Notchy Steering

[Guest alanbrad]

i have a problem with the steering on my 02 ford focus diesel in that the steering is ometimes stiff around the middle point and is notchy.

it is as tho i have to force the steering past a point then it is ok for the rest of the turn

 

the problem is intermitant and you can hear a knocking on the steering as it is rocked about the center point

 

i have jacked up the car and and the problem goes away

 

ford do not know what the problem is without stripping it down and have not seen it before (or so they say)

 

has anyone seen this before and can you point me in the right direction to get it fixed without a large bill from the main dealer

 

 

thanks

alan