DIY Repair: Rack and Pinion Replacement Cost (USA Average)
The rack and pinion, is the assembly that allows the wheels to turn to the left and right along with the steering wheel. A steering gear box will provide heavy duty vehicles with the increased capability of dealing with increased weight stress.
The system consists of:
- a main body (housing the rack piston),
- notched rod (for left and right movements)
The rack is controlled by the steering column which transfers the input from the steering wheel to the rack assembly.
Rack and pinion may be overly blamed for most of the steering issues as when a vehicle is hard to turn in one direction. However, every time there’s a tight steering does not mean that the rack is to blame, as steering pump failure can also bring steering difficulties.
Leaks are also mistaken with a faulty rack, as it is located at the bottom of the car. Any leak that happens above can run down through the rack. Inspect the vehicle to properly diagnose and repair what truly got broken.
Today’s cars are more aerodynamic and light, therefore the rack-and-pinion steering isquickly rising in popularity amongst the different types of steering systems.
Costs
For replacement parts in the USA, the costs will be:
- Parts and labor: $215-$1049
Total price: $372-$1647
Rack and Pinion Replacement Costs (by place)
Your Mechanic
- Parts & Labor
- 12 months warranty
Price: $430 – $1450
Midas
- Parts & Labor
- 12 months warranty
Price: $370 – $1340
Mr. Tire
- Parts & Labor
- 12 months warranty
Price: $520 – $1610
Walmart
- Parts
- Limited warranty
Price: $218 – $506
Amazon
- Parts
- Limited warranty
Price: $100 – $403
Rack and Pinion Replacement Costs (by model)
Ford F-Series
- Labor Price: $142 – $181
- Part Price: $251 – $402
Total Price: $393 – $583
Chevrolet Silverado
- Labor Price: $157 – $201
- Part Price: $215 – $798
Total Price: $372 – $999
Ford Focus Rack
- Labor Price: $189 – $241
- Part Price: $262 – $397
Total Price: $451 – $638
Toyota Camry Rack and Pinion Replacement Cost
- Labor Price: $583 – $743
- Part Price: $410 – $904
Total Price: $993 – $1647
Toyota Corolla
- Labor Price: $472 – $603
- Part Price: $389 – $893
Total Price: $861 – $1496
Nissan Altima
- Labor Price: $220 – $281
- Part Price: $458 – $1049
Total Price: $678 – $1330
Honda CR-V
- Labor Price: $472 –$603
- Part Price: $448 – $937
Total Price: $920 – $1540
Honda Civic
- Labor Price: $323 – $412
- Part Price: $366 – $523
Total Price: $689 – $935
Honda Accord
- Labor Price: $370 – $472
- Part Price: $365 – $594
Total Price: $735 – $1066
Ford Fusion
- Labor Price: $205 – $261
- Part Price: $671 – $841
Total Price: $876 – $1102
Steps for Rack and Pinion Replacement
If you want to replace the rack and pinion system all by yourself, the following tools are required.
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Wrenches
- Ratchet and socket set with extensions
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers or vise grips
- Hammer
- Wire brush
- Tie rod separator or ball joint fork
- Engine support fixture
- Power steering filter
- Power steering fluid
- Automatic transmission fluid
- New power steering rack
Once gathering the tools follow the next steps
- Begin by ensuring the wheels are not misaligned and the steering column is properly secured. A belt may come in handy to ensure the wheel doesn’t move during the repair.
- Remove from the pinion shaft both front tires and the universal joint coupler. Power steering lines and tie rod ends will be taken apart.
- Remove from the rack and pinion
- bushing brackets,
- assembly (wheel removal) Clean the area, install the new rack and pinion, reverse disassembling process.
- Release the air from the power steering system, add up fluid amount as required.
- Test the installation, turn the wheel from lock to lock to ensure it turns smoothly
- Alignment will then be performed to ensure all the correct alignment angles
If you aren’t confident in your abilities, a rack and pinion repair may be best left to the professionals!
