The rack and pinion assembly helps with effortless steering and smooth turns on your daily drives. But over time, it can wear out, throwing a loud tantrum and creating steering issues that need attention.
Let’s discover key bad rack and pinion symptoms to spot the faulty part quickly. We’ll also cover why leaving it in poor shape is risky.
This Article Contains:
- 6 Warning Signs of a Bad Steering Rack and Pinion
- How to Diagnose a Failing Rack and Pinion
- Should You Repair or Replace a Failing Rack and Pinion Gear?
- How Much Does a Steering Rack and Pinion Replacement Cost?
- 3 FAQs on Rack and Pinion Steering
6 Warning Signs of a Bad Steering Rack and Pinion
A failing rack and pinion assembly often creates issues like:
1. Unusual Noise
If you hear odd knocking, popping, clunking, or creaking noises when turning the steering wheel, then something isn’t right.
You’ll hear these sounds when parts like gears and bushings wear out. Sometimes, you may also notice a grinding noise, which indicates the steering rack parts are overheating due to a lack of lubrication.
2. Power Steering Fluid Leak
A common symptom of a damaged rack is a power steering fluid leak. To confirm, try looking for a puddle of pinkish or reddish liquid near the front wheels.
Usually, your car starts leaking power steering fluid when the gaskets or seals become torn or damaged over time. However, it can also happen when the metal parts of the rack assembly corrode and develop cracks.
As the leak worsens and the fluid level drops, the steering system overheats from lack of lubrication, giving off a burning oil smell.
3. A Vibrating or Stiff Steering Wheel
A fluid leak in the system can cause the steering wheel to vibrate or become stiff, especially at higher speeds. Normally, the power steering fluid helps the steering wheel rotate smoothly, but if the liquid levels drop, hydraulic pressure is lost.
As the system keeps leaking power steering fluid, controlling your car’s direction will get more difficult, making it unsafe.
4. Dead Spot, Excessive Play, or Wandering Steering
When the rack and pinion fail, another common symptom you’ll notice is a string of power steering issues, such as:
- A dead spot: It’s a specific area or range in your car’s steering where the steering wheel becomes unresponsive, preventing the front wheels from turning. Faulty bushings, which support and secure the rack and pinion assembly to the vehicle’s frame or subframe, are often the culprits here.
- Excessive play: If you have to turn the steering wheel several times for your car to turn, then there’s excessive play. While the front wheels turn eventually, it takes a while for them to respond, which is bothersome if you’re in a hurry. This issue usually occurs due to failing tie rod ends or steering gear.
- Wandering vehicle: While driving straight, if your car pulls to one side or struggles to stay steady, it could indicate worn rack teeth.
If you’ve experienced any of these, you should pull over and call a tow service to avoid any further risks.
5. Wobbly Wheels
To keep your wheels steady while driving, your steering rack assembly, tie rods, and ball joints need to be in good shape. The tie rod plays a major role here, as it connects the rack to the tire’s steering knuckle.
However, worn bushings or a damaged rack can harm the tie rod ends and affect steering. Once damaged, the tire wobbles, resulting in an unsteady ride and uneven tread wear.
6. Damaged or Torn Steering Rack Boot
A steering rack boot is a rubber shield that keeps tie rod ends and other internal parts free from dirt and grime.
With time, the impact of uneven surfaces can wear out these rubber boots. Once torn, water or debris can enter the rack housing and contaminate it, leading to premature failure.
NOTE: Failing outer or inner tie rod ends and ball joints have similar symptoms to a bad rack. To identify the source, you’ll have to perform a thorough diagnosis.
Wondering how to detect a faulty steering rack and pinion gear?
Read on to find out.
How to Diagnose a Failing Rack and Pinion
Identifying a steering rack problem can be overwhelming, as it requires specialized tools and expertise. A professional mechanic is better equipped to accurately diagnose and safely repair the issue.
Here are a few steps the mechanic will follow:
- Drive the car to check the steering response and notice any odd sounds.
- Park the car and raise it using jack stands.
- Rock the steering shaft underneath the car.
- Turn the steering shaft and check the coupling for any cracks.
- Rotate the outer tie rods to look for excessive play.
- Inspect the steering rack boots and mounts for cracks or damage.
NOTE: Rack issues in an electric power steering system (EPS) may differ from those in a hydraulic power steering system (HPS), as they won’t show similar symptoms. For EPS, your mechanic will use a computer scan tool to identify the steering problem.
Once the mechanic determines the issue, they’ll start fixing it.
Now that you know the steps to spot a bad rack assembly, let’s check your options for resolving the issue.
Should You Repair or Replace a Failing Rack and Pinion Gear?
Ideally, a replacement is better than a repair because:
- A steering rack and pinion contaminated by dirt or water can only be replaced.
- Torn gaskets and seals in the rack and pinion assembly are typically unserviceable. However, if the resulting damage is minimal and the assembly remains functional, these components can be replaced for a cost of about $400 to $500.
- A complete replacement of the rack, seals, and bushings guarantees an even performance and a steady ride.
But if you’re unsure how much money you need to set aside for this service, we’ll help you get a rough idea.
How Much Does a Steering Rack and Pinion Replacement Cost?
To change the rack and pinion, you’ll need to spend between $710 and $2,420, which includes:
- Parts: $560 to $1,720
- Labor: $150 to $700
Your final costs also depend on your vehicle’s make and model, as well as the time it takes to replace the components. Typically, the replacement takes four to eight hours.
Have a few more questions about your car’s rack and pinion?
Keep reading to get them clarified.
3 FAQs on Rack and Pinion Steering
Here are the answers to a few burning questions about rack and pinion assemblies:
1. Can You Continue to Drive with a Failing Steering Rack?
You technically could, but you shouldn’t.
A bad rack and pinion assembly makes your car difficult to control, especially at high speeds. You’ll also find it challenging to navigate curves and corners.
Additionally, your car may pull to one side or struggle to stay straight, which can be risky. Driving with a faulty steering rack can also damage other steering and suspension components, increasing repair costs.
It’s best to address a malfunctioning rack and pinion as soon as you notice symptoms.
2. How Long Does a Power Steering Rack Last?
The steering rack and pinion lasts about 100,000 miles or 5 to 10 years.
But it may deteriorate faster if:
- You frequently overspeed or hard brake, straining the steering rack
- The power steering fluid is contaminated with debris, which harms the rack’s seals, leading to a fluid leak
- It gets damaged due to uneven road surfaces and bumps
3. How Can You Make the Rack and Pinion Last Longer?
Practice these tips to maintain your steering gear:
- Get the steering and suspension components checked every 50,000 miles.
- Pay attention to odd noises, fluid leaks, or any steering problem, especially from the vehicle’s front end.
- Make sure the power steering fluid level is checked at every oil change to maintain steering linkage.
- Don’t hard brake or drive rashly to avoid premature failure.
- Avoid driving over potholes or bumps to prevent physical damage to the steering rack.
- Avoid overloading your car often.
Keep Rack and Pinion Issues at Bay with AutoNation Mobile Service
Steering rack troubles prevent you from driving steadily, dampening your experience and putting you at risk. What’s worse, these steering issues will only aggravate if ignored.
Contact our technicians from AutoNation Mobile Service to address the steering rack problem conveniently from your driveway.
We provide upfront pricing and a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all services, including wheel alignment and steering column repair.
Book an appointment to get your steering rack assembly replaced.