Steering Rack & Gearbox Repair Cost Guide
Power Steering Rack Rebuild
Labor: 4-6 hours ($500-$750)
Parts: $200-$400
Total Estimated Cost: $700-$1,150
Includes: Disassembly, seal replacement, internal cleaning, reassembly, and testing
Manual Steering Rack Rebuild
Labor: 3-4 hours ($375-$500)
Parts: $150-$300
Total Estimated Cost: $525-$800
Includes: Disassembly, bearing replacement, seal replacement, and reassembly
Complete Steering Rack Replacement
Labor: 3-5 hours ($375-$625)
Parts: $400-$1,200
Total Estimated Cost: $775-$1,825
Includes: Removal of old rack, installation of new/remanufactured unit, alignment check
Manual Gearbox Rebuild
Labor: 6-8 hours ($750-$1,000)
Parts: $300-$600
Total Estimated Cost: $1,050-$1,600
Includes: Complete disassembly, bearing replacement, synchronizer replacement, seal replacement
*Note: Prices are estimates only. Final costs may vary based on vehicle make/model and extent of damage. Additional parts or labor may be required in some cases.
Factors That Can Affect Price:
- Vehicle make and model
- Age of vehicle
- Severity of damage
- Parts availability
- Additional repairs needed
Common Power Steering Rack Repair Procedures
Hydraulic Power Steering Rack
The typical repair procedure for a hydraulic steering rack includes:
- Removal and Initial Inspection
- Remove steering rack from vehicle
- Drain hydraulic fluid
- Clean and inspect external components
- Disassembly
- Remove tie rods and boots
- Disassemble hydraulic valve housing
- Remove seals and internal components
- Reconditioning
- Replace all seals and O-rings
- Install new rack bushings
- Replace pinion bearings
- Refinish rack teeth if needed
- Reassembly and Testing
- Reassemble with new components
- Pressure test hydraulic system
- Check for smooth operation
Electric Power Steering Rack
Electric steering rack repair typically involves:
- Diagnostic Testing
- Scan ECU for fault codes
- Test electric motor function
- Check sensor readings
- Disassembly
- Remove rack from vehicle
- Disconnect electrical connections
- Remove motor assembly
- Repair/Replacement
- Replace faulty electric motor if needed
- Install new sensors if required
- Replace mechanical components
- Programming and Testing
- Reprogram ECU if necessary
- Calibrate steering angle sensor
- Perform operational tests
Manual Steering Rack
Manual steering rack repair includes:
- Removal and Inspection
- Remove rack from vehicle
- Check for wear patterns
- Inspect mounting points
- Disassembly
- Remove tie rods and boots
- Disassemble rack housing
- Remove pinion gear
- Reconditioning
- Replace bearings and bushings
- Install new seals
- Repair or replace rack and pinion
- Final Assembly
- Reassemble components
- Adjust preload settings
- Test for smooth operation
Important Note:All steering rack repairs should be performed by qualified technicians using proper tools and equipment. Post-repair alignment is essential for all types of steering racks.
Types of Steering Racks/Gearboxes
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Common Failure Symptoms of Steering Rack and Gearbox Systems
Common Signs of Steering Rack/Gearbox Failure
Hydraulic Power Steering Rack
Signs of Failure:
- Fluid leaks around steering rack boots or seals
- Whining noise when turning the steering wheel
- Stiff or heavy steering, especially at low speeds
- Steering wheel vibration or looseness
- Clicking or clunking sounds when turning
Service Schedule:
- Check power steering fluid level every 3 months
- Power steering fluid flush every 50,000 miles
- Inspect rack boots and seals during routine maintenance
Electric Power Steering Rack
Signs of Failure:
- Warning light on dashboard
- Intermittent power assistance
- Unusual noises during steering
- Steering feels notchy or inconsistent
- Complete loss of power assistance
Service Schedule:
- No regular fluid maintenance required
- System diagnostic check during routine service
- Inspect mounting points and connections annually
Manual Steering Rack
Signs of Failure:
- Excessive play in steering wheel
- Grinding noise when turning
- Uneven tire wear
- Steering wheel doesn't return to center
- Visible grease leaks from rack boots
Service Schedule:
- Inspect rack boots every 30,000 miles
- Check mounting bushings during routine maintenance
- Grease points lubrication (if applicable) every 50,000 miles
Note: These are general guidelines. Always consult your vehicle's owner manual for specific maintenance schedules and recommendations.
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.
