding rod, you need special or similar material rod to weld.
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i have been searching but jst couldnt find any. im not good at using facebook but i tried googling for both repair and machinist and the results were giving me something else instead. i live in jb. and would be great if you could tell me where they usually are.
TScapyjohn
post Nov 21 2025, 01:13 PM

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QUOTE(speedy3210 @ Nov 17 2025, 03:54 PM)
Had leaky oil seals at different parts on 3 of my cars; wira, BLM and honda. All 3 were solved by using rubber restorer called ATP AT-205 Re-Seal. INM, now it has been bought over by Lubegard and renamed to Seal Fixx.

Using it was simple, just mix a capful (estimated) of it into the PSF/ATF reservoir, and let the rubber restorer work its magic for a few days. If it is still weeping a little, add half a cap more.

On BLM and Wira, it was the seals at PS pump that began leak. On honda, it was the PS hose crimps, well known to fail with age.
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I have tried using a leak stopper but it did not work. It is due to my steering rack boot being broken and exposed to the elements and the sand and dirt damaged the seal. So i dont think using any amount of seal repair will work. but thank you for sharing about the ps pump and i will out for it.
ayamxxx
post Nov 21 2025, 01:15 PM

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QUOTE(capyjohn @ Nov 21 2025, 01:08 PM)
i have been searching but jst couldnt find any. im not good at using facebook but i tried googling for both repair and machinist and the results were giving me something else instead. i live in jb. and would be great if you could tell me where they usually are.
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Many in fb car group user had good experiences with this shop, for restores broken steering rack
https://share.google/n3WL3qAp2QpeBC5em

But if it me, i will heading here, https://share.google/RoLrKtY5fmVpzeNke
Cz more convincing review

This post has been edited by ayamxxx: Nov 21 2025, 01:18 PM
TScapyjohn
post Nov 21 2025, 08:12 PM

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QUOTE(ayamxxx @ Nov 21 2025, 01:15 PM)
Many in fb car group user had good experiences with this shop, for restores broken steering rack
https://share.google/n3WL3qAp2QpeBC5em

But if it me, i will heading here, https://share.google/RoLrKtY5fmVpzeNke
Cz more convincing review
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thank you. but i ended up just buying a new one and it works great! ill take note and go there for repair next time.


 

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