The Toyota RAV4 is one of the world’s best-selling SUVs, and it’s easy to see why. With its distinct sense of style and impressive performance, safety credentials as well as affordable price point, it is an excellent choice for a fuel-efficient, family-friendly vehicle.
However, as would be the case with any vehicle, as a Toyota RAV4 owner, you will experience some problems as time goes by and the car undergoes natural wear and tear. An issue driver doesn’t fully understand but that can potentially cause a great deal of damage to the vehicle, not to mention the inconvenience for the owner, is power steering failure.
But fear not, whether you drive a Toyota RAV4, a similar SUV or really any standard car, in this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about power steering rack failure. From teaching you to spot the signs of a failing power steering rack to providing you with some handy tips on how you can repair a broken power steering rack, we’ll help you get to grips with this issue.
What Is a Power Steering Rack?
First things first, if you aren’t quite sure what a power steering rack is, don’t worry. You aren’t alone. You’ll find that most people don’t concern themselves about the individual parts of their car until trouble strikes.
A power steering rack is a rack or pinion gear that transmits the steering wheel rotation inside the vehicle to the tyre movement outside the car. Most modern vehicles, like the Toyota RAV4, have either a hydraulic pump or an electric motor for assistance.
What Are the Signs that My Power Steering Rack Is Failing?
The steering rack is the heart of your vehicle’s steering system. When your Toyota RAV4 power steering rack wears out or completely breaks, the ability to steer your car at its optimal capacity is compromised. Regardless of the vehicle you drive, if this happens while you’re driving, it can be especially hazardous. It’s for these reasons (and many more) that being alert to the warning signs of a failing steering rack can save you money and time and reduce the potential of a crash. Here are the key signs worth keeping an eye out for.
You Struggle to Turn the Steering Wheel
The power steering systems present on most vehicles today use hydraulic pressure to allow the driver to steer more efficiently and handle the wheel faster. If you find that the steering wheel is tough to turn, it is often because the power steering rack or gearbox is experiencing a build-up of heat or loss of hydraulic pressure from the vehicle’s power steering unit. Regardless of which problem is occurring, it won’t be an issue that will resolve itself and should be addressed as soon as possible by a professional mechanic. You may learn that a solution is as simple as making a minor adjustment. Similarly, adding some more steering fluid may alleviate the problem and extend the longevity of your steering wheel unit.
Your Steering Wheel Doesn’t Return to Its Original Position.
When you drive a vehicle with power steering, you’ll become accustomed to having the steering wheel return to its original 12 o’clock position. If it doesn’t do so automatically without any assistance, you’ve got an issue on your hands. Of course, the severity of the problem can vary. For instance, in some cases, the steering wheel will not return at all, and in other situations, it may only return to a 9 or 3 o’clock position. Often the steering will return in a jagged and uneven manner that doesn’t feel as smooth as usual. The problem could be caused by a blockage in the power steering system or some sort of misalignment issue.
Your See Steering Fluid Is Leaking
As the steering system on most vehicles is powered by a hydraulic pump, your steering fluid won’t decrease unless there is a leak somewhere in the unit. Power steering fluid leaks can be a result of many things, including a loose or broken gasket or other mechanical problems. These should be addressed promptly. If they aren’t, then it can cause the power steering rack or gearbox to overheat, which in turn can break the gears or other motor vehicle components, which can cause a crash in the worst-case scenario. An obvious indication that the steering fluid is leaking is the smell of burning oil or a red-pink fluid leaking from the back of your motor.
You Hear Loud Noises While Steering
Another sign that the steering rack is malfunctioning is a loud grinding sound that happens when you manoeuvre the vehicle to the left or right. This sound is an indication that the steering rack lacks proper lubrication. The friction caused by the contact of metal on metal is what causes the noise. You may notice that the sound is more intense when you turn or hit a bump in the road.
You Feel the Steering Wheel Vibrating
If you feel a vibration through the steering wheel while driving, this is also a sign that you might be dealing with a worn steering rack. It is likely this vibration will become more noticeable on uneven terrain, but it will also be present when driving at a steady speed on a regular road. Take note of the severity of the shake as well as any accompanying noises.
What Can I Do to Fix a Failing Power Steering Rack?
If you’ve noticed any of the issues while driving your Toyota RAV4 or SUV, you should investigate the problem without delay. It is always best to get the advice of a professional mechanic who is adept at dealing with such issues daily. Whether you decide to consult a mechanic or do the job yourself, here are a few points worth bearing in mind when replacing a power steering wheel rack:
Top Tips for Replacing a Power Steering Wheel Rack
- Start by lifting the car using a jack. You’ll need to get under the vehicle to access your Toyota RAV4’s power steering rack, so do ensure the car is secured, the wheels are straight, and the steering wheel is locked.
- Next up, remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles using a wrench.
- Once all the attachments and bolts are loosened, you’ll need to locate the power steering lines, which are usually connected to the power steering rack with brake line wrenches.
- Remove the bolts of the steering rack and take them off the column.
- To install a replacement power steering rack, you’ll need to start by ensuring it is correctly centred before reassembling all the other parts.
- Be sure that all the bolts are properly secured, and everything is correct before testing the installation of your new steering rack.
- To test your new power steering rack, unlock the steering wheel while the vehicle is still being lifted by the jack and turn the wheels from side to side. This will indicate whether the rack is installed correctly. This process will also help remove any excess air from the car’s power steering system.
The Final Word
Your car’s power steering rack is the component that allows you to steer and change direction with ease. A failing power steering rack will compromise the driver’s steering control which can be incredibly dangerous for you, your passengers and other road users. In the worst-case scenario, loss of steering control can lead to a fatal accident. Essentially, being aware of the signs of power steering rack failure can be the difference between life and death.
If you aren’t sure whether you are experiencing steering rack issues or need a replacement Toyota RAV4 power steering rack, you can find online shops with teams that are auto-enthusiasts, and they will be happy to offer you their insights and help you find the most suitable power steering rack replacement for your vehicle.
As auto-enthusiasts who spend time researching the best automotive solutions to scale products to meet the unique requirements of their clientele, they will help you find solutions that are best for your vehicle and get you back on the road safely.
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