Mazda Protege Steering Rack/Gearbox Replacement at your home or office.

Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(189)

Included for free with this service

Online Booking

Mechanic comes to you

12-month / 12k-mile warranty

Free 50 point safety inspection

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Customer Ratings

(189)

Steering Rack/Gearbox Replacement Service

How much does a Steering Rack/Gearbox Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Mazda Protege Steering Rack/Gearbox Replacement is $790 with $398 for parts and $392 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1998 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.5LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$2688.44Shop/Dealer Price$3262.13 - $4960.52
1998 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1899.05Shop/Dealer Price$2276.76 - $3398.32
2002 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.6LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1306.93Shop/Dealer Price$1512.42 - $2114.27
2001 Mazda ProtegeL4-2.0LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1895.35Shop/Dealer Price$2247.94 - $3291.10
2003 Mazda ProtegeL4-2.0L TurboService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1895.35Shop/Dealer Price$2253.10 - $3300.13
1999 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.6LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1657.85Shop/Dealer Price$1951.56 - $2816.97
1994 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1986.65Shop/Dealer Price$2365.59 - $3488.07
1990 Mazda ProtegeL4-1.8LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$2045.04Shop/Dealer Price$2424.67 - $3547.68
Show example Mazda Protege Steering Rack/Gearbox Replacement prices

What is the Steering Rack/Gearbox all about?

A rack and pinion system uses several large components. This includes your main-shaft, universal joints, and an underlying intermediate shaft which immediately responds to all your steering wheel movements.

This rack and pinion system is designed to make your car’s steering easier to turn with the added help of a power assisted pump or motor. The typical car sold these days now weighs over 3000 pounds and larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs often weigh over 5000 pounds. The steering rack along with this power assist system are what allow you to easily move all that heavy mass between the steering wheel and your tires without so much as breaking a sweat.

Keep in mind:

The steering rack requires heavy and sometimes sophisticated equipment to operate properly. Many of the big and heavy parts that are underneath your vehicle, such as the shafts and universal joints, can gradually wear out over the course of time.

If you feel your steering is tight, chances are your rack is perfectly fine. It’s when your steering feels sloppy, or when you start seeing power steering fluid underneath your vehicle, that an inspection should be done. Also, keep in mind that damage to major suspension parts, such as your CV axles, ball joints, and tie rod ends, can make your steering feel loose and uneven.

This is why it’s a good idea to have your entire steering and suspension system inspected whenever you suspect that there is an issue with your steering.

How it's done:

  • The vehicle is raised and supported on jack stands
  • The tires are removed and tie rods and steering gear disconnected
  • The steering rack and gear box is replaced
  • The system is filled with new fluid, tires reinstalled
  • The vehicle is lowered off of the jack stands

Our recommendation:

If your steering starts to feel clunky or uneven, get it inspected at the earliest possible opportunity. Even a minor issue, such as a cracked seal in between major components, can leak power steering fluid onto your steering rack. This can lead lead to the deterioration or even the complete failure of your steering rack. It’s worth your time to contact one of our top-rated mechanics so that the quickest and most reasonable solution can be pursued for your steering system.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Steering Rack/Gearbox?

  • Sloppy or uneven steering that takes varying levels of effort.
  • Power steering fluid leaks that are usually at the rear of the engine bay or underneath your car.
  • A hard ‘clunk’ noise when you go over large bumps coupled with a feel of being disconnected to the steering wheel.

How important is this service?

Steering is one of those aspects of driving that you never want to shortchange. Often times, a small issue can be due to little more than a leaking power steering hose or a malfunctioning power steering pump. These both tend to be far less expensive repairs than a steering rack.

However, if your steering rack is in need of replacement the consequences of ignoring it can be dire. The worst accidents tend to happen due to the loss of control on a vehicle and your steering rack is the one component that enables your steering to remain precise. If your steering is giving you trouble, it’s important to address it promptly.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Mazda mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mazda owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(189)

Rating Summary
175
5
1
1
7
175
5
1
1
7

Raymond

37 years of experience
63 reviews
Raymond
37 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-1.5L - Starter - Kent, Washington
Very knowledgable and kind. Explained everything to me. And let me know what else I needed to do to keep my car in good shape.

David

11 years of experience
193 reviews
David
11 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-2.0L - Car does not shift from park to drive - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
He was on time. He explained to me what was happening. Also he also recommended other services that he notice as he was working on my car.

Ben

30 years of experience
59 reviews
Ben
30 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-2.0L - Engine or Transmission Mount Replacement - Dallas, Georgia
Ben is a veteran mechanic, and his years of experience really showed on my car. He completed the job diligently, doing the job right, getting my car running the way it should be. Very knowledgable and professional. Recommended to everyone.

Yoel

10 years of experience
212 reviews
Yoel
10 years of experience
Mazda Protege L4-1.5L - Battery is dead - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I have used this service in the past, and continue to be amazed by the excellent service. Additionally, I have recommended “Your Mechanic” to others. My mechanic, Yoel Leyba, was professional, courteous, and patient. He arrived on time, providing first class service. After diagnosing the problem, he fixed my vehicle, looked it over and suggested several maintenance repairs I should take care of in the future. There was never any attempt or pushiness to sell me on extra services. He even took the time to explain how some of the parts in my car work. I will definitely get the flush and oil change he recommended. This was a terrific experience. I wish all companies operated in this manner. Satisfied Customer, Kathryn M.

Excellent Rating

(189)

Rating Summary
175
5
1
1
7
175
5
1
1
7
Number of Mazda Protege services completed
2079+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mazda MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

P0400 OBD-II Trouble Code: Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Malfunction
P0400 code definition Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Malfunction What the P0400 code means P0400 is an OBD-II generic code that the engine...
P0198 OBD-II Trouble Code: Engine Oil Temperature (EOT) Sensor High
P0198 P0198 code definition Engine Oil Temperature (EOT) Sensor High What the P0198 code means This code indicates there is higher voltage than expected in one or all of the circuits involving the EOT system (low oil engine temperature). What...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Alternator Belt
A failing alternator belt can cause the Battery Light to turn on, dimming or flickering lights in the car, and engine stalls.

Does An Automatic Transmission Have a Clutch?

An automatic transmission does not use the same style clutch that a manual transmission uses. The automatic transmission (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-an-automatic-transmission-works) uses a torque converter attached to the engine and transmission to serve as a connection between the two components. The torque...

Car takes off without pressing gas pedal

Hi there. With the exception of the oil change light, all of these issues would require closer inspection in order to determine the exact cause. A high idle and movement without pressing the gas can be caused by many problems,...

Power antenna not working

The problem is most likely the motor for the power antenna. Motors wear out over time (28 years) and will eventually stop working. I would first check the fuse to see if it is blown, if so the antenna motor...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com