Power Steering Rack Repair & Replacement in Longmont

Power steering is something that car owners take for granted nowadays, but if you notice that the wheel is slow to respond or whines when turned, don’t wait to get it checked out! As a certified NAPA AutoCare Center, Best Auto in Longmont can handle any power steering rack repair or replacement with ease. External steering system components are much likelier to wear out before internal components but the interior sometimes does require service and the most common rack problems are listed below.

Power Steering Rack Problems

• Seal Failure: There are many O-rings used to seal lines and valves inside the long tube of the steering rack. These seals have to withstand pressure exceeding 2000 psi when the hydraulic fluid runs through the spool valve to assist the piston on either side of the steering rack. These O-ring seals are prone to failing due to the extreme pressure.
• Damaged Hydraulic Lines: If the lines are cracked or have weak spots, a leak is highly probable.
• Pump Failure: When the power steering pump fails, metal shavings usually get released through the lines causing further damage.
• Misaligned Mesh Setting: Where the pinion gear rides on the rack is a mesh setting that can get out of alignment and result in hard or loose steering.
• Stripped Threading: In units where the steering shafts extend out the end, the rack is at risk of being damaged here or having the threads strip over time.

When a new power steering rack is installed, new power steering fluid needs to be purged to remove air pockets in the system and the fluid level should be rechecked in a few days in case additional bubbles were released during driving. NAPA also recommends installing a magnetic inline filter at the time of a new rack purchase to protect all components from future debris damage. It is also critical that a vehicle’s alignment is checked after any work is done on its power steering system since permanent tire damage can occur within 100 miles while driving with a misaligned suspension.

Replacing a rack takes on average 4-6 hours and while not physically difficult, cleanliness is paramount to guarantee the repair lasts. The experienced and ASE-certified mechanics at Best Auto in Longmont can quickly diagnose and repair or replace your vehicle’s power steering rack if needed.