How often do you consider your car's steering system? Most drivers take it for granted until it fails. 

Don't worry if you're experiencing this issue right now. We're here to help with steering rack replacement costs.

We'll also cover other factors influencing the price, such as labour costs and parts availability. By understanding more about what goes into replacing a steering rack, you can help extend your car's lifespan and avoid more expensive repairs. Keep reading to find out more.

How much is a steering rack replacement cost in the UK?

The average steering rack replacement cost in the UK is between £600 and £1,500. 

The cost of replacing a steering rack varies by vehicle make and model, as well as labour hours.  We’ll break these down in this article.

You should also compare prices from multiple mechanics to find the best rate. If you're experienced, consider doing some of the work yourself to save on labour costs. But don’t attempt this if you’re a newbie!

Split the cost into monthly payments at thousands of reliable repairers.

Steering rack replacement cost by car make

We've rounded up the average costs for replacing the steering rack depending on your car make. Use these as a rough estimate for your costs.

What is a steering rack?

A steering rack is crucial for translating the driver's steering wheel input into action, controlling the car's direction and speed. 

It consists of a pinion gear connected to the steering wheel and a tie rod assembly linking to both front wheels, with bearings, seals, and bushings ensuring its performance.

What does the steering rack do?

A steering rack converts the steering wheel's rotation into lateral motion, moving the wheels left or right to steer the vehicle. The pinion gear attached to the steering wheel engages with a rack bar and this moves as you turn. 

Proper alignment of tie rods and ball joints is crucial, as they transfer this motion to the wheels. Some cars also have power-assisted systems that make steering easier using hydraulic or electric assistance.

What is the average life of a steering rack?

The typical lifespan of a steering rack is around 80,000 miles. 

However, this can vary depending on a few factors such as the type of vehicle and how it is driven.

Factors that can affect the steering rack

Several factors can affect the lifespan of a steering rack. Here are the main ones:

• Off-road driving can cause the steering rack to be overloaded and prematurely fail. 
• Driving at excessive speeds or cornering hard can stress the components of a steering rack, leading to premature wear and tear. 
• A lack of maintenance, such as inadequate lubrication or leaving power steering fluid levels low, can put additional strain on the system, which could lead to early failure.
• Driving on rough roads with potholes can lead to extra damage.
• Alignment issues can also lead to premature wear. 

How to extend the life of your steering rack

There are some ways to extend the life of your steering rack and to help you avoid costly repairs.

Firstly, ensure you get regular servicing and keep up with any necessary replacements when recommended by your mechanic. 

You should also be sure to drive sensibly and avoid using too much force when turning corners or going over bumps to reduce wear and tear on the system.

If you notice any bad steering rack symptoms, you should investigate them immediately.

Failing steering rack symptoms

Knowing the bad steering rack symptoms can help you prevent damage and make your car safer. The most common symptoms of a failing or worn-out steering rack are:

• A grinding noise when you turn the wheel
• A feeling of resistance to turning
• Oil under your car
• Difficulty driving straight
• Loose or wobbly steering
• Increased play in the wheel

These can all impact your car's performance, making it harder to control the vehicle and causing vibrations that reduce your handling abilities.

Additionally, if left unchecked for too long, these issues can lead to further damage, such as seized-up components or even complete failure of your steering system.

It's vital to address any signs that indicate your steering rack may need replacing before serious damage occurs.

Can I drive with a bad steering rack?

No. You shouldn’t drive with a faulty steering rack in the UK. 

The risks associated with this can be severe and can include loss of control of your vehicle due to lack of responsiveness from the steering wheel, or even sudden failure at speed which could result in a serious accident.

Furthermore, if the police catch you driving an unsafe car on public roads, you may face charges — this will up your cost to replace the steering rack for sure!

Worried about expensive car repair costs?

Bumper offers car repair finance to help you split the cost of car repairs with interest-free monthly instalments, find a trusted partner here.

Can I replace a steering rack myself?

Replacing a steering rack yourself can save money on labour and provide valuable hands-on experience. 

It can also boost your confidence for future car projects. However, you should have experience with car mechanics before giving this a go.

See a quick overview of the job below:

1. Gather the necessary parts and tools, including the new steering rack, mounting hardware, lubricants, wrenches, and sockets.

2. Jack up your car to safely access the underside and manoeuvre around components.

3. Disconnect electrical connectors and remove the old steering rack by freeing it from mounting bolts and fluid lines.

4. Prepare the new steering rack according to instructions, apply lubricants, and install it using the same steps in reverse.

5. Secure all connections according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How long is a steering rack replacement?

Steering rack replacement and installation typically takes four to eight hours.

The exact time depends on your vehicle model, the garage’s experience, and whether your parts are easy to find. It can also depend on how much of the car needs to be dismantled for the repair.

Is it worth fixing a steering rack?

Yes, although repairing or replacing a steering rack can be quite expensive. For some cars, a repair can cost hundreds of pounds. 

However, if the problem is left unchecked for too long, it could lead to further damage that would require more extensive repairs and potentially higher costs than fixing the steering rack itself.

Final words on steering rack replacements

A steering column repair is never fun, but if you notice your system failing, you should contact an expert immediately for some professional advice.

Hopefully, we’ve answered your steering rack replacement cost questions and given you some extra insight to the procedure. 

Think your steering rack might need replacing?

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