Most steering box failures involve the power steering segment. When the steering box wears out, you get lots of warning.
When it’s time to make the replacement, check out our
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. It has a step-by-step walkthrough for this job, which takes intermediate-level skills. The job should take between two and five hours.
This article will help you buy the best new steering gearbox for the job.
Different Kinds of Steering Gearbox
Play in the steering wheel is the most common sign of a worn-out gearbox. Addressing this issue sooner rather than later is critical for safety.
There are two types of steering boxes used for automobiles: rack-and-pinion and recirculating ball gearboxes. Most modern vehicles use rack-and-pinion steering. If you feel too much play with a rack-and-pinion, the steering shafts or tie rods are usually the culprit.
Recirculating ball gearboxes are different. These are found on most larger trucks and SUVs, as well as cars built before the 1990s. If there is anything more than 1/4-inch of play in the steering wheel, the steering box may need to be replaced or rebuilt.
What Kind of Steering Gearbox Do You Need?
This is the entire steering system removed from the vehicle.
The key to buying a replacement steering gearbox is to get the original version for your vehicle. Adapting a gearbox from another vehicle is not advised because the components might not fit together. The ratios will likely be wrong.
If you want a gearbox that turns faster (or slower), look into your vehicle’s option packages. Many vehicles have performance models that receive faster steering boxes, which are bolt-in upgrades. They change the steering feel.
Going from a 16:1 gearbox to 12.7:1 means fewer turns of the steering wheel to cover the same distance. High-ratio boxes reduce the steering effort, but this is negated with power assist.
Upgraded steering boxes are available for some cars. They change the ratio to better suit a desired use or reduce the number of steering wheel turns lock to lock. This is a common upgrade for older vehicles. Another upgrade is going from manual to power steering, which also requires changing the gearbox.
For muscle cars, trucks, and other classics, upgrading to a Borgeson-branded steering box is a good idea. Borgeson gearboxes are built to tight tolerances and fit a wide range of vehicles. In most cases, its gearboxes fit better than the factory box, even when adding power steering. Borgeson is the number-one manufacturer of aftermarket steering boxes and is highly recommended. Other top high-performance brands include Edelmann and Flaming River. Popular OEM brands include AC Delco, Bosch, Cardone, Delphi, Lares, Mopar, MotorCraft, and PSC.
How Much Does a Steering Gearbox Cost?
The recirculating balls travel in a double loop through the worm gear, which rides along the spiral-grooved ball nut rack gear.
For most vehicles, a remanufactured steering gear costs between $150 and $400. Aftermarket performance boxes typically range from $300 to $600. Aftermarket boxes are often new castings. Most stock replacement boxes are rebuilt using original castings.
Can you rebuild your steering gearbox?
Yes
.
For as little as $20, you can replace all of the seals in your gearbox. Many rebuild kits come with all the required gaskets, seals, and ball bearings.
If the gears are worn, you need a full rebuild, including gears. Expect to pay $350 to $600 for the parts. This may be the only option for some vehicles with hard-to-find parts. A complete gearbox rebuild requires special tools, such as a hydraulic press and an inch-pound torque wrench. The job can be completed in a few hours, not including removal and installation time.
Power Steering Concerns
This is the rag joint on a steering column shaft. Its purpose is to absorb shock and vibration in the steering system.
If your power steering system fails inside the steering box, replace the entire box. The power steering system is separate from the steering gear but is built into the same housing on most vehicles. Some vehicles built in the 1960s and 1970s used a separate power steering assist ram. It was an optional accessory and not integrated into the steering box. This is common on Fords and Chevrolet Corvettes of that era.
The linkages before and after the gearbox are just as important. They can fail completely, leaving you with an uncontrollable vehicle.
Along with the gearbox, you should consider replacing the consumable components in the rest of the steering system. This includes the tie rod ends (inner and outer), idler arm, and steering shaft joints, which are commonly called the rag joint. This ensures that the entire system is new, eliminating any play in the system.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.
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