6 Symptoms of a Bad Rack and Pinion | Steering Rack Failure

[@SohailMahboob-US]

No bullsh*t, no stupid music, straight to the point tutorial. Just heard in simple words what was going on in my car. Thanks

[@AmeriFanPicker]

Right? So tired of all these clowns with long intros and shit

[@luisvalencia73]

It's been a year now and no one sees the problem no one knows what it is and it's a headache but watching this video is exactly what's happening to my car thanks for the video

[@dareldiaz5766]

Same here bro ..I took my truck 9 mechanics and everybody keep telling me to this part that part and I change all my suspension but my issue is here now I got it

[@JudyGoodwin-l9b]

I think most shops just bullshit customers. They don't want to do the work. They want 'gravy' jobs. Easy fast money making jobs. They are not honest so they throw on different parts, charge you then send you down the road in a dangerous piece of 💩

[@JudyGoodwin-l9b]

Rack and pinion failure can be fatal

[@tmcunlimited]

A failed rack and pinion can be fatal if it completely fails ! Thanks for the concise explanation 👏🏽

[@Ukraine2011]

Yeah. I think I just had one with a failure. Going down the road approaching highway speed and suddenly it was fish trailing like crazy. Kind of scared the hell out of me. But a good thing is that I managed to not overly panic when it happened and was able to get to the side of the road

[@tmcunlimited]

I’m happy to hear you were ok ! Had a failed rack. . SUV. Spun 180*. And was destroyed . Lucky I survived it . People you need a competent mech for this job . As mechanic I used made fatal errors .

[@shanebelty9686]

Iu r NM 7i0​@@Ukraine2011

[@PlatinumIrishrose]

Thank God you are all right! 😮​@@tmcunlimited

[@lisardfn]

Thank You for such great information! I very recently drove through a salt water flood unexpectedly on the MS Coast in my 06 Malibu LS. Today I am wobbling and knocking And a lot of play in the wheel when going forward at 40 so I am troubleshooting. Salt water AND sand for nearly a mile in a tsunami, anything could happen. Thank You again!

[@thomasgarrity2226]

I wish I had discovered this genius' vids sooner. EXCELLENT JOB! It was informative and direct, with no filler and a shallow learning curve.

[@Naturaldemigod]

This helped immensely, my truck has a little over 180,000 miles on it and the rack/pinion has finally started making creaky noises and the same common issues you’ve stated.

[@SpacedQuill]

When you say creaking does it almost squeak when you turn?

[@carmendesloge6061]

This was absolutely the best and most concise video I have watched on this so far! Thank you!

[@SaabAholic]

My wandering 2005 Sequoia is getting a new steering rack in a couple of days. Excessive play and clunking in rack and pinion. You nailed it!

[@greatestcity19]

Did it have a problem like going to one side during acceleration?

[@SaabAholic]

It was not that bad but it liked to wander a little bit. If that makes sense…..

[@greatestcity19]

@@SaabAholic mine moves but iys consistent and predictable. Im thinking (praying) tie rod. It moves predictably for what feels like the distance of some bushing somewhere. About to check inner tie rod gonna see if it holds itself up or not

[@vin.1839]

ahh thank you for educating me about this! I drive a '99 Toyota Corolla and I am getting my rack and pinion fixed now! Luckily, I went in just for a safely inspection although my car passed, a mechanic saw this as a safety concern. So I brought it in today to get it fixed. Better safe than sorry!

[@blackgold2029]

I was told yesterday by a mechanic shop that my rack and pinion needed replaced, but then he tells me that if I didn't want to pay the $1300 to get it fixed to just make sure that I keep the transmission fluid filled and I would be ok. It was the front desk person that told me this. So I decided to google it first to see if this issue could be dangerous and sure enough it is. So I called them this morning and told them to go ahead and replace it. Its drives wonderfully now, they were done by the afternoon. I just hope he isn't telling others this lie and they end up in a bad accident thinking all they have to do is top off the power steering fluid. If he didn't know for sure, he should have went and asked the technician who discovered my problem. 10/17/2024

[@AcerArtsOfficial]

This is the kinda information that can possibly save people soo much money

[@JeremyStaszak]

I'm learning a lot about cars right now because my dad is getting old and he has drag cars and I'm pretty sure I need to replace this. The first 30 seconds summed it up for me. And then also you mentioned it wanting to go left and right and it does that. Had a small amount of pink fluid below the rack and pinion. So I'm starting to think this is really the issue. Cause all the tie rods and bearings feel and look good.

