How many hours does it take to replace rack and pinion?

In most professional shops, replacing a rack and pinion typically takes about 3 to 6 hours, though the clock can swing from as little as 2 hours to more than 8 hours depending on the vehicle and conditions. An alignment is usually performed after the replacement.

What Factors Influence the Repair Time

Several variables can affect how long a rack-and-pinion replacement will take. The accessibility of the rack, the type of steering system, and the level of corrosion can all add or subtract from the total time. The scope of the job—whether you replace just the rack or also include inner tie rods, hoses, and related components—also matters.

• Vehicle design and model year, which determine how easily the rack can be accessed.


• Type of steering system (electric/power-assisted hydraulic versus manual), which changes required steps and fluid handling.


• Access and corrosion, including seized bolts or rust around mounting points.


• Scope of replacement (rack only vs. rack plus inner tie rods, hoses, clamps, and fittings).


• Need for an alignment after installation and the shop’s workflow for bleed/priming the power-steering system.

These factors collectively shape whether a shop quotes a shorter or longer repair window and influence the actual day-of timing.

Typical Time Estimates by Scenario

Use these guidelines to plan your day. Real-world times vary by car, shop, and technician experience, but the ranges below reflect common industry practice for a standard rack-and-pinion replacement with typical accompanying tasks.

• Basic replacement on a modern, well-accessed front-wheel-drive car (rack only or with minimal ancillary parts): 2–4 hours.


• Replacement that includes inner tie rods and/or power-steering hoses along with the rack: 4–6 hours.


• Older vehicles with heavy corrosion, seized fasteners, or complex routing (including four-wheel-drive setups): 6–8+ hours.


• Specialized or luxury models with difficult access or unique hardware: 6–12 hours.

In practice, most customers should budget a half-day to a full day for the job, with additional time for an alignment if needed.

What the Job Involves

The replacement involves several coordinated steps to remove the old rack and install a new one while preserving steering accuracy and safety. Below is a high-level sequence of typical tasks technicians perform.

1. Raise and secure the vehicle on lifts or ramps; remove front wheels for access.


2. Relieve and drain power-steering fluid as applicable; disconnect power-steering lines to prevent spills.


3. Disconnect the outer tie-rod ends from the steering knuckles and detach inner tie rods from the rack.


4. Unbolt and detach the steering rack from its mounting points and from the steering column or yoke as designed for the vehicle.


5. Remove the old rack from the vehicle and inspect related components for wear or damage.


6. Install the new rack, secure mounting hardware, and reconnect the steering column, inner/outer tie rods, and hoses as required.


7. Reattach power-steering lines and refill the system with the appropriate fluid; bleed the system to remove air.


8. Reconnect wheels, lower the vehicle, and perform a road test to check for leaks, clunks, or steering irregularities.


9. Have the vehicle aligned to restore proper steering geometry and tire wear as recommended by the manufacturer.

Complexities such as rusted fasteners, damaged lines, or difficult-to-access mounting points can extend the timeline, and some shops may perform a brief test drive before final alignment.

Summary

Replacing a rack and pinion is a major steering repair with time that varies widely by vehicle and the scope of the job. While a typical shop visit runs roughly 3 to 6 hours, plan for as little as 2 hours on a straightforward case and potentially 8 hours or more for tough, rust-heavy applications. Always factor in the alignment after installation, which is commonly required to ensure safe and accurate steering performance. For an exact estimate, consult your mechanic with details about your car’s make, model, and the parts you want replaced.

Is it easy to replace a rack and pinion?

Replacing a rack and pinion is a challenging task that is very difficult for beginners and requires advanced mechanical knowledge, specialized tools, and a good service manual. The difficulty varies greatly depending on the vehicle, with some models requiring the lowering of a subframe, while others might be relatively easier to access. A successful DIY job is achievable, but for many, it is better to have a professional mechanic perform the work. 
Factors that make it difficult

• Vehicle design: The location of the rack varies by car model. It can be a difficult job if the rack is located behind the engine or against the firewall, requiring more labor to remove. 
• Subframe removal: Some vehicles require lowering the front subframe to get the rack out, which adds significant time and complexity. 
• Specialized tools: The job requires a variety of tools, including a vehicle-specific service manual, flare nut wrenches for power steering lines, torque wrenches, and possibly a lift or multiple jacks. 
• Safety: Improper installation can be very dangerous. For example, not correctly aligning the steering shaft can damage the clock spring and airbag system, and the work must be performed with the vehicle safely supported on jack stands. 
• Labor-intensive: The process can be very time-consuming, especially for a first-timer. A professional can often complete the job in a few hours, while it may take days for a DIYer. 

