What happens when your steering rack goes out while?
When a steering rack fails while you’re on the road, you may suddenly lose steering assist or confront a very heavy, hard-to-turn wheel, which can lead to a dangerous loss of control. Slow down, signal, and pull over to a safe spot as soon as possible.
Understanding the steering rack and how failures occur
The steering rack is part of the steering system that converts the turning of the steering wheel into lateral motion that moves the wheels. It can fail in several ways, depending on whether a vehicle uses hydraulic power steering (HPS) or electric power steering (EPS). In hydraulic systems, leaks, worn seals, or a failing pump can reduce or remove assist. In EPS systems, a faulty motor, sensor, or control module can suddenly remove or diminish steering assist and trigger warning lights.
Hydraulic vs electric power steering
In hydraulic setups, loss of fluid pressure or fluid leaks typically causes heavy steering and noise. In electric systems, drivers may notice a dash warning light, a sudden loss of assist, or stiffness without the same fluid-related symptoms. Some cars combine both concepts, but the principle remains: a failing rack disrupts the translation of wheel movement to wheel direction.
What happens when the steering rack goes out while driving
Symptoms vary with the system, but they all threaten controllability. You may experience one or more of the following on the road:
- Heavy or hard steering, especially at low speeds
- Steering wheel feels loose, has excessive play, or won’t return to center
- Vehicle drifts or pulls to one side while driving straight or during turns
- Unusual noises (whining, groaning, clunking) when turning
- Power steering or EPS warning light illuminated on the dashboard
- Visible fluid leaks under the vehicle (hydraulic systems)
These conditions indicate a significant safety risk. Even if you can maintain control, a failing rack can worsen quickly and should be addressed immediately.
Immediate safety steps if you notice steering issues
When steering problems arise, your top priority is to reduce speed and move to safety without creating a new hazard for others on the road.
- Ease off the accelerator and coast to a safe location while keeping control of the vehicle
- Gently steer toward the roadside or a safe area; avoid hard or abrupt inputs
- Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers
- If safe, check for obvious signs of trouble (leaks, visible damage) from outside the vehicle
- Do not continue driving long distances; call for roadside assistance or have the car towed
Acting quickly can prevent a loss of control. Do not rely on partial steering assist or continue driving in heavy traffic with a suspected rack failure.
Causes and what to expect at the shop
Rack failures can stem from wear, damage, or electrical faults. Understanding common causes helps you anticipate repairs and costs. In most cases, a professional diagnosis is required to determine whether the rack and related components need replacement or repair.
- Worn or leaking rack seals and boots, leading to fluid loss or contamination
- Damaged tie rods or steering linkage components
- Low or contaminated hydraulic fluid (in hydraulic systems)
- Electrical failures in EPS systems, including motors, sensors, or control modules
- Impact damage from crashes, potholes, or hitting curbs
Repairs typically involve replacing the rack and possibly related parts such as the power steering pump, hoses, or EPS components, followed by alignment. Costs vary widely by vehicle type and whether the system is hydraulic or electric is involved; expect a range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in most cases, plus labor and potential alignment charges.
Summary
A steering rack failure is a serious driving hazard that can manifest as heavy steering, loss of assist, abnormal noises, or the vehicle pulling to one side. If you notice any of these signs, slow down gradually, move to a safe area, and seek professional inspection promptly. Regular maintenance, including checking power steering fluid (for hydraulic systems), listening for unusual noises, and paying attention to warning lights, can help prevent sudden rack failures. When repairs are needed, a trained technician will assess whether the rack, pump, seals, or EPS components require replacement and perform necessary alignments to restore proper handling.
How much does it cost to replace a steering rack?
A steering rack replacement typically costs between $750 and over $2,500, which includes both parts and labor. The final price varies based on your vehicle's make and model, the quality of the replacement part, and local labor rates. The total cost includes the price of the new or remanufactured rack (which can be around $100-$500 for the part alone), labor, and a mandatory wheel alignment after the installation.
Cost breakdown and factors
- Parts: A new steering rack can cost anywhere from $100 to over $500, depending on the vehicle and brand.
- Labor: Labor costs can range from $150 to over $700 or more, as the job is complex and can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to complete, depending on the vehicle.
- Wheel alignment: A professional wheel alignment is essential after the rack is replaced, adding to the total cost.
- Vehicle complexity: Some vehicles have a more difficult-to-access steering rack, which can increase the labor time and overall cost.
When to consider replacement
- Difficulty turning the steering wheel
- Power steering fluid leaks
- Unusual noises like whining, clunking, or grinding when turning
- The car pulling to one side while driving
How do you know your steering rack is bad while driving?
Maybe there's a dead spot where you're turning the steering wheel. But the tires aren't actually turning. This could be due to excessive wear between the pinion gear. And the rack.
How long can I drive with a broken steering rack?
You should not drive with a bad steering rack for any significant amount of time, as it is a serious safety risk that can lead to a complete loss of steering. The safest option is to have your vehicle towed to a mechanic immediately for inspection and repair. Driving with a compromised steering rack is extremely dangerous and can lead to accidents.
This video explains the symptoms of a bad steering rack: 52sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Mar 19, 2022
Risks of driving with a bad steering rack
- Loss of control: A failing steering rack can lead to vague, loose steering or a complete loss of steering assistance, making the car difficult to control.
- Accidents: A sudden failure of the steering system while driving can easily cause a serious accident, especially when turning or changing lanes.
- Further damage: Continuing to drive can worsen the damage, potentially causing the steering system to fail completely and leading to more expensive repairs.
- Other system failures: A power steering leak, which can be a symptom of a failing rack, could also lead to the failure of the power steering pump and potentially other components like the alternator or water pump if the pump seizes.
What to do if you suspect a problem
- Stop driving immediately: If you notice any signs of a bad steering rack, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible and do not continue driving.
- Have the vehicle towed: To avoid further damage and ensure your safety, it is best to have the vehicle towed to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
- Avoid sharp turns: If you must move the vehicle a very short distance in an emergency, do so slowly and avoid sharp or sudden turns.
What happens if the steering rack fails while driving?
The vehicle won't change direction properly, which is dangerous. Driving with the failing steering rack will lead to unresponsiveness, and you can hardly control the vehicle. Steering rack failure will lead to serious vehicle handling and safety problems.
