Ford Focus 2008 Steering Noise

Hi,

I have a 2008 Ford Focus 2.0 litre Titanium with an auto box with 53,000 on the clock.

Recently a metallic rubbing noise started when turning hard left that sounded like someone blowing over the top of a coke bottle coming from the front drivers side.

I took it into Ford and the tech heard it and said he'd never heard a noise like it. They had recently fitted new tyres, discs and pads so he cleaned the pads on that side and set the steering to comfort mode as he said the steering pump can make all sorts of weird noises. It didn't help, 10 miles down the road it started doing it again.

This was a couple of weeks ago but last night driving home along the motorway the noise was constant though quieter, but still audible and I tip-toed home. I took it to the garage this morning and dropped it off and it was doing it again. The same rubbing noise that sounds like blowing over the top of a coke bottle - not a grind or a squeak.

There is no vibration in the steering wheel and pedals and the car seems to drive fine. The noise only happens at 20mph+.

As the Ford tech hasn't heard it before has anyone else any ideas? He said wheel bearings don't make that noise - but what else could it be?

Thanks in advance