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Have you ever noticed your car making strange noises when you turn the steering wheel? Or does steering it seem more difficult than usual? These may be indicators that your steering rack is failing. Your car’s steering rack is a vital component of your car’s steering system. It enables you to handle the wheels well with ease. Ignoring the warning signals might cause you bigger trouble in the long run. Here are some steering rack failure symptoms, along with ways that you can fix the problem.
Symptoms of Bad or Failing Steering Rack
One definite indication of troubles with the steering rack will be a noticeable difference in the way your car feels to drive. If turning the steering wheel is more difficult or if it feels loose, your steering rack could be failing. You may also notice odd noises coming from the steering wheel, such as clunking or grinding. Another issue to look out for is a power steering fluid leak. If you drive home and find a puddle of liquid under your car after it has sat for a little bit, your steering rack might be leaking.
MacGyvering Your Own Fixes for a Bad Steering Rack
If you see any of these signs, there are a few quick fixes you can experiment with. A common issue is worn or loose tie rod ends cause the steering to feel heavy. You can change these out yourself with a few simple tools. Another solution is to look at your power steering fluid and refill it if it’s low. If you’re not comfortable making these repairs or don’t have the time, have a mechanic perform the work on your car.
The steering rack failures that should be fixed by professionals
If the issues with your steering rack go beyond basic maintenance, it’s time to hit up a mechanic. They may be able to determine what’s wrong and offer guidance on what to do next. Depending on the extent of the damage they may need to replace the entire pinion steering rack or just parts. Professional repairs can be costly, but it is important the work is done correctly or you risk having additional problems later.
Avoiding Steering Rack Failures With Maintenance
Prevent Power Steering Rack Failure from Occurring To avoid such power steering rack failure, you must adhere to the regular car maintenance. In practice, this involves inspecting and changing power steering fluid as necessary and examining and greasing steering system components. It’s also smart to get a mechanic to inspect your car regularly in order to catch any potential issues before they turn into serious problems. By treating your vehicle well and responding to potential issues promptly, you can help your steering rack perform in a good condition for years to come.