[@unebonnevie]

Thank you! Good to know of the possible leak locations of a rack pinion. The *LEFT* side of the diagram is the *PASSENGER* side, btw.

[@PlatinumIrishrose]

I'm certain he knows since he pointed out the location of the steering wheel in the drawing.😂

[@Money-ui8xt]

Best video on this issue out there .

[@charminbaer2323]

Recently had my Honda Pilot aligned, then went on a trip and it started randomly pulling left and right. I have replaced lower control arms, tie rods before the alignment. Looks like I might have a bad rack and pinion. Thanks for the video.

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

You're welcome

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

You're welcome

[@DMacversion1]

Hey any update on your car repair? I’ve been having the same issue for a while. I’ve replaced my tie rods, struts/shocks, control arms & all 4 tires. Unfortunately all the shops I’ve visited act like they don’t see anything wrong

[@charminbaer2323]

@ yes, one of the bolts to the lower control arm got loose somehow. After giving it a good tightening, all is good again.

[@hotrealty6911]

Thank you for the description and possible issues and recomendations.

[@jdotjohndoe7110]

I have a 2009 impala ls , this is what my car is does but it’s an On & off thing . Thanks for this video 💯

[@NYFan77]

I have a 2009 Honda CRV with about 152k. New tires, new struts but noise when turning particularly to the right. Had the tie rods and CV joints checked but 2 mechanics told me no leakage and no play. One of the mechanics told me the car is safe drive it anyway lol. The other one told me he suspects the rack and pinion. I personally smell something too and you mentioned something about burning. If I drive in a straight line on the highway all is fine. This happens mostly at low speeds while turning. Very noticeable in parking lots. Seems to be a difficult problem to diagnose. Bringing the car in this week again to get work done.

[@RLAE420]

When turning does the cat loose power? And when driving straight is fine

[@curtisr868]

​@@RLAE420 is there a direct co relation to turning and the car loosing power or stalling?

[@RLAE420]

Losing power not stalling

[@PlatinumIrishrose]

Find a better mechanic. We want you to live past 90. 😅

[@NYFan77]

@@PlatinumIrishrose I had the rack and pinion done. It was good for a while then I heard noise again. Mechanic told me it was the strut. I just had the struts done so I warrantied the Monroes I bought from Walmart. Was good for a little bit and guess what noise came back on the other side. Could still be the upper strut mount cause I get a pop and creak noise turning hard while parking in a lot. You won't hear this during most normal driving. But wtf already. Now I'm debating to fix it again or just sell the car cause I got 170k now 10 months later and I'm trying to convince my wife to have a 3rd kid anyway so took her shopping for 3 row cars on our spring break last week (we are teachers) lol. She loves the car though and drives it 20k a year to work.

[@saint_keeblerElf]

Ive been trying to pinpoint a vibration in my steering wheel and shaking when traveling at high speeds and have to slow down. A shop told me it was my wheel balance so i got new tires w/ alignment and balance but still have it. Then i thought possible driveshaft or even cv axle. But this makes sense since i do see some grease stains around the boots of the steering gear and i do have 160,000 miles now.

[@JudyGoodwin-l9b]

Bingo! I have the same issue and have yet to find a shop willing to do the work in my area. High population means they can pick and choose customers and send me down the road. In a dangerous piece of 💩

[@theytoobpromotescommies]

Warped rotors can cause vibration in the steering wheel, brake pedal, whole car to shake. Not saying it isn't a bad rack.

[@Axe6Golf]

I have a 2015 honda pilot. Been chasing the same symptoms as you. I’ve replaced wheel hub bearings, cv axles, lower control arms, inner and outer tie rods. Shake is still there. Last part is the rack and pinion. Did your shake go away with a new rack pinion?

[@francisco1495]

Thank you for that explanatin, I suspect this is what will be needed for my altima 2008, as it had all symptons you mentioned.

[@cognac8297]

wow man you just solved my 1999 zr2 4x4 pickup issue it zig zag going down the road. and you are the only one that said left to righ right to left and my eyes lifted back up. ive been typing zr2 zig zagz going dwn highway . and it also messes with 4x4 chain inside the front transfer case when turning.

