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Old 13-01-2021, 11:37 AM   #1
mcfee03
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Default Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

Hi all!

First post here (and Ford owner). Excited to be on the forums.

I’ve bought a used FORD FOCUS AMBIENTE (Manual) 4 Door Hatch PETROL 1.6 litre, Direct Inj {92KW}, 194kms on the closk

It drove extremely well (did 20km test drive) and I love its’ style.

However, the power steering no longer works- error says “Power steer assist failure”. From bit of research- it seems pretty common...

I’ve done a bit of car work before, but I’m happy buy the part (second hand) & pay to have it installed by a mechanic as i presume it’s too arduous/requires special tools?

The previous owner tells me it needs the “Electric steering rack” (or according to his mechanic/brother...)

I’m really struggling to identify which exact part I need.

Any mechanics to recommend in Sydney or Coffs Harbour?

Can anyone help me identify which part to buy?

Anything to be aware of- eg is buying a spare a bad idea as it may too fail?

My new joy:
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Old 13-01-2021, 12:19 PM   #2
marg99
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Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

if it is a common fault I would be wary of a second hand unit as you may find similar issues
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Old 13-01-2021, 12:47 PM   #3
mcfee03
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Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

Quote:
Originally Posted by marg99 View Post
if it is a common fault I would be wary of a second hand unit as you may find similar issues
Ok thanks- so what are my options here- reconditioned/new?

Also, any ideas on which part number I need? I've searched- there are so many different ones and I'm not clear what model I have
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Old 13-01-2021, 02:49 PM   #4
mcfee03
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Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

I've also just been told (by a mechanic over the phone) that my model could have any of 4 steering rack.

How can I verify which one mine has?
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Old 13-01-2021, 05:07 PM   #5
GTLEGEND
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Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Every advice post I visit where OP are seeking advice for their new vehicle, he is there and adds valuable support and advice for rectifying the problem. Really is a Legend. Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: The quality of information he provides is in depth and highly valued by those posting questions. 
Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

There are a few different racks pending on month/year/model etc. You will need to supply this information of a VIN number will be even better to narrow down which exact one you need.

Below is an image of the rack that sits just behind and lower of the engine, connects to your steering column and both wheels (thats how your turn).

If you pass on the information we can provide the correct part number and even quote to get the part as well (note they are not cheap new anyway). Once replaced they also need to be programmed to the car.

Hope this helps..

LW Steering Rack.JPG
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Old 13-01-2021, 05:16 PM   #6
mcfee03
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Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTLEGEND View Post
There are a few different racks pending on month/year/model etc. You will need to supply this information of a VIN number will be even better to narrow down which exact one you need.
This is super useful info. Thank you

I called the dealership who gave me the part number: HV6Z3504EW.

But there don't seem to be many for sale (or any "reconditioned" options).

This is apparently that part (taken from photos in an eBay photo). But the part number isn't written on it. https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/DCUAA...SU/s-l1600.jpg

  • Can I search by any of those part numbers as per that photo or any other name/id?
  • Is the dealership the only one who can program the new rack to the car?
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Old 13-01-2021, 05:33 PM   #7
GTLEGEND
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Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mcfee03 View Post
This is super useful info. Thank you

I called the dealership who gave me the part number: HV6Z3504EW.

But there don't seem to be many for sale (or any "reconditioned" options).

This is apparently that part (taken from photos in an eBay photo). But the part number isn't written on it. https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/DCUAA...SU/s-l1600.jpg

  • Can I search by any of those part numbers as per that photo or any other name/id?
  • Is the dealership the only one who can program the new rack to the car?
The part number in the ebay image is different to what you need. You will need to search by the part number as per dealer supplied, the HV number. I am not sure if an aftermarket scan tool can program the EPAS (Electronic Power Assisted Steering) module which is part of the rack??
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Old 13-01-2021, 05:48 PM   #8
mcfee03
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Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTLEGEND View Post
You will need to search by the part number as per dealer supplied, the HV number.
Hmm... sadly I can't afford a new one, really keen to find an alternative.
  • Is there another part number I can search by (eg one from the UK?).
  • Is there a "safe" way to buy one from a wrecker (eg certain from year or somethin)?
  • Any outside of the box solutions? Eg reconditioning the old one or something?

Ta
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Old 24-01-2021, 07:41 PM   #9
stefcio007
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Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

You can check the module using ForScan and an OBD reader.

Check the PSCM. It will report a VIN. This should match your car. If not you need the module re-programmed with AS-BUILT data, an update will not work.

My module displayed a VIN that started with 79812 and it would not work.
My VIN starts with WF0M.

If the above is true then get Ford or a friend-of-a-friend to reflash. Much cheaper than a whole rack.
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2011 Focus LW Trend (Diesel) [sold]
2006 Territory SY Ghia (AWD)
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Old 26-01-2021, 01:56 PM   #10
mcfee03
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Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stefcio007 View Post
You can check the module using ForScan and an OBD reader.

Check the PSCM. It will report a VIN. This should match your car. If not you need the module re-programmed with AS-BUILT data, an update will not work.

My module displayed a VIN that started with 79812 and it would not work.
My VIN starts with WF0M.

If the above is true then get Ford or a friend-of-a-friend to reflash. Much cheaper than a whole rack.
Could you elaborate on checking the PSCM? Is that under a menu in ForScan? And you’re saying if that doesn’t show my VIN, a new rack’s programming won’t work? I don’t quite understand what you mean by “AS-BUILT data”

My VIN starts with WF0K, does that sound like the only way to do it is via Ford reflashing?
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Old 26-01-2021, 02:11 PM   #11
stefcio007
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Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mcfee03 View Post
Could you elaborate on checking the PSCM? Is that under a menu in ForScan? And you’re saying if that doesn’t show my VIN, a new rack’s programming won’t work? I don’t quite understand what you mean by “AS-BUILT data”

My VIN starts with WF0K, does that sound like the only way to do it is via Ford reflashing?
It’s on the first screen that first shows you it connecting to the adapter. Then it scans each module. And reports any faults, ForScan showed the module de-activated for me with an incorrect VIN.

If it doesn’t show your VIN on the PSCM or it shows as deactivated then you need to re-flash and see if that works. As-built is what it was originally flashed with from factory, only Ford is authorised to do this. Other mechanics are authorised from Ford to update the modules but not to re-flash with as-built software. That’d as far as I’m aware.
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2020.25 Focus SA ST-Line Wagon + DAP
2011 Focus LW Trend (Diesel) [sold]
2006 Territory SY Ghia (AWD)
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Old 30-01-2021, 08:40 AM   #12
mcfee03
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Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stefcio007 View Post
ForScan showed the module de-activated for me with an incorrect VIN.
Ok thanks, I’ll give it try when I have my ODB device & setup the software.

I should have asked before- am I doing any harm to the car by driving with the power steering failure?

I am likely to do ~2,000km by the time I can have it fixed.
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Old 17-02-2021, 03:07 PM   #13
mcfee03
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Default Re: Electric steering rack replacement (newbie)

I finally found a Power Steering business in Australia- who sold be a verified rack (although not reconditioned).

Now it's time to get someone to install it. I don't have the tools to do it myself.

Can anyone recommend someone in Sydney? Or is anyone here able to lend a hand in doing it? Cheers
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