Top 7 cars with problematic steering racks
The steering mechanism is an important automotive system, one of those that directly affects the safety of the driver, passengers and other road users. Electric power steering racks not only make it easier for the driver to control the vehicle, but they also make it possible to operate many useful functions of a modern car. Driving a car with a power steering malfunction is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous. At the first symptoms, urgent diagnostics and repair are required. But here, owners are often disappointed - the price is prohibitively high. We must say right away that this does not apply to STS.Parts customers - they can always buy refurbished units at the best price.
Although very often the manufacturer prescribes to change the steering rack and pinion assembly, there are no objective reasons for this. This is an ordinary car component that does not have any special unsuitability for repair. There are no sealed housings, no disposable fasteners and the like. These units are not so reliable as to be designed for the entire life of the car, and design errors and miscalculations often occur. Let's look at 7 car models with the most problematic steering racks.
1. Ford Focus III 11-18, Ford Connect 13-22 (FO414.NLF0.R)
The third-generation Ford Focus was equipped with two types of steering racks: with power steering (FO223R) and electric power steering. Problems are more likely to occur with the electric unit. Typical signs are: a yellow steering wheel on the dashboard, a tight steering wheel, and extraneous sounds (usually rustling) when turning. The most common cause is the failure of the screw bearing due to corrosion caused by damage to the anthers. It is solved by replacing it either as a complete assembly, or sometimes it is enough to change the balls in the bearing and eliminate traces of corrosion on all elements of the rail.
2. Audi A4 07-15, Audi A5 07-16 (AU404.NL00.R)
These cars were the first models of the brand to implement an electric power steering scheme. The most common problems with their steering racks are corrosion of the bearings in the housing, oxidation of the electric motor position sensor and the appearance of parasitic resistances in its contacts. This leads to malfunctions in the electronics, which can only be reset after repair by reinstalling the software. The cause of almost all malfunctions is moisture ingress, usually through cracks in the anthers of the steering rods.
3. Audi A7 10-18, Audi A6 11-18, Audi A8 10-18 (AU402.NL00.R)
Models of the same brand, but a class higher, and therefore with more powerful and voluminous engines. Because of this, there is less space under the hood, and the steering rack is shifted to the very bottom. The body of the power steering control unit is located next to the engine oil crankcase and is, in fact, the lowest point of the car. Any damage to it or a breach in the tightness of the gaskets almost automatically leads not only to moisture getting inside, but also to the failure of the electronics, in particular, the control boards.
4. BMW F30 12-19 (BW410.NLR0.R)
The Bavarian electric steering rack has replaced the «smart» hydraulic Servotronic. It was used on the 6th generation BMW 3-series (F30/31/34/35/80) and the 1st generation 4-series (F32/33/36). The most typical malfunction of this unit is the electric motor's «rejection» due to corrosion of its fasteners, aluminium alloy bolts. In addition, some owners of these cars note that the amount of lubricant provided by the manufacturer in the steering rack is too small.
5. BMW E90, X1 (BW407.NLR0.R)
Another problematic steering rack from the same brand, this time for all-wheel drive cars. The part was installed on BMW 1 series E81-88 04-11, 3rd E90-93 05-12, as well as BMW X1 E84 09-15. As with the previous racks, problems arise due to leaks (primarily due to damage to the steering shaft seal), as well as the electrical circuit of the unit.
6. VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda (VW412.NL00.R)
This electric steering rack was installed on the Golf V generation, and in addition to a large number of related models: VW Caddy, EOS, Jetta, Passat B6 and Touran; Audi A3 and TT 06-14, Skoda Octavia A5 04-13 and Superb; Seat Altea, Leon and Toledo. At first glance, the location of the rack and pinion is much more successful here than in other cars: the unit is hidden not only under the engine protection, but also under the subframe. However, this causes dirt to accumulate around the control unit and the electric motor, which contributes to the penetration of moisture inside. However, problems can arise even in a completely dry steering rack: for example, a failure of the steering sensor.
7. Volkswagen Passat B6, Tiguan (VW413.NL00.R)
They are also installed on Audi Q3 11-18 and SEAT Alhambra 10-22. In addition to common problems such as depressurisation and corrosion, these steering racks have their own "signature" disease: acidification of the piston-bushings under the cap nuts at the junction with the steering shaft and electric motor drive. The solution to this problem is very simple - by replacing the bushings and filling with new grease. Sometimes, much less frequently, the power steering control unit needs to be repaired.
Of course, the car models we have listed are not the final list of vehicles where the steering rack needs to be repaired, but only those that have been most often visited by STS.Parts specialists. Many years of experience, professional equipment, knowledge of all the nuances and our own developments help us to restore any steering rack, both with electric and hydraulic power steering.
We always have a large selection of refurbished units available in case the customer's rack is not suitable for repair. STS.Parts provides a 6-month warranty for all of its work, used parts and assemblies, and of course, all remanufactured steering racks.
