Electric Steering Rack Reconditioning vs Replacement
Most Electric Steering Racks can be reconditioned and saved from expensive replacement. But when is reconditioning cost effective and when is it not worth it.
Cost and What Drives It
Reconditioning an Electric Power Steering Rack typically costs between £150 + VAT and £350 + VAT, whilst buying a new or remanufactured replacement rack can cost anywhere from £400 + VAT and over £800 + VAT before fitting. The price of a new rack covers the full manufacture or remanufacture of the item, whereas reconditioning an existing rack only covers the worn parts and the cost of the labour required to fit them. On most cars this option can save you a small fortune!
When the Unit Is Too Far Gone
In most cases the rack housing will be damaged in some way if the rack is too far gone to be reconditioned. This could be cracks in the housing, the internal motor seized or worst of all the rack has been run for a long period of time without any lubrication. In the vast majority of cases if 2 or more major components are required to be replaced then it is more cost effective to have a replacement rack fitted. However a visual inspection will usually reveal if the core is salvageable or not.
Coding and Calibration
Most electric power steering racks require re-flashing of the car’s ECU as well as re-calibration of the steering torque sensor after installation, whether it is a reconditioned or new rack. Check the quote for reconditioning or replacement of your steering rack for re-flashing and re-calibration of steering as well as any additional charge for this work as some garages will charge separately for this.
Warranty Differences
A reconditioned rack will normally come with a 12 month guarantee from the specialist that has done the work. A new remanufactured rack can come with 2 years guarantee or more. For an older vehicle that you only intend to keep for a year or two the 12 month guarantee on a reconditioned rack is normally sufficient.
Availability on Older Vehicles
New replacement racks for older cars (over 10 years old) are often no longer available, or take a long time to get hold of. This makes reconditioning of your original rack an attractive option, especially as your car is probably your daily vehicle.
Weigh up the age of your car, the condition of the core of the steering rack and whether coding is included in the price of the steering rack and the decision is usually obvious.