Cost Of Replacing Steering Rack Assembly – A Complete Guide

1 What Is a Steering Rack And Pinion Assembly?

The steering system uses various components to transfer the steering input of the driver from the steering wheels to the road wheels of your vehicle. To transmit this power, a rack and pinion gear assembly is used, also known as the steering rack and pinion. A rack is a linear gear, whereas a pinion is a circular gear that rotates on the rack and is connected to the steering shaft. As the pinion gear rotates, it pushes the rack or linear gear in the left or right direction. This helps in converting the circular motion (from the steering wheel) into horizontal motion. As the rack moves left to right, the tie rods attached to it help in steering the wheels. This is how a simple mechanical rack and pinion steering system works. 

With advancements in technology and modern designs, cars started using power steering systems that use hydraulic systems. In these vehicles, a power steering rack assembly is used, which features a piston, cylinder, and a power steering pump. The power steering pump supplies high-pressure steering fluid into the cylinder, which pushes the piston to one side, moving the steering rack. This process helps in pulling the tie rods and eventually turning your wheels. Modern cars also feature electronically operated power steering systems.

2 What Is The Cost Of Replacing A Steering Rack Assembly?

The cost of steering rack assembly replacement includes the cost of the part and the labor cost if you get it replaced at a workshop. The price of a steering rack assembly can vary from $500 to $2000 depending on your vehicle’s make and model. On average, a steering rack replacement takes 4 to 6 hours and is a comparatively long process for which workshops charge differently, with labor costs varying between $150 – $300. After changing your steering rack assembly, it is important to ‌get the wheel alignment done, which costs $100 to $150 extra. Sample costs of replacing steering racks for some popular car makes and models are mentioned below.

Some sample costs of replacing steering rack assemblies for some popular car models are mentioned in the table below. These prices are an estimate and are subject to change. They do not include taxes, diagnostics, and other charges.

3 What Are The Factors That Affect The Steering Rack Replacement Cost?

There are several factors that can affect the cost of replacing the steering rack assembly of your vehicle. The make and model of your car, type of steering assembly, etc. can significantly alter the overall replacement cost. If you drive a light-duty passenger car, you are likely to have a hydraulic-assisted power steering system. Apart from some popular make and models discussed above, some factors that affect the steering rack and pinion replacement cost are mentioned below.

1. Type Of Steering Rack Assembly

Usually, the cost of replacing your steering rack assembly is more than the usual replacement cost of other components. The steering rack features a gearbox that attaches to the steering column with the pinion gear. While purchasing a steering rack, you might have to purchase the gearbox as well. This can add to the total replacement cost for that ‌vehicle.

2. Related Parts

Besides the factors mentioned above, you might also need a tie rod replacement if they are damaged. Since tie rods are directly connected to the steering rack, they are likely to fail if you witness a problem in your steering system. The total cost of tie rod replacement is $200 – $700 approximately. Refer to our tie rod replacement cost guide for a complete cost analysis. Other parts that might need replacement are the power steering pressure hose, power steering pump, and reservoir. Finally, if you replace parts of your hydraulic steering system, you’ll have to replace the steering fluid, which will cost you $15 to $100, depending on your vehicle.

3. Other Costs

Replacing a steering rack is a long process and can take approximately 2 to 8 hours, depending on your vehicle. This includes disassembling both wheels, tie rods, and the steering mechanism. The repair can also take multiple days, which can lead to increased labor charges and garage fees. You will also have to get your wheels balanced and tires rotated to ensure your new steering system is well balanced. This adds to the last bill but ensures that the vehicle doesn’t pull to the left or right while driving.

4. New Vs Remanufactured Steering Rack Assembly

The steering rack assembly costs a lot and you don’t have to buy new ones. In fact, many aftermarket brands offer remanufactured steering rack assemblies at reasonable and affordable prices. If you want to save money on your steering rack replacement cost, then remanufactured units are a great option. Remanufactured units are designed and rebuilt with precision to perform just the like original equipment (OE) components and are equipped with new parts. Each unit is tested for seals, OE-style finish, quality, and function to ensure you receive optimum performance. Some aftermarket brands also offer warranties on their remanufactured steering racks, which makes them a sensible decision over new steering racks.

4 When Should You Replace The Steering Rack Assembly?

The steering rack assembly seldom fails and can last over 160,000 kilometers and even more. However, it will not last forever given the high pressures and wear it is subjected to. One of the first and the most common symptoms of a bad steering rack assembly is a fluid leak. It’s easy to spot a steering fluid as it is red‌, which sets it apart from other automotive fluids. Other signs of a failing steering rack assembly include clunking, whining, or rumbling sounds every time you turn your steering wheel and trouble steering your vehicle. If you notice such symptoms, make sure your power steering fluid reservoir is full. If the noise and symptoms ‌persist, a proper diagnosis of the steering rack and assembly is required. In such a situation, it’s recommended to get your steering rack checked and replaced by a professional mechanic.

