Rack and Pinion Replacement
What is a rack and pinion?
The rack and pinion steering gear is a newer and lighter steering gear, and may be hydraulically assisted, electrically assisted or unassisted. When the steering wheel is turned, the steering gear pushes or pulls the wheels in the requested direction.
How does rack-and-pinion work?
The steering rack is located between the front wheels, and attaches them to the steering wheel. The inner and outer tie rod ends link the ends of the steering rack to the steering knuckles, which is what the car's wheels attach to. When the steering wheel is turned, the steering rack forces all of these components out on one side, and pulls them in on the other side.
A failing steering rack may clunk when turning or when going over bumps.
Turning easily in one direction, but with difficulty in the other, is an indication of a problem with the steering rack.