[@christheflex3184]

yes sir, he is right. My Charger 2012 steer's like a truck, so its in for a rack job !!!!

[@jeffk3776]

Simple and to the point. Just what I needed. Thank you!!!

[@slenaloftin4437]

Thank you you just saved me a whole lot because I recently am going through the same thing and it does sound like exactly what you said and described and it is leaking and my boot is cracked and there’s fluid coming out of it not a lot but enough and it does have play in the steering wheel thank you so much I’m glad I ran across this video

[@mikeericaful]

I thought my CV joint was going bad. Getting a tick tick tick while driving. It doesn’t get worse while turning. Brought it to Hibdons tires. They say it’s the Rack and pinion and that I’ve got a lot of play in the steering wheel. While driving, I don’t feel like I’m all over the road though. It’s not pulling or anything. Going to take it to the dealership for a professional diagnostic and go from there. Also, after watching this video (thank you), later today, I’m going to go check my power steering fluid level. I have zero leaks on the ground…

[@fairydust-ky4oc]

What was the problem in the end?

[@chasemoneyy]

What was the issue?

[@tyronewalker5764]

Changed my 2 weeks ago, leaking (pissing) power steering at the boot!

[@alerumba]

Thank you so much for this video! You said it all I need to know !

[@atoiler1389]

Grinding or clunking when attempting to steer can also be caused by numerous other issues. One item often overlooked (because the area is hidden inside a boot or bellows) are the inner tie rod joints. Additionally, when these joints loose their grease, you won’t be able to see it because the lost grease gathers on the inside of the boot or bellows. If you are having the rack and pinion changed out, for the nominal additional cost, you may as well have new inner tie rods installed.

[@randyseaver8319]

Damn! Someone that can draw a diagram! Helps so much! Appreciate that great information! Been through half of what you're saying and am fixing to put a new power steering pump on! 🤦 More money,more money! ,🤣🤣🤣

[@diegosantos8324]

Had all these problems for the last month expect any leaks guessing I just shot out those gears Out After replacing the pump knew something else was starting to go bad

[@respant6367]

Amazingly helpful and educational! Thanks a ton Top 5 :)

[@PaulJacksonOttawa]

Great video Sir Very very helpful

[@WHY-hw9li]

Thanks for this information, very helpful without all of the other stuff 🙌🏽🙏🏽💜

[@steelcitycaprice.899]

VERY useful information 👍🏾

[@ovosound8478]

Replaced the power steering pump, and found no leaks still hard to steer. Hopefully changing the rack and pinion does the trick

[@genarogarcia6412]

Did that fix it ?

[@rickyricardo8099]

Might be a pressure line

[@Bigfadotheg]

@@rickyricardo8099what’s that

[@thomasshelby1922]

Thanks for your Pionion

[@sp1068]

My 2013 Durango is wandering, especially when there's bumps in the road. Has to be rack and pinion. Have replaced everything else including the struts. 120k.

[@hustleupboys4801]

Great video

[@elmaschingon8237]

Thanks for the video!!

[@dapdaddy17]

Started seeing the leak and smelling it. Have to replace the power steering pump and rack and pinion...Smdh, and don't forget the grinding sound that comes with it.

[@mossnation7245]

Don’t forget now that they are electronic on most cars the no start via a bad tack and pinion. I just went through it via my 2018 chevy Impala that was in an accident. The replacement that was out in was bad and all of a sudden my car wouldn’t start. It said stability/power steering service. I guess as a safety features doesn’t let you drive the car.

[@AntonioAcosta-k9f]

Definitely helped me my 300k Honda Accord is making noise when turning steering wheel either way is rack and pinion $1200 to fix 😢

[@nisarwebb8189]

Thanks I just got under there and it's the rack leaking from the top. 2yr old truck with a Lil over 40 thousand miles smh....

[@olgachanachowicz2861]

Hi, I have a Honda Civic 2009. It has ELECTRIC motor in rack and pinion. How do you diagnose that the problem is caused by the faulty motor. Just looking? Just driving? Do you have any instruments/tools that will make that diagnose???

