Ford Focus 2007 Problems

This generation Ford Focus was the first to use electro-hydraulic power-steering. As such, you can’t transpose the rack and pinion hardware from any other model; it would need to be this exact version of the Focus for everything to be compatible.

Once you’ve swapped the hardware, the electronics would also need to be coded and matched to the car’s body computer, as this is what controls the speed-sensitive variations in the steering assistance as well as functions such as the self-parking facility.

You’re talking about two distinct models of the Ford Focus, so if there’s any interchangeability it won’t be much. Perhaps there would be some mechanical parts in terms of the engine, but the 2007 model was a physically larger can than the original (2003) so even things like the suspension units and brakes are unlikely to be interchangeable.

As for body panels and interior fittings, I doubt there’d be any interchangeability at all. The later car had different panels and the interiors were also completely different. Changes to styling also mean that headlights, tail-lights, glass and even detail things like door handles would not be interchangeable.

Steering wheel controls are very convenient but, generally speaking, they’re not something that can be retro-fitted. Even if there was higher specification Focus with steering wheel controls as a factory fitment (and the Ghia version of your car did) it’s unlikely your car would have the wiring and electronics to adapt the steering wheel from that model. Even if the wheel could be physically fitted, the functions wouldn’t be accessible to the rest of the car.

The 1.6-litre engine has a timing belt, the larger 2.0-litre engines also offered in the Focus have timing chains.

The Focus convertible holds its value quite well, but the market value of a car hinges on a number of things, such as age, mileage, condition, history etc. A car that has low mileage, is in good condition with a good service history will carry a higher value than one that has done a lot of kays and has been neglected.

I too would be disappointed if the bonnet catch on my car failed, but as your car is seven years old I doubt that you would get a sympathetic hearing. But you might, so even though you have been rejected I would write to Ford Customer Assistance and explain your case for compensation. If you want to take it further you could have a solicitor write the letter for you, or you could consult Consumers Affairs.

It's most likely the brake booster, which is a known problem on Falcons of that era. The brakes are not completely releasing. Adjusting the rod between the brake master cylinder and the booster, or replacing the booster can fix it.