Choosing a Steering Rack: New, Remanufactured , or Aftermarket?

When you turn the steering wheel, your car responds seamlessly, and you don't have to ponder what's happening inside the vehicle at that moment.

However, several components and mechanisms are engaged in turning the car's wheels, including:

• Steering column
• Steering rack
• Mechanism aiding steering: power steering pump (in hydraulic steering systems) or electric motor assistance (in electric systems)
• Various sensors and control units
• Even some parts of the vehicle's drivetrain.

Most drivers, however, don't consider all this until something peculiar starts happening with the steering system.

Main Symptoms of Malfunction

In most cases, issues originate from the steering rack, manifesting in the following ways:

• Audible knocking when driving over bumps: Initially heard off-road or on cobblestones. Besides knocking sounds, steering play may increase.
• Squeaking or metallic grinding noise: Can occur while driving or when the car is stationary.
• Hydraulic oil leakage: Owners of cars with electric power steering don't encounter this issue, but it's not uncommon in hydraulic power steering.
• Stiff or non-returning steering wheel: Likely if the car has hit a curb or pothole.
• Reduced steering power when the car is cold: Potential issue with the steering rack housing, resulting in increased mileage.
• Steering rack operation noise: Caused by dampness leading to corrosion of the gear rack and bearings.
• Illumination of a red or yellow steering icon: In electric power steering, this signals an electronic issue with the steering rack.

If any of these problems arise, it's best not to worsen the situation. The optimal solution is to promptly schedule a visit to a specialized workshop to identify and address the problem. The longer you drive with a faulty steering rack, the costlier the repair will be. However, repair is not always the best solution.

Replacement or Repair of the Steering Rack?

In most cases, it's possible to repair the steering rack. This requires expertise, professional equipment, and high-quality replacement parts. Adjustment or replacement of the clutch may suffice in some instances.

However, situations, like malfunctions, vary, and the owner may not always count on repair. Hearing the phrase "It can't be repaired; it needs replacement" is always unpleasant. Let's explore cases where this applies to the steering rack:

• Damage to the housing: If the housing is damaged (e.g., due to an accident), it can't be repaired.
• Severe rust on the gear rack: Grinding and polishing may not be effective in such cases. New racks are not produced for all types of steering racks.
• Sectional damage to the gear rack: Replacement is necessary if knocking sounds are due to a damaged gear section.
• Natural wear and tear: A dull knocking sound during steering wheel rotation indicates peripheral wear on the rack housing, also known as "hydraulic impact."

Other reasons may prompt the owner to opt for steering rack replacement. In most cases, the car is urgently needed, and there's no time for steering rack repair.

If the owner decides on a steering rack replacement, there are several options.

New Original, Remanufactured , or Aftermarket Steering Rack?

The choice of a steering rack to replace the faulty unit depends primarily on the budget you are willing to allocate for this purpose.

• Original steering rack: This type needs little introduction. You receive exactly the same steering rack. While this is an excellent option, it is also the most expensive.
• Remanufactured steering rack: The best balance between quality and price. Remanufactured racks are original units refurbished by professionals using high-quality components.

The steering rack is disassembled into parts, and each component and part is checked for suitability for further use. Worn and damaged parts are replaced with new or regenerated ones if it is safe and possible to do so. For example, if surface corrosion appears on the rack bar, this part is ground and polished. In case of a serious defect, it is replaced with a new one.

Reassembly of the steering rack is carried out using already restored/new and cleaned parts. Consumable materials are also replaced - oil seals, rubber and teflon seals, bushings. The steering rack works reliably only when the device is protected from moisture and dirt, which is why rubber covers and mounting clamps are replaced.

The regenerated unit is tested on a diagnostic stand that simulates vehicle operation and evaluates its condition under operating conditions. Only after checking the device and obtaining a positive diagnosis is the steering rack packed in a box, along with a warranty and installation instructions.

• Aftermarket steering rack: A high-quality unit that precisely matches the dimensions and specifications of the original steering rack. However, it is produced by a different manufacturer. In most cases, this is the most affordable option.

The decision on which option to choose lies with the vehicle owner. However, all steering racks come with the same warranty.

The choice is yours!

The steering rack is not an infallible device, and sooner or later, you will face a malfunction. STS provides repair and replacement of steering racks throughout Poland.
If repair is not an option, you can always find a new, reconditioned, or aftermarket steering rack in our catalog.