Faulty steering rack

baldrico1

Hi I had a new steering rack fitted 16mths ago and the car has covered 15000 miles since then. Had the car in garage today as constantly moving steering wheel slightly from side to side when driving. Turns out the rack needs replaced. Now I know its 12mth part warranty and the owner is awaiting to see if he can get a claim for this from manufacturer due to milage/16 mth lifespan of either all or part cost. I had a look to see if I had paid with credit card but it was debit card. Where can you find info on expected lifespan of rack? And can you claim anything from debit card company?
Is there any further advice anyone could help with?
Thanks
Steve

Nobbie1967

Are you sure it was a brand new steering rack? Most garages would fit an exchange reconditioned unit. If it was really a brand new unit, then you should have a good case for some recompense since unless caused by external damage or misuse, a steering rack should reasonably be expected to last longer than 16 months/15k miles.

AdrianC

What brand of rack was fitted?

Muscle750

Firstly what make model of car is it and secondly are you sure you havent got a worn track rod end? Simple way to check is jack car up grab wheel at 3 and 9 oclock and see if there is any play when gently trying to move wheel if there is then grab it at 6 and 12 oclock if youve still got play your wheel bearing is shot. Some racks are electric also poss faulty motor etc others have motor on steering column.

Ganga

A steering rack should last for all most the life of the car,how many people on here have had the steering rack changed on the cars they have owned ( if the wheels have been curbed hard/several times or car in accident then this is different )

arcon5

Steering rack failures aren't that rare. But it's usually the result of pump breakdown.

It does sound like track did end, or the track did. But then I suspect you've had a mechanic look at it so it's hard to argue it. May be worth a second opinion though

Joe_Horner

arcon5 wrote: »

It does sound like track did end, or the track did.

Or possibly didn't

baldrico1

Car is meriva 1.7 diesel. Rod ends and bottom ball joints were first things I checked before taking it in. Not sure what make was fitted or if it was a recon unit. Doesn't look like the garage are trying to get out of it but il know more next week.

facade

Maybe nothing to do with it, but

My Renault Nee-san was recalled 2 years ago to check the steering rack, because it turned out that the reason the supplier was so cheap was that they didn't actually fit any pinion bearings, which lets the pinion move around, increasing the free play until eventually the car crashes.
Possibly Vauxhall use the same bargain bucket supplier?