Steering Column Motor Repair Cost Guide
Below are the typical repair costs for various steering column motor services. Labor rate is calculated at$125 per hour.
Electric Power Steering Motor Replacement
Average Cost: $650 - $1,200
- Labor Time: 2-3 hours ($250-$375)
- Parts: $400-$825
- Includes: Motor replacement, system calibration, and testing
Steering Column Motor Bearing Repair
Average Cost: $375 - $500
- Labor Time: 2-3 hours ($250-$375)
- Parts: $125-$225
- Includes: Bearing replacement, lubrication, and adjustment
Steering Column Motor Control Module Repair
Average Cost: $450 - $800
- Labor Time: 1.5-2 hours ($187.50-$250)
- Parts: $262.50-$550
- Includes: Module replacement, programming, and system testing
Steering Column Motor Wiring Repair
Average Cost: $250 - $500
- Labor Time: 1.5-3 hours ($187.50-$375)
- Parts: $62.50-$125
- Includes: Wiring repair/replacement, connection testing, and system verification
Note: Prices may vary based on vehicle make, model, and year. Additional costs may apply for diagnostic testing or if additional repairs are needed.
Steering Column Motor Repair Procedures
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor
Common Issues:Failed motor, worn brushes, electrical connectivity problems
Repair Steps:
- Perform diagnostic scan to confirm EPS motor failure
- Disconnect vehicle's battery
- Remove steering wheel and airbag assembly
- Remove steering column covers and shrouds
- Disconnect electrical connections to the EPS motor
- Remove mounting bolts securing the EPS motor to column
- Install new EPS motor unit
- Reconnect all electrical connections
- Reinstall column covers and steering wheel
- Perform calibration procedure using diagnostic tool
Tilt Motor
Common Issues:Motor binding, stripped gears, electrical failure
Repair Steps:
- Verify tilt motor failure through testing
- Disconnect battery
- Remove lower dash panel and knee bolster
- Remove steering column covers
- Locate tilt motor assembly
- Disconnect electrical connectors
- Remove mounting hardware
- Replace tilt motor assembly
- Reconnect electrical connections
- Test operation before reassembling covers
Telescoping Motor
Common Issues:Seized mechanism, electrical failure, worn drive components
Repair Steps:
- Confirm telescoping motor malfunction
- Disconnect battery
- Remove steering wheel and airbag
- Remove column covers
- Locate telescoping motor assembly
- Disconnect wiring harness
- Remove mounting brackets and hardware
- Install new telescoping motor
- Reconnect electrical connections
- Verify proper operation
- Reassemble column components
Important Notes:
- Always refer to vehicle-specific repair manuals for exact procedures
- Proper torque specifications must be followed for safety
- Some repairs may require special tools or programming equipment
- Airbag handling requires specific safety precautions
- Post-repair calibration is often necessary
Note: These are general repair procedures. Specific steps may vary by vehicle make and model. Professional installation is recommended for safety-critical steering components.
Understanding Steering Column Motors
EPS (Electric Power Steering) Motor
The EPS motor is a crucial component in modern vehicles that assists with steering by providing additional torque to the steering system. Located on or near the steering column, this motor helps reduce the effort required to turn the steering wheel, especially during low-speed maneuvers like parking. It replaces traditional hydraulic power steering systems with a more efficient and environmentally friendly electric solution.
Steering Column Adjustment Motor
This motor enables the power adjustment of the steering wheel's position. It allows drivers to adjust the steering wheel's height (tilt) and distance from the driver (telescope/reach) with the push of a button. This feature enhances driver comfort and safety by ensuring optimal steering wheel positioning for different drivers.
Memory Position Motor
The memory position motor works in conjunction with the vehicle's memory seat system. It automatically adjusts the steering column to pre-set positions saved by different drivers. When a driver selects their memory setting, this motor moves the steering wheel to their preferred position, providing personalized comfort without manual adjustment.
Steering Lock Motor
The steering lock motor is a security component that electronically locks and unlocks the steering column. When the vehicle is turned off and the key is removed (or in keyless systems, when the vehicle is secured), this motor engages a locking mechanism that prevents the steering wheel from turning, providing an additional layer of theft protection.
Tilt Motor
Specifically designed for vertical adjustment, the tilt motor allows the steering wheel to move up and down. This motor is essential for finding the perfect driving position and can be particularly helpful for drivers of different heights who share the same vehicle.
Telescoping Motor
The telescoping motor controls the in-and-out movement of the steering wheel, allowing drivers to adjust the distance between themselves and the steering wheel. This adjustment is crucial for maintaining a safe distance from the airbag while ensuring comfortable reach to the steering wheel.
Common Failure Symptoms of Steering Column Motor
Signs of Steering Column Motor Failure & Maintenance Guide
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor
Signs of Failure:
- Steering wheel feels heavy or difficult to turn
- Intermittent power steering assistance
- Strange noises when turning (whining or grinding)
- Power steering warning light illuminated
- Steering wheel returns to center slowly
Service Schedule:
- Inspection every 50,000 miles
- No regular maintenance required unless issues arise
- System diagnostic check during routine service intervals
Tilt/Telescoping Motor
Signs of Failure:
- Steering wheel won't adjust position
- Grinding noise during adjustment
- Intermittent operation of adjustment feature
- Memory position feature not working
- Slow or jerky movement during adjustment
Service Schedule:
- Check operation during annual inspection
- Lubricate mechanisms every 30,000 miles
- No specific replacement interval unless malfunction occurs
Memory Position Motor
Signs of Failure:
- Stored positions not being recalled correctly
- Motor runs but position doesn't change
- Inconsistent operation of memory features
- Strange noises during position changes
- System completely unresponsive
Service Schedule:
- Test functionality during regular service intervals
- Calibration check every 60,000 miles
- No specific replacement schedule; replace upon failure
Note: Service intervals may vary by vehicle manufacturer and model. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