This video shows the steps involved in replacing a power steering rack and pinion: 1mScotty KilmerYouTube · Feb 2, 2016
Steps for a successful replacement

• Secure the steering wheel: Lock the steering wheel to prevent it from turning after the shaft is disconnected. 
• Disconnect lines and shaft: Disconnect the tie rod ends from the knuckles and the power steering lines from the rack. Then, detach the steering shaft from the rack. 
• Remove the old rack: Unbolt the rack from the subframe or chassis and carefully maneuver it out of the vehicle. 
• Install the new rack: Center the new rack, transfer the outer tie rods to the new rack (matching the old lengths), and then install the new rack by reversing the removal process. 
• Reconnect everything: Reconnect the power steering lines, steering shaft, and tie rods. Apply new seals and torque all fasteners to the manufacturer's specifications. 
• Bleed the system: Fill the power steering system with the correct fluid and bleed the air out by turning the steering wheel from lock to lock. Start the engine and check the fluid level, adding more as needed. 
• Professional alignment: After completing the installation, a professional wheel alignment is crucial. 

How much is labor for rack and pinion replacement?

The labor cost for a rack and pinion replacement typically ranges from $150 to over $700, depending on the vehicle's make and model, the complexity of the job, and the mechanic's hourly rate. The total time for the job can be 4 to 6 hours, and a post-replacement wheel alignment is also required, which adds to the final cost. 
Factors affecting labor costs

• Vehicle complexity: Luxury, performance, or high-end vehicles often have more complex systems, leading to higher labor costs due to the increased time and expertise required. 
• Accessibility: The physical location of the rack and pinion within the vehicle plays a major role. If it's difficult to access, mechanics will need to spend more time on the job, which increases the cost. 
• Mechanic's hourly rate: The hourly rate charged by the repair shop will directly impact the final bill. 
• Part type: While this is not directly a labor cost, the type of part you choose (OEM, aftermarket, or remanufactured) can affect the overall job because some parts may be more difficult to install than others. 

What to expect

• Labor time: A steering rack replacement can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours on average. 
• Labor cost range: Expect to pay between $150 and over $700 for labor alone. 
• Additional costs: A wheel alignment is necessary after the replacement and should be factored into the total price. 

How much is replacement for if my pinion and rack?

Average Cost of Rack and Pinion Replacement
For a common model, expect that you'll be in the vicinity of $950 to $1,100 between parts and labor.

What happens if rack and pinion go out while driving?

If the rack and pinion fails while driving, you will likely lose the ability to steer the vehicle safely, which can lead to a loss of control, or you will experience a very difficult-to-turn steering wheel that becomes heavy and unresponsive. In either case, this is a critical safety issue that makes the vehicle unpredictable and can cause an accident, so you should pull over and get the vehicle towed to a mechanic immediately.
 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad rack and pinion, including difficulty steering and fluid leaks: 59sAuto V Fix YouTube · Mar 6, 2025
Consequences of rack and pinion failure

• Sudden loss of steering: A complete failure means turning the steering wheel will have no effect on the direction of the wheels, and the vehicle will continue in its current direction. 
• Difficulty steering: If the failure is gradual, the steering will become extremely heavy and difficult to turn, requiring significant physical force, especially at low speeds. 
• Unresponsive steering: The steering wheel may not return to the center after a turn, and there could be a "dead spot" where it feels disconnected from the wheels. 
• Loss of control: The combination of these issues makes the vehicle unpredictable and dangerous, significantly increasing the risk of a serious accident. 

What to do immediately

1. Safely pull over: If possible, slow down and move to the side of the road as quickly and safely as you can. 
2. Turn on hazard lights: Make your vehicle visible to other drivers. 
3. Do not continue driving: Do not attempt to drive the vehicle further, as the risk of causing an accident is extremely high. 
4. Call a tow truck: Have the vehicle towed to a repair shop for a professional diagnosis and repair. Driving with a faulty rack and pinion can cause further damage to other steering and suspension components. 

This video explains what to do if you experience steering problems while driving: 19sCar Care HacksYouTube · Oct 5, 2023