New or remanufactured steering gear from the factory

The first aspect to consider when facing steering rack problems is the high cost of a new unit. Seeking ways to save money, car owners may explore repair offers or purchase remanufactured steering racks. This raises the question: is it worth trusting such units?

In this article, we aim to assist in addressing the question of whether it's worthwhile to buy a reconditioned steering rack, comparing it with the purchase of a used unit or an aftermarket equivalent.

Purchase of a New Steering rack

Pros: Acquiring a new original steering rack will undoubtedly solve the problem for an extended period. Under proper operating conditions, a new unit can withstand over 50,000 km, with the first failure occurring well after the new car owner takes possession.

Cons: Purchasing a new unit is quite costly. In most power-assisted vehicles, the price of the mechanism exceeds $500, and in commercial vehicles, it can reach $1500.

Purchase of an Aftermarket Replacement of the Original Steering Rack

The cost of aftermarket replacements is 1.5 times lower than that of the original. There are over 20 companies producing replacements on the market, so the quality of each manufacturer may vary.

Keep in mind that car manufacturers do not produce steering racks; for example, on the steering mechanism in a BMW car, it might be labeled TRW or ZF. For this reason, we believe that a part from a brand like TRW or ZF will not be inferior to the original; you just need to determine the steering rack manufacturer for your car.

Purchase of a Used Steering Mechanism

Savings can be achieved when purchasing a used replacement part, and here the pros end and the cons begin:

The seller of used parts is unaware of the condition of the part being sold, and improper storage can lead to rusting, rubber seals and toothed rack bar stiffening, wearing out, and, as a result, hydraulic actuator losing tightness. Even if you get a warranty for a few days, it's not enough to check the steering system rack thoroughly.

Moreover, even if a good steering rack is chosen, it will have high mileage because new cars cannot be dismantled, meaning internal steering mechanisms may be worn.

Reconditioned or Refurbished Steering Rack

The steering rack is a component that can be refurbished by the manufacturer: original repair kits are available, some parts are also sold separately, and many globally recognized companies enrich their offerings with spare parts for steering racks.

Unlike used ones, reconditioned steering racks are completely disassembled, worn parts are replaced, and units are tested on special equipment. Repair costs are significantly lower than the cost of a new unit or replacement. Professional workshops offer a warranty for a minimum of 6 months, and the repair takes only one day. When choosing this option, it should be considered that mechanism repair is a narrow specialization, so your car should only be entrusted to experienced mechanics.