Power steering leak

I have a 2006 Ford Focus 1.6 petrol with 41,000 miles. It has developed a slight weep from the steering rack. Is there any suitable additive to the power steering fluid that could be used to fix the leak or is it time to replace the rack? David Gardiner According to the data I have, your Focus should be equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering. This uses a thinner CHF fluid and an electric motor to supply the pressure. Although there are additives – such as this one

– which are suitable for this system, my concern is always possible contamination in the rest of the system. You do not mention where the steering rack is weeping from, but I have seen these racks leak from the steering input shaft and soak the driver’s carpet.

It is most likely time to replace the steering rack. This will require the subframe to be lowered, and you will need alignment pins 205-880 for the subframe when reassembling. The cost of the steering rack should be around £200, whereas the additive will cost around £8.50.