Hey guys,

Several months ago my power steering pump was defective so it was replaced under warranty. With that said it took 4 weeks to get the pump in and I was told it was ok to drive the truck without power steering, so I did. Now that warranty is over (6k miles later), I've just been told that my power steering rack is toast and needs to be replaced even though I've been reporting weird noises coming from the steering as a result of driving it without power steering.

My question is, did driving the truck without power steering cause the power steering rack to crap out on me or are they unrelated?

Thanks - Rob

 

You are going to probably have to be more specific about what toast means in your case, but most likely it would be unrelated.

There is a fairly common steering rack problem and there are aftermarket products that correct those. Example below.

Steering Rack Reinforcement Kit - OUTFITTER DESIGN

 

Dealership called to tell me that the the power steering track needed to be replaced for $1125. I'll get more details. Thanks.

 

I would explain to the dealer that they had you drive without a power steering pump for 4 weeks and that put undue stress on the steering rack resulting in the failure. It should be covered under the previous warranty work.

if not, find a different dealer/mechanic to put a new remanufactured unit in place. That price is outrageous! They are $199 to $399 without the core charge
2006 HUMMER H3 3.5L L5 Steering : Rack and Pinion Complete Unit Auto Parts
They are not very hard to replace yourself if you have the tools and the time. If you are going to replace it might as well get an upgraded bracket like the O.D. unit mentioned above.

 

Noise is from the mount bushings or steering shaft.
The only reason to replace the rack if it's leaking or the gears are worn.

 

Rack is definitely starting to leak so I'll have to get that taken care of. Dealer tells me to go with an OEM steering rack of course otherwise it likely won't last. Is remanufactured or 3rd party as good ? Thanks.