How much does it cost to replace a rack and pinion Ford Focus?

Typical total cost for replacing the rack and pinion on a Ford Focus is about $700 to $1,500, including parts and labor. Costs can be higher if your Focus uses electric power steering (EPAS) or if additional parts (hoses, alignment, or sensors) are needed. Regional labor rates and the choice of parts (rebuilt, aftermarket, or OEM) also affect the final price.

What affects the price

The final bill for a rack and pinion replacement depends on several factors that can swing prices up or down. Here is a breakdown of the most influential variables.

• Power steering type and system: Hydraulic (in older Focus models) vs electric power steering (EPAS) in newer ones; EPAS replacements often involve more components and higher costs.


• Model year and engine: Different generations may have different routing, sensors, and mounting hardware, affecting both parts and labor.


• Parts choice: Rebuilt/remanufactured racks vs new aftermarket vs OEM; rebuilt and aftermarket options are cheaper but may carry shorter warranties.


• Labor rates and location: Dealerships and urban shops typically charge more than independent shops in rural areas.


• Additional parts or services: Hoses, clamps, fluid flush, inner tie rods, and especially wheel alignment after replacement can add to the cost.


• Vehicle condition: If the rack is seized or there are leaks or damaged mounting points, costs rise due to extra labor and potential part replacements.

In many jobs, some shops quote a bundled price that includes the rack, associated hoses, alignment, and a fluid change, which can simplify budgeting.

Cost ranges and what’s included

Below is a rough guide to what you might pay, depending on whether you choose rebuilt, aftermarket, or OEM parts, and whether the Focus uses hydraulic or EPAS.

Parts and labor breakdown

Before listing the ranges, note that the prices below are ballpark figures intended to help you budget. Always request a written quote from your local shop with a clear itemization.

• Rebuilt/remanufactured rack (aftermarket): Parts typically $150–$400; labor around $150–$350; total $300–$750.


• New aftermarket rack: Parts typically $300–$600; labor around $200–$450; total $500–$1,050.


• New OEM rack (dealer or OEM supplier): Parts typically $600–$900; labor around $250–$520; total $850–$1,420.


• EPAS-equipped racks or racks with integrated motor/sensors: Parts typically $900–$1,400; labor around $350–$700; total $1,250–$2,100. Alignment may add $80–$150.

In practice, total bills often fall near the middle of these ranges. For hydraulic systems, you’ll commonly see roughly $800 to $1,400; for EPAS-equipped systems, $1,400 to $2,000 or more, especially in areas with higher shop rates.

What to expect during and after the repair

When you bring your Focus in, the shop will confirm the diagnosis, replace the rack and pinion assembly, replace related wear items if needed (hoses, clamps, inner tie rods), top off or flush steering fluid as required, and perform a wheel alignment. For EPAS systems, technicians may also verify sensor readings and steering assist performance with a diagnostic scan. Some shops include alignment in the price; others charge separately.

Tips to save money

Smart shoppers can keep costs reasonable without compromising safety or quality. Consider these strategies.

• Get multiple quotes with itemized parts and labor to compare value and warranty terms.


• Ask about rebuilt/remanufactured racks with warranty and whether they’re compatible with your model year.


• Request a bundled price that includes alignment and a fluid flush when appropriate.


• Look for coupons or promotions at local shops or dealership service departments.


• Verify that any additional work (hoses, belts, or sensors) is genuinely needed before authorizing it.

Choosing a reputable shop with clear warranties and good reviews is more important than chasing the lowest upfront price, as a faulty steering rack can affect handling and safety.

Summary

For most Ford Focus models, a rack and pinion replacement falls between $700 and $1,500 when considering hydraulic systems, with EPAS-powered variants typically ranging higher, often $1,400 to $2,000 or more depending on parts and labor rates. The exact price depends on the power steering type, parts choice (rebuilt, aftermarket, or OEM), vehicle model year, and local labor costs. Always obtain a detailed, written estimate and consider including wheel alignment in the quoted price to ensure proper steering performance after the repair.

What years of Ford Focus to stay away from?

The Ford Focus years to avoid are 2012-2016, due to major issues with the automatic PowerShift transmission. Other years to avoid include 2007 and 2008 for electrical and steering problems, and 2017–2018, which had lingering transmission and other issues, although fewer than previous years. 
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems in the 3rd generation Ford Focus: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Apr 13, 2022
Problematic model years

• 2007–2008: These models are associated with faulty electrical systems, door handle failures, and frequent issues with steering and suspension. 
• 2012–2016: This range is considered the most problematic, primarily due to the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, which frequently failed and is expensive to repair. Problems included hesitation, jerking, and complete failure, often before 100,000 miles. Some models in this period also had issues with power steering and electrical glitches. 
• 2017–2018: While improved, these years still saw some lingering transmission problems and sporadic electrical issues. 

What to look for in other model years

• Manual transmission: The problematic issues mainly affected the automatic versions of the third-generation Focus (2012-2018). Models with a manual transmission from this period are generally considered more reliable. 
• Earlier models (pre-2012): While not entirely trouble-free, models before 2012, especially around 2011, are often seen as more reliable than their successors due to simpler transmissions. 
• Later models (post-2016): The 2018 and 2019 models are often praised for improved reliability and handling. 

You can watch this video to learn about common problems with Ford Focus models: 1mCarAraCYouTube · Nov 13, 2023

How much should a rack and pinion replacement cost?

The cost to replace a rack and pinion can range from approximately $500 to over $1,500, with parts averaging around $560 and labor between $150 and $700 or more. This price can vary significantly based on your car's make and model, the type of part used (OEM, aftermarket, or remanufactured), and your geographic location. Don't forget to budget for a necessary wheel alignment after the replacement. 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad rack and pinion and discusses replacement cost: 58sAuto V Fix YouTube · Mar 6, 2025
Cost breakdown

• Parts: Typically range from $125 to over $1,500, with an average cost of around $560 for a power steering rack. 
• Labor: Can range from $150 to over $700, with an average of $300-$800 depending on the complexity and location. 
• Wheel Alignment: This is a necessary additional cost after the replacement is complete. 

Factors that influence the final price

• Vehicle specifics: The make, model, and year of your car are major factors. 
• Part type: The cost varies depending on whether you choose an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part, an aftermarket part, or a remanufactured one. 
• Mechanic and location: Labor rates can differ between shops, and costs can be higher in certain geographic areas. 

What to expect

• Symptoms of a failing rack and pinion: Common signs include a loose steering wheel, power steering fluid leaks, or difficulty steering at low speeds. 
• Importance of replacement: Ignoring a leaking rack and pinion can lead to power steering failure and compromise safety. 

This video explains the cost to repair rack and pinion steering: 43sTalkingTechTrendsYouTube · Mar 29, 2025

How much is a rack and pinion for a Ford Focus?

The average cost for a Ford Focus Rack and Pinion Replacement is between $1,843 and $2,077. Labor costs are estimated between $501 and $736 while parts are typically priced around $1,342.

Is it worth replacing rack and pinion Ford?

A failing rack and pinion system can lead to misalignment, resulting in uneven tire wear. Leaking power steering fluid. Damaged seals within the rack and pinion unit can cause power steering fluid to leak which could lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure and reduced steering assistance.