Ford Thunderbird 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 Ford Thunderbird Steering Rack/Gearbox Replacement is $400 with $190 for parts and $210 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2004 Ford ThunderbirdV8-3.9LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$923.62Shop/Dealer Price$1101.80 - $1624.19
1991 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1099.22Shop/Dealer Price$1238.84 - $1641.60
1990 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8L TurboService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$2036.86Shop/Dealer Price$2410.99 - $3517.05
2005 Ford ThunderbirdV8-3.9LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$910.11Shop/Dealer Price$1085.67 - $1606.10
2002 Ford ThunderbirdV8-3.9LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$937.91Shop/Dealer Price$1122.63 - $1665.57
1992 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1099.22Shop/Dealer Price$1239.48 - $1642.72
1991 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8L TurboService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$2036.86Shop/Dealer Price$2411.04 - $3517.15
2003 Ford ThunderbirdV8-3.9LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$937.91Shop/Dealer Price$1120.42 - $1661.70
Show example Ford Thunderbird 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 Ford mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ford owners like you.

Excellent Rating

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Rating Summary
126
3
2
0
3
126
3
2
0
3

Adam

16 years of experience
142 reviews
Adam
16 years of experience
Thunderbird 2002 - Power Steering Pump - Boca Raton, FL
Adams professionalism, mechanical and diagnostic knowledge are additionally part of the toolkit he possesses, his customer service skills and honesty were an apparent part of his DNA. Will definitely use him again.

Adam

16 years of experience
142 reviews
Adam
16 years of experience
Thunderbird