The cost of steering rack repair can be very affordable or be extremely expensive, depending on a few key factors. It’s wise to have an idea of the cost of repair before handing your car over to a garage.
Typical UK Price Ranges
Manual steering racks can cost anywhere from £200 to £500 to repair, depending on the quality of parts and the amount of labour required. You can expect to pay around £80 to £250 for a reconditioned steering rack, while brand new steering racks can cost anywhere from £250 to £400 for a quality OEM part. Labour will typically add an additional £100 to £200 on top of the parts cost, depending on the make and model of your car and the rate that the garage charges.
How Your Car Affects the Cost
The make and model of your car also has a lot to do with the price of a manual steering rack. Cars like Ford and Vauxhall’s have steering racks that are very common on the market and are relatively cheap to purchase and to have repaired, whilst other models of cars can be older imports, or they can be made by companies that produce smaller quantities of cars, which can mean that there are less steering racks available on the market. This means that not only will you be charged more for the part itself, but also the time that the mechanic takes to source the part for you will also be added onto the cost of the repair. It’s also a good idea to check whether the steering rack that has been purchased for you is new, is a reconditioned part, or whether it’s been used before. The prices for these types of parts can vary greatly, so it’s a good idea to check before you allow them to go ahead with the repair.
Rebuild Versus Full Replacement
A steering rack rebuild involves replacing the seals, bushes and tie rod ends on the rack. If your rack is generally sound, then a rebuild can cost between £150-£250 and is generally more cost effective than replacing a whole rack. However, if the rack body is damaged or heavily corroded then a rebuild is rarely cost effective in the long run. See also Manual steering rack..
Extra Items That Get Added On
You can also find that worn tie rod ends, the steering boots or even the car’s tracking will need resetting whilst the steering rack is removed. However these are items that can be replaced whilst the rack is in for repair and are essential for the life of the new rack. However these items should be itemised on the garage’s estimate.
Sense-Checking a Quote
Make sure you get quotes in writing and ask for the parts to be explained line by line. A reputable garage will be happy to explain. Also sense check any additional work that appears mid-job and ask for the old parts to be returned to you for evidence of the required work. A little preparation before booking the work can save you a lot of money in the long run.
A little prep work before booking the job will save a lot of money for what is essentially a straightforward repair.
How regular servicing keeps repair bills down
Many expensive steering and suspension repairs start as small faults that nobody noticed. A regular service, usually every six or twelve months depending on your mileage, is the best way to catch them early. The mechanic checks components such as spark plugs, belts and oil quality to see whether anything is worn or needs replacing.
Finding a simple problem during a routine service is far cheaper than waiting until it causes a breakdown and a large bill. Regular servicing also helps a car last longer.
Safety is the other big reason. A mechanic who knows your make and model will understand exactly what to look for to keep the car running properly, including parts that affect how it steers and brakes. A service shortly before the annual MOT is also useful, because it highlights any issues that might otherwise cause the car to fail, giving you time to get quotes and arrange repairs.