5 How To Replace Your Vehicle’s Steering Rack Assembly?

Changing the steering rack of your vehicle is easy, but it is one of the most skilled tasks to do. The replacement is easier on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle compared to a front-wheel-drive vehicle that has live axles and shafts, making the replacement complicated. If you have a service manual for your vehicle, it must have the replacement procedure. See if you are skilled and equipped with the right tools to carry out the replacement yourself. If the task seems tough, we highly recommend consulting a professional mechanic to replace your steering rack. Apart from regular vehicle service and maintenance, there are some vehicle repairs ‌you should not do yourself. However, steering rack replacement is not that difficult if you are a little experienced and do your repairs yourself. Follow the simple stepwise guide to replace your steering assembly below:

Tools Required:

• Car Jack
• Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks
• Torque Wrench
• Ratchet
• Socket Set
• Wrenches
• Screwdriver
• Lug Wrench
• Tie Rod Removal Tool
• Locking Pliers
• Spanners
• Hammer

Step 1: Removing The Old Steering Rack

1. Park your vehicle safely on level ground and secure it by applying hand brakes and wheel chocks to prevent it from moving.
2. Ensure the wheels are in a straight position and the steering wheel is centered. Remove the ignition and ensure the steering wheel is locked before starting the process. 
3. Loosen the wheel lug nuts on both wheels using a lug wrench.
4. Place a floor jack underneath the vehicle and use jack stands to lift it up securely. Refer to the user’s manual for the correct placement of the jack.
5. With the front wheels removed, you can find the tie rod assembly. Use a wrench to loosen the castle nut and detach the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
6. With the castle nut removed from the outer tie rod end, loosen the locknut where the inner and outer tie rods meet. Now grab a hammer and gently pop the tie rod end out from the steering knuckle. You can also use a tie rod end puller tool to get them off. To make this step easier, refer to our tie rod installation guide.
7. The next step is to remove the power steering lines from the steering rack. Before doing this, place a drain bucket under the vehicle to collect the steering fluid. While loosening the nuts, ensure the power steering lines do not get twisted, damaged, or bent.
8. Once the nuts are loose, pull the power steering hose to set them free from the steering rack assembly. 
9. Above the steering rack you will find an intermediate steering shaft attached by a pinch bolt that keeps it secure to the top of the rack and pinion. Loosen this bolt using a wrench and socket.
10. It is necessary to ensure your steering wheel is perfectly centered. This is done to ensure when you install the new steering rack, the clock ring doesn’t get damaged and the steering rack is perfectly centered and turns equally in both left and right directions.
11. Now, use a flathead screwdriver or a pry bar to pry the steering shaft off the steering rack.
12. Remove the sway bar links if necessary to gain better access to the tie rods and the steering rack assembly underneath the car.
13. Your steering rack assembly is secured to the frame of your vehicle using bolts that can be undone using a socket and a wrench. Remove both bolts on either side of the rack.
14. With every steering rack hose and bolts detached, lift the steering rack from its seat and pull it out. It might take a little trial and error to remove the steering rack through various parts and components. Ensure you do not damage any hose or part while pulling the rack out.

Step 2: Installing The New Steering Rack

1. Before installing your new steering rack assembly, remove the mounting brackets or collars from the old rack. They should be two in quantity, one ‌on either side of the steering rack. Skip this step if your rack came with new mounting clamps.
2. Remove the dust caps from the opening of the new steering rack assembly. These dust caps are attached to the openings of the power steering lines to keep the dirt and debris out.
3. Use a locking plier to grab the input shaft of the rack and rotate it completely towards one side. Then turn it entirely towards the other side and count the number of turns. Rotate it back halfway to center the input shaft and the steering rack. This will match the steering wheel center and the rack’s center to ensure a perfectly centered steering system. Although the new steering rack assembly always comes centered, you should always double-check.
4. Now it’s time to put the steering rack back the same way you removed it. While inserting the steering rack into its location, try not to hold and push or pull using the tie rod. It can disturb the center of the steering rack we did in the step above.
5. Once the steering rack is in its place, attach the input shaft of the rack to the steering intermediate shaft and tighten the pinch bolt to secure them properly.
6. Attach the mounting bolts of the steering rack and secure them properly to the frame of the vehicle.
7. Now attach the steering hoses to the rack and tighten the bolts. Start tightening the bolts by hand first and use a wrench to secure them firmly. While doing so, ensure the power steering pressure and return hose do not bend and get damaged.
8. Reinstall the sway bars, if removed earlier.
9. Attach the outer tie rod ends to the new inner tie rods on the new steering rack. Attach outer tie rod ends to the steering knuckle and fasten the castle nut using a wrench.
10. Mount the wheels back onto the hub and fasten the lug nuts using your hand. Do not tighten all the lug nuts completely.
11. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir in the engine bay under the hood. Top it up with a new power steering fluid and leave the reservoir cap removed.
12. With the vehicle still on jack stands, turn your steering wheel completely to left and right a couple of times. Start the vehicle and repeat this process. This will ensure proper transfer of power steering fluid into the rack and reduce any whining noises due to lack of lubrication.
13. Now top up the power steering fluid and clean if any of it got spilled.
14. Remove the jack stands and jack underneath the vehicle and lower it.
15. Use a torque wrench and fasten the lug nuts of your wheel.
16. The last step is to adjust your tie rods and align your wheels. This helps you adjust the toe-in adjustment to the manufacturer’s specifications and prevents poor handling and premature tire wear.

Tips For Replacing Steering Rack Assembly

1. While replacing your steering rack assembly, always inspect the power steering hoses for cracks, bulges, or weak spots that can cause issues in the future.
2. If you plan on using old power steering hoses and lines, we recommend thoroughly flushing your hoses with brake cleaners. Also, clean the reservoirs by spraying them with brake cleaners and compressed air. You can also attach  a magnetic inline filter for the return hose to trap any contaminants or chips from the power steering pump.
3. With the new rack installed and connected, bleed your system to ensure it has no air left. A good way to do this is to turn the steering from lock to lock position 10-20 times before and after starting the engine.
4. Anytime a new steering system is installed or the old one is modified, the vehicle must be taken for wheel alignment. This helps to prevent erratic handling and premature tire wear and allows your steering system to last a long time.