The steering rack is a car mechanism that transmits forces from the steering column to the steerable wheels and ensures the turning of the front wheels of the car. Symptoms of a malfunctioning steering rack include noises like knocking, which is an initial indicator of a problem in this mechanism. It's best to check the steering rack not when the car is stationary, but while driving at speed, as the noise will be more clearly audible in the working mechanism. To do this, you need to sharply turn the steering wheel to the right and left alternately. If you hear a foreign light knock, you should stop, open the hood, and try to sharply turn the steering wheel; if the problem is in the steering rack, you will immediately hear the sound coming from the knocking rack. The main reasons for knocking in the steering rack include loose mounting bolts, natural wear of bushings, damaged protective casing, and corrosion.
For the driver, it's important to know how to eliminate play in the steering rack, either by tightening or through repair or replacement in case of damage.
If the steering rack fails, you will feel stiff steering wheel rotation. Before starting work, use the service on our website, call auto service specialists, and find out the cost of repairing or replacing the steering rack. To identify the problem, specialists will need to perform a comprehensive diagnostic of your vehicle. By going to a workshop, you can not only order repair or replacement of the component but also immediately adjust the wheel alignment and pick up the car in a fully ready state. A certified workshop will do everything quickly, reliably, and affordably. At the auto service center, after consultation with a specialist, you will be able to decide on the advisability of repairing or replacing the steering rack in your vehicle.
Many drivers, when faced with such a situation, prefer to go to an auto parts store and buy a new steering rack. However, in some cases, it is more advisable to carry out a repair, which can save a significant amount of money. Repairing the steering rack is also advisable for the reason that often this car mechanism fails due to damage or deformation of the shaft. Such defects can only be determined after the steering rack has been fully disassembled. If the problem lies in a worn shaft, then in this case, restoring the steering rack will require little money and time, mainly because this breakdown is very easy to fix. However, if the teeth on the steering rack are damaged, it is practically impossible to fix this problem. But there is one solution – cutting new teeth, while it is very important that the cutting of teeth be carried out taking into account the factory parameters. After such work, you will be able to get an entirely new part for little money. Another very common breakdown is a violation of the steering rack's geometry; this problem is also fixed very quickly.
The cost of an original steering rack can often be very high depending on the car model. Of course, you can find cheaper alternatives or a refurbished steering rack, but no one can guarantee that this part will last long. Considering this, it's best to turn to one of the workshops that specialize in steering rack repairs. Repair is also advisable for the reason that your car is equipped with an original factory steering rack. Moreover, very often the repair of the steering rack can bring much more benefit than its complete replacement. If the repair is done correctly, then you can be fully confident that the repaired steering rack will serve you for many years.
If you are not a professional, replacing the steering rack without specialized, expensive equipment will take a lot of time and effort. In addition, the risk of making an error, the cost of which will be significantly higher than the cost of having professionals replace the rack, is quite large.
It should also be said that fixing issues with the steering rack is a priority in auto repair, as failing to do so could lead to fatal consequences.
Try not to drive at high speeds on uneven roads and avoid going over large obstacles (like curbs). If you must, do it carefully to preserve and extend the lifespan of the steering rack, so it will continue to serve you for a long time.
