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Why would I need to replace my car's rack and pinion?

I was having some work done on my car the other day, and when I went to pick it up, the mechanic offered me a discount if I wanted to also get my “rack and pinion” replaced. I don’t even know what that is, so I just said no. Why should you replace the rack and pinion of your car?

avatar
Patrick Price · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! The rack and pinion are part of your car’s steering system. They convert the movement of the steering into the appropriate corresponding movement in your wheels.
The reason why you would want to replace your rack and pinion—assuming that they’re damaged—is to prevent additional damages to other components of the car, restore full control to the driver while the car is operating, and avoid potentially dangerous consequences of driving without a functioning steering system.
If your rack and pinion are damaged, you’ve probably noticed your steering wheel vibrating and a strange sound when you turn or drive over uneven terrain. If these symptoms sound familiar, reconsider taking your mechanic up on that offer. Driving without a fully functioning steering system is not safe.
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