[@richarddiaz8248]

Thanks you 🎉

[@gbenz6494]

I replaced the upper and lower control arms (with ball joints), hub and bearings, sway bar links, rack and pinion (new by Maval) with new tie rod ends, and I still can't figure out why my steering wheel, after turning to either extreme, all the way clockwise or all the way counter clockwise, the steering wheel does not return to center (12:00 o'clock). I noticed this most of the time when pulling out of parking lots (very sharp clockwise or counter clockwise turns all the way). Once you get on to the road, after a sharp right or left, the steering wheel loses its center position and remains off center (off center to the left 11:00 o'clock or 1:00 o'clock). Vehicle continues to drive straight but the steering wheel will rest off center until I turn the steering wheel again to the other extreme. So again, when turning the the steering wheel to either extreme, clockwise or counter clockwise, the steering wheel comes back and will rest either at 11:00 o'clock or 1:00 o'clock. If turning the steering wheel all the way counter clockwise, the steering wheel comes back while driving and will rest at 1:00pm. If turning the steering wheel all the way clockwise while driving, the steering wheel will then come back and rest at 11:00 o'clock. I already replaced the rack and pinion twice and I keep getting the same thing. I cant figure out why this is happening. Could it be that rack and pinions by Maval are inferior? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[@johnh7058]

The installation of your rack and pinion could be the trouble but you also had a remanufactured part installed. Hope you did not have to pay for both repairs to the steering, this is an expensive repair job.

[@lajeanapeoples5294]

Thank for explaining

[@glennramsey917]

03 dodge durango2wd .. never been wrecked not rusted out .. changed hub bearings brake caliper isnt aticking .. had it aligned .. myself a 35year mechanic and tge alignment shop are both baffled as to why it pulls to the right so hard .. could it be the rack&pinion ? It has 150,000 miles on it

[@eliasgarcia2305]

great video thanks. is it possible that the rack and pinion is bad, even if is not leaking fluid? my car has had the rack and pinion replaced before, i bought it used and I saw it on the carfax. There is some steering play and I suspect that the replacement part must be failing.

[@Ukraine2011]

I think I just had the rack and pinion go today. Was driving at highway speed when the car suddenly began fish trailing. Almost felt like at one point it was going to tork and twist to the point of flipping

[@arnobashtar6707]

What about for an electronic rack and pinion assembly?

[@oswaldpino1038]

Very helpful information

[@joshephand5538]

Thanks good information

[@khoayeuha]

Vsc trac off light returned after zero point calibration. Rack replaced. Steering feels strong.

[@JackLeMetis]

Thanks, I needed more opinions, im about to get parts to repair my 14 Ford Focus, I was unsure if I needed the whole rack or just the power steering pump.. for the small premium I will do the extra parts, 350 000 km's and hopefully counting

[@Nirvana_key_lab]

Hello What fixed it?

[@VitorBart]

Appreciate the video! I'm struggling to diagnose the steering rack from my 98 AEB Passat. No oil leaks, no problems to turn the steering wheel, no vibration. Thing is that after around 15 minutes of driving a LOT OF NOISE comes out of nowhere and it feels like something from the front right wheel will fall. Even when the problem shows up I have no problems at all to steer and the clunks prevail no matter if I'm driving on a straight ride or taking a turn to the left/right. Any ideas about this? Thanks!

[@LeoRexAnimalium]

great content! very helpful

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Awesome explanation! I'm going to have the rack and pinion replaced, so I also may as well include the sway bar's and tie rod end's ? It's a 2006 Ford 500 with 165,000 miles. Thank you, John

[@guildensteinfoutch6232]

I would those parts are pretty cheap to add on and get it done while it’s all torn down anyway.

[@khoayeuha]

makes sense for alignment service. One time instead of waiting for other suspension parts to fail.

[@mr.iforgot3062]

I used old engine oil mixed with brake fluid 50 50 ratio and it didn't work as steering fluid. So I cut the hoses and drive with out power steering. It's really hard to steer now. I hammered the bolts back in and now something else broke.

[@mr.iforgot3062]

I've got some wrenches.

[@jacksonpierre3535]

You did what you supposed to do good job 👍

[@drewpeacock2762]

Please dont work on cars…

[@mr.iforgot3062]

Be careful hammering The steel ones just bend a bit. No biggie. I just fill it with extra oil. Valve covers I'm talking bout. That way, the engine runs better. Pot metal is used on carbs. They crack. Be careful hammering around them. Thanks Drew. You know.

[@homie-da-clown7520]

....also sugar mixed with a tiny bit of water will substitute for gasoline in a pinch. 😉

[@jongreen3712]

Thanks man I still need a tutorial but yea my issue completely

[@SassquatchTX]

Thank you for the knowledge my man

[@jeufuyang6261]

These problem sounds just like the tie rods. Guess gotta just pray it’s my tie rods and not my rack and pinion lol

[@septsixquatredeux]

Yes thanks

[@kegidz]

How likely is that that the faulty rack causes a complete loss in power steering? My wheel turns just fine.. but power steering is absolutely gone

[@myyoutubechannel3161]

Thanks you.

[@FamilyPlantingInspiration]

Thank you so much

[@skylark9388]

Great information. Thank you!

[@Dnasty1]

Great video. I believe my rack is bad because it is very hot, and when i removed the boots and shook the rack rod it had slight movement with a clicking noise. Also the car is very hard to turn. The last symptom I believe is also related but I am wondering how. My brakes seem to be moving and it is causing uneven wear.. either the rotor is moving or the pads are jumping because i've changed multiple times now and they the pads keep developing a lip as if they are hiting the rotor at an angle they shouldn't. Also squealing noises accompany this. Will a worn rack cause the braking components to move around?

[@startdone3405]

Very Well Put 👍

[@erich9779]

Thank you my asain friend in whom is not sneaky linegy

[@mikeadkins1736]

Seems similar to the pump going bad. How can I tell which one is bad?

[@timothyschmid3203]

I understand know thank you master mechanic

[@AmeriFanPicker]

So I really don’t have any of these symptoms at all. I can feel about an 8th to a quarter inch in and out at nine and three and I can kind of see it going in and out at the boot. But the inner tie rod when I grab it and push and tug and twist on it it’s totally solid, I hit bump steering wheel wheel jerks I hydroplane on puddles my tires aren’t great but they’re not that bad yet

[@martinmarin841]

Tenkius my friend

[@binaryglitch64]

I have a creaking sound in the r&p (not the power steering pump) no leaks, no slop, no other issues besides noise...?? Puzzled. I'mma replace it but I wanna tear into the old one and get an answer. Maybe if we're lucky, I'll remember to come back and update this. Might be a month or two before I get arroud to it.

[@josephsprinkle8783]

every get it? mine has the same creaking sound

[@binaryglitch64]

@@josephsprinkle8783 well my rack and pinion showed up... finding time to swap it out is another issue though.

[@gregoryhunt4427]

Thank you!

[@jamesbrassfield7679]

Thank you very much sir

[@joshuasmith9587]

What if you have EPS? My vehicle squeaks when turning to the right.

[@kevinduff2320]

Would you recommend changing rack & pinion before power steering pump? I don’t have any leaks but it’s difficult to make left turns. Thanks in advance

[@JesseMcCartney1010]

following for an answer 😅

[@moelo5930]

I don’t have a vibration or a leak, went to get an oil change was about to leave and when they had pulled the car they said the steering wheel felt it was pulling… earlier in the spring they had replaced inner tie rod and boot or belo. So to check they pulled off the boot/below and said I need a new rack in pinion. I’m so confused and annoyed they pulled it off after I had paid them to put on the boot/belo on in the spring. My question is was it necessary to undo the work to check, they said there was a little movement and dangerous.

[@theonlydemi-god7858]

I need help everytime i turn heavy and accelerate my car jerks alot until i go straight

[@jorgesolis2996]

Perfect video ❤

[@bossillygoose615]

What if the tech guy punctures the boot. Do they replace it

[@chiefstandingkibull8145]

My truck is having problems shifting. That is a Torque Converter? Now the steering is very unstable? So CT/& Rack & pinion?

[@naybrann]

2011 Pilot,,,,,steering jerks to one side while accelerating then jerks back when i let off the gas,,,,,,,changed both lower control arms sway bar bushings and links front end has been aligned tie rods and tie rod ends replaced also. Could it bee the rack and pinion?

[@pcaquebec]

Hello, I have leak at the boot and I replace the rack and pinion by a used one but it leak too a the same place. Bad chance with the used part or it can be the check valve or pump problem ?

[@BRED23]

I just changed my rack and pinion new fluid too full flush few new hoses I got an alignment drove home then to the store and as I was pulling I hear a loud like clunking/ metal on metal I quickly stop to inspect the under side. Everything looks fine no leaks or anything. I drive back to my house and the noise increases and becomes more frequent. It’s to the point now 12 hours after an alignment and about 1 hour of driving and it’s basically just metal on metal clunking noise and it feels like it’s vibrating. I remember while flushing the fluid I went to turn the whee and it would basically jerk while turning and clunk I thought it was just the fluid making it’s way inside and brushed it off. Might try a flush again even though my fluid is perfectly clear. Worst comes to worst do you recommend I get a new rack and pinion

[@Archfiend90210]

Check the control arms. Bolt may be loose.

[@terryhelton2290]

My wheel don't wanna turn at all I add power steering fluid to it and it pours out within minutes idk if it's the rack and pinion or the pump idk price wise wither 97 dodge dakota

[@pathavens9836]

We have a 2007 Buick Lucerne that clicks when we turn the wheel? No leaks, but you can feel the click in the rack and pinion box? Bad rack and pinion?

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

Most likely bad axle

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

I have a Lexus RX300 and can move the passenger side front tire from side to side a good 1/2” when it’s off the ground. The slack is not in the outer tie rod and there is movement in the rack boot so the slack is inside there. Is that serviceable or just replace the entire unit? The drivers side has about 1/4” of slack. I don’t feel the play in the steering wheel and the tires are not wearing oddly, just noticed this slack while inspecting other things underneath the car. Thanks!

[@Anderson-ei6xb]

Hey I have a 2011 g37x and I got it and the old owner told me that I had to change the rack and pinion but the car drives like normal I don’t feel any weird movement and i can keep the car in a straight and it doesn’t have no play but the only thing that I see if a very little leak of power steering fluid but it’s not a lot it’s a couple drops but only happens when I drive the car

[@kios1973]

haha funny how i have the same issue with a g37 except mine pulls to the left now, it wasnt as bad as it is now but i guess the more yu drive it the worse it gets, getting a new rack this month coz its getting scary to drive

[@6two_jr]

How do u tell for sure its the rack and pinion and not the pump

[@auditorgeneral6773]

If it vibrates n while driving its swerving can it be fixed or u have to replace a new one,i need your quick response

[@wordswordswords8203]

I just took my 2010 Subaru Forester into dealership and they told me my power steering rack had to be replaced because it was rusty and leaking. They said it would cost $1,400. Is that too high a price? Should I go elsewhere to have it looked at. that seems really high to me. Thanks!!!!!!

[@roman27og]

Do these symptoms apply to electric power steering racks? I have a 2013 Subaru Impreza and the right side control needs to be done but they said it’s not in terrible shape. But when I break my car aggressively cuts to the right. And if I move the steering wheel back forth while parked it feels like the whole moves funny. The power steering has shut off twice but once you restart the car it’s back on and the code is gone. Any ideas?

[@gavin777]

What if its leaking right at the end of the boot where you can see the inner tie rod coming out yk? It only happend when i turned my wheel while it was jacked up

[@grasshoppaMedia]

My 05 Lexus RX330 steering wheel vibrates and is harder to turn when first starting out but then goes away after warming up. Suggestions please?

[@Shaheed-u8y]

What Toyota rack/ pinion will fit a 2002 SC 430

[@roycebarefield2725]

What if you had more control of your steering before you change out your pump and reservoir? Now my steering is more impossible to steer than before. Before the replacement, I" had possible steering by pressing on the accelerator my steering became more easier, but made a whaning sound, plus a kind of electric burning smell. Was that the rack and pinion? Please help me, I'm a little confused.

[@jovo21]

I don't have any visible leaks however I am getting a very bad case of wandering, my steering wheel gets hard to turn sometimes and I can sometimes hear a clicking noise. Idk if it's the column or the rack itself

[@archangel_yt8116]

So i dont have vibrations in my steering wheel, but i do have excesive play. I know the outer tie rods are good, so how can i figure out if its the inner tie rods or the rack n pinion? I dont want to buy the tie rods if its the rack n pinion thats bad.