How long does the steering rack/gearbox last?

When you turn the steering wheel, the two front wheels also turn in the direction you want. It actually takes a lot of different components to convert the rotational movement of the steering wheel into side to side movement for...

When you turn the steering wheel, the two front wheels also turn in the direction you want. In fact, many different components are required to convert the rotational movement of the steering wheel into lateral movement of the front wheels. Your steering wheel is connected to the steering column, which is connected to the intermediate shaft, which is connected to the steering rack/gearbox. The stance itself is what moves the wheels left or right, allowing you to steer.

The steering rack/gearbox is also responsible for providing power assist to make the car easier to steer. Modern cars weigh quite a lot, and manual control is difficult even in the most favorable conditions. Your rack is connected to the power steering pump, which pushes fluid through lines into the rack, increasing and amplifying the movement generated by the steering wheel.

Your car's steering rack/gearbox is used every time you turn the steering wheel. It is also subjected to a lot of stress and vibration even when you are not turning (driving on a straight stretch of road). Eventually, the rack will fail. However, there is no specific lifetime. The more you drive, the faster it wears out. However, most vehicle owners will never need to change their power steering rack, or only need to replace it once in their lifetime.

Given the great importance of the steering rack/gearbox, it is important to be aware of a few signs and symptoms of excessive wear to look out for. These include the following:

• Steering wheel feels loose or sloppy
• You notice a power steering fluid leak under the car, behind the engine
• Knocking sound when driving over bumps or when turning the steering wheel
• Steering wheel feels "off" (needs to turn a lot)
• Steering uneven
• It takes a lot of effort to turn the steering wheel

If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is very important to have your steering rack/gearbox checked. A professional mechanic can inspect the system and replace the steering rack/gearbox as well as any other faulty components.