Volkswagen Vanagon Steering Rack/Gearbox Replacement at your home or office.

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Steering Rack/Gearbox Replacement Service

How much does a Steering Rack/Gearbox Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Volkswagen Vanagon Steering Rack/Gearbox Replacement is $880 with $628 for parts and $252 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1991 Volkswagen VanagonH4-2.1LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1598.72Shop/Dealer Price$1928.10 - $2900.04
1990 Volkswagen VanagonH4-2.1LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1580.70Shop/Dealer Price$1906.55 - $2875.84
Show example Volkswagen Vanagon 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.

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Meet some of our expert Volkswagen mechanics

Real customer reviews from Volkswagen owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(17)

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Chris

21 years of experience
448 reviews
Chris
21 years of experience
Volkswagen Vanagon H4-2.1L - Heater Control Valve - Portland, Oregon
Chris communicated with me and even got here early. He was very nice. Did the work faster than I thought. Will definately use again.

Raymond

37 years of experience
63 reviews
Raymond
37 years of experience
Volkswagen Vanagon H4-2.1L - Car is not starting - Auburn, Washington
Raymond did an excellent job in determining what was wrong with my van. As a classic car owner, I won't just let anyone touch "My Precious." You can really tell he does what he loves, and he appreciates every vehicle he works on. I wouldn't hesitate to hire Raymond again, what an excellent first time experience with this service!

Kenneth

21 years of experience
870 reviews
Kenneth
21 years of experience
Volkswagen Vanagon H4-1.9L - Smoke from engine or exhaust - Los Angeles, California
I am so impressed with the knowledge that Kenneth has and explained the problems with my 1983 VW Westfalia Camper in such a way that I learnt a lot about this Van's engine. He spent enough time to check, detect the problems and made suggestions how to fix the issues. I will surely call him back in a week for a re-check. He is courteous, professional and a good teacher.

Trey

23 years of experience
153 reviews
Trey
23 years of experience
Volkswagen Vanagon H4-2.1L - Car is not starting - Summerfield, North Carolina
Very dedicated and detail oriented. His experience is also remarkable.

Excellent Rating

(17)

Rating Summary
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Number of Volkswagen Vanagon services completed
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