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Steering Rack Replacement
Typical Cost: Medium
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 24 - 72 hours depending on part availability
What does a steering rack do?
The vehicle steering rack is a unit whose position is altered by input from the steering wheel. It turns the circular motion into a linear movement to alter the direction the road wheels point in.
How does the steering rack work and what are the components
At the end of the steering column shaft is a pinion (gear) which is directly altered by the position of the steering wheel.
This pinion gear is in direct contact with the rack that has grooves in it to match the teeth of the pinion gear. As the pinion gear rotates the rack will move from side to side. At the end of the steering rack are tie rods which are attached to the wheels (via track rod ends and the steering knuckle) and alter the direction the wheels point in, in relation to the vehicle.
If the vehicle is equipped with power assisted steering, it ‘s design is a little different as there are hydraulic components within the rack such as a rotary valve and torsion bar. However, as these components are internal to the steering rack and are not replaced on their own, we will make the assumption that the steering rack is one unit.
Typical symptoms that require a steering rack to be replaced.
If there is an issue with the steering rack, you may get one or more of the following
- Steering wheel vibration
- Unevenly worn tyres
- Knocking in the steering
- Additional effort required to turn the steering wheel
- MOT failures on steering rack play
What happens during a steering rack replacement?
Changing a steering rack is not the most common of tasks, however it is a basic repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.
Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.
The mechanic will;
- Raise the vehicle and remove the road wheels
- Remove the clips holding the rubber boot in place
- Unscrew the tie rod from the steering rack
- Unbolt the unit from the steering column
- Undo the munitions for the power steering fluid
- Remove the steering rack and replace it with the new unit
- Put everything back together
- Refill the PAS fluid and bleed the system
- Replace the wheel and lower the car to the ground
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your steering rack to be replaced will cover;
- The cost of the steering rack and power steering fluid
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (the old unit will be required as an exchange for the new one)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Steering rack replacement
Associated repairs
Power steering pump replacement
Steering column replacement
Track rod replacement (driver side)
Track rod replacement (passenger side)
Track rod end replacement (driver side)
Track rod end replacement (passenger side)
How much does it cost to have a steering rack replaced?
The cost of a steering rack replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/bookings/car
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the steering rack doesn’t require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.