How much does it cost to replace the rack and pinion on a Honda Odyssey?

The replacement typically costs about $1,000 to $1,800 in total, including parts and labor. The exact price depends on whether you choose remanufactured or OEM parts, local labor rates, and whether additional components or services are needed.

What determines the total price

Prices for a rack-and-pinion replacement are driven by parts options, labor time, and any follow-up services such as wheel alignment. The following breakdown covers the main cost factors you’re likely to encounter.

Parts options

Part costs vary by whether you select a remanufactured unit or a brand-new OEM rack, and whether you also need related components.

• Remanufactured rack and pinion: typically $200–$600


• New OEM rack and pinion: typically $450–$900


• Related parts (inner tie rods, hoses, seals): $50–$300

In practice, many customers pair a remanufactured rack with new inner tie rods and hoses, which can affect the overall price and reliability.

Labor and additional services

Labor time and the need for follow-up services like alignment and fluid services influence the final bill. Regional shop rates also play a major role.

• Labor: roughly 3–5 hours at $100–$150 per hour


• Wheel alignment after replacement: $80–$150


• Power steering fluid replacement and system bleeding: $20–$60


• Potential extra charges for difficult access or unusual complications: variable

Overall, labor and related services commonly total about $600–$1,350, with higher figures possible if additional components or complications are present.

Other factors that can affect price

Prices can vary based on the Odyssey’s model year, trim, location (city vs. rural), and whether you use a dealership, independent shop, or quick-lube chain. Newer models or those with tighter access may require more labor, while economies of scale at larger shops can influence quotes.

DIY vs professional replacement

Rack-and-pinion replacement is a complex, safety-critical job that involves steering hydraulics, seals, and precise alignment. Professional service is strongly recommended to ensure correct installation, proper bleeding of the steering system, and to preserve any warranty on parts.

Summary

For a Honda Odyssey, a typical rack-and-pinion replacement performed by a professional shop generally ranges from about $1,000 to $1,800, though prices can span from roughly $800 to $2,000 depending on part choice (remanufactured vs OEM), labor rates, and any needed follow-up services (alignment, fluid work). To avoid surprises, obtain multiple written estimates that itemize parts, labor, and alignment, and confirm whether any additional components will be required.

Is it worth replacing rack and pinion?

Whether replacing a rack and pinion is worth it depends on the vehicle's overall value and condition. If the car is relatively new or in good shape, replacement is often worthwhile to ensure safety and restore performance. However, for an older, high-mileage vehicle, the high cost of replacement may not be justified if the car's market value is low; in such cases, it might be better to invest in a newer vehicle instead. 
When it is worth it

• Vehicle condition: If the rest of the car is in good shape and meets your needs, replacing the rack and pinion is a worthwhile investment to restore safety and functionality. 
• Cost-effectiveness: A replacement can prevent further, more expensive damage to other steering components. 
• Safety and performance: It restores proper steering responsiveness and control, making the vehicle safer to drive. 

You can watch this video to learn about the signs of a bad rack and pinion: 58sAuto V Fix YouTube · Mar 6, 2025
When it may not be worth it

• Low market value: If the vehicle is very old and has a low market value, the cost of the repair may be more than the car is worth. 
• Other major issues: If the car has other significant problems, like a failing engine or transmission, it may not be wise to put money into a major repair like the rack and pinion. 

Factors to consider before replacing

• Cost: Research the specific cost for your vehicle, including the parts (OEM, new aftermarket, or remanufactured) and labor. 
• Complexity: Some vehicles are more complex to repair, which can increase labor costs. 
• Additional parts: Be prepared for the need to replace other parts that are often replaced at the same time, such as outer tie rod ends and hydraulic hoses, as this can increase the overall repair cost. 
• Diagnostic advice: Get a professional diagnosis to confirm that the rack and pinion needs replacement and is not just a less expensive issue like a worn tie rod or a bad power steering pump. 

Can I still drive with a bad rack and pinion?

No, you should not drive with a bad rack and pinion, as it poses a significant safety risk by compromising steering control and could lead to a complete steering system failure. It is best to stop driving and have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for repair as soon as possible. Driving with a bad steering rack can also cause other expensive problems to develop in your car. 
This video explains the signs of a bad rack and pinion: 57sFixITYouTube · Jun 19, 2024
Risks of driving with a bad rack and pinion

• Loss of control: A failing rack and pinion can make steering difficult, unresponsive, and unpredictable, increasing the risk of an accident. 
• Steering system failure: A minor issue can quickly lead to a catastrophic failure, which could happen at any time. 
• Damage to other components: Continued use can put a strain on other parts of the steering system and suspension, leading to more expensive, cascading repairs. 
• Uneven tire wear: A bad rack and pinion can cause your tires to wear unevenly, which impacts vehicle stability. 

What to do if you suspect a problem

• Stop driving immediately: Do not continue driving if you notice signs of a failing rack and pinion, such as difficulty steering, unusual noises when turning, or fluid leaks. 
• Arrange for a tow: Have your car towed to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair. 
• Seek professional repair: A qualified technician can properly diagnose the issue and replace the faulty components. You can find a qualified mechanic by searching for "rack and pinion repair near me". 

What is the labor cost to replace a rack and pinion?

The average labor cost to replace a rack and pinion is between $300 and $800, though it can vary significantly based on factors like your vehicle's make and model, the mechanic's hourly rate, and the complexity of the job. Some estimates suggest a typical range of $150 to $700, while others point to 4-6 hours of labor as an average. It is recommended to get a quote from a professional mechanic for an accurate estimate. 
Factors that influence labor cost

• Vehicle make, model, and year: Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the rack and pinion, which affects labor time. 
• Mechanic's hourly rate: The labor rate can vary by shop and location. 
• Complexity of the job: The job can be complicated, and some vehicles are more difficult to work on than others. 
• Additional parts: The labor cost does not include the cost of parts, which can add to the total price. You may also need to pay for a wheel alignment after the replacement. 

How much does it cost to replace a rack and pinion on a Honda Odyssey?

The average cost for a Honda Odyssey Rack and Pinion Replacement is between $2,059 and $3,067. Labor costs are estimated between $631 and $926 while parts are priced between $1,428 and $2,141.