Steering Rack Assembly
The steering rack is mostly used on later model vehicles that use a coil over strut design suspension. Auto manufacturers started to use a steering rack as opposed to a steering gearbox to save space and weight. The steering rack is located on the car or trucks sub frame and is connected to the steering column and the tie rods. The first signs of a failing steering rack is typically leakage at the seals and at the steering rack boots.
If you see power steering fluid leaking from the seals or the boots, you will need to replace the steering rack, as you are soon to find a huge puddle of fluid on your garage floor. If you need to replace the steering rack, make sure you flush the power steering fluid, as the fluid may have metal shavings from the failed steering rack. Most cars today require a special power steering fluid. so before you change the rack, make sure you have the correct fluid in the system.
If you change the steering rack, and you have contaminated incorrect off the shelf fluid, you will quickly ruin the new steering rack seals. Older cars and large trucks use a steering box instead of a steering rack, this is because a steering box can handle much more severe loads, The steering rack should only be installed by a professional, however you can save yourself hundreds of dollars by purchasing a reman ZF, OE, or genuine steering rack from Drivewire and have your mechanic install it for you.
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