Frequently Asked Questions
The rack and pinion steering gear is part of your car's steering system. The rack and pinion itself is made up of several parts: an alloy body, a toothed rod which is actually the rack itself, the steering gear pinion, the axial ball joints, and the steering knuckles. This assembly is located between your steering wheel and your wheels. It's responsible for converting the rotary motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion that turns the vehicle's wheel.
The rack and pinion steering gear is a part of your car's steering system that provides front-wheel steering. It is the link between the steering column and the wheels. The steering column connects the steering wheel to the rack and pinion, and the steering tie rods connect the rack and pinion to the wheels.
The rack and pinion steering transmits the rotation of the steering wheel to the wheels. It works by means of an articulated shaft ending in a pinion whose rotation causes a lateral displacement of the rack inside its housing, to the left or right, depending on the desired change of direction.
On modern vehicles, this mechanism is equipped with hydraulic or electric assistance, which makes the process more fluid.
The price of a rack and pinion replacement depends on several factors: the make and model of your vehicle and the hourly rate of the repair shop.
This operation generally requires 1h30 to 2 hours of work on your vehicle. Although relatively quick, it is still very expensive. The labor cost will vary between $75 and $200 depending on the shop's hourly rate.
The type of part will also have an impact: do you want an original part or the mechanic to use a used rack and pinion steering?
Non-assisted rack-and-pinion steering: prices range from $50 to $150;
Hydraulically assisted rack and pinion steering: Average prices range from $150 to $230;
Electrically assisted rack and pinion steering: This technology is more expensive than the previous two, costing between $230 and $350.
Depending on these factors, the price of a rack replacement can range from a few hundred dollars to nearly $2,000.
Adjusting a rack and pinion steering system involves several steps:
Step 1: Loosen the lock nut on the adjustment screw.
Step 2: Turn the rack guide screw until it bottoms out slightly.
Step 3: Back off the rack guide screw by the recommended amount (approximately 45 degrees or until the prescribed amount of rotation is achieved).
Step 4: Tighten the jam nut.
To center a rack and pinion steering system, follow these steps
Step 1: Rotate the rack all the way to one stop.
Step 2: Turn it the other way and count the turns.
Step 3: Divide the number of turns by two to find the center point.
Step 4: Rotate the rack to the center point.
Installing a rack and pinion steering system involves several steps. Here's a general guide:
Step 1: Remove the old rack and compare it to the new one.
Step 2: Center the new rack and install the tie rods to the correct dimensions.
Step 3: Transfer any additional hydraulic lines and brackets to the new rack.
Step 4: Reinstall the new rack and reconnect the hoses and steering shaft.
Step 5: Fill the reservoir with the correct fluid and bleed the system with a vacuum pump.
Step 6: Check the system for leaks and alignment.
Step 7: If necessary, realign the wheels to ensure precise steering.
Please note that these are general steps and the exact procedure may vary depending on the specific model of your vehicle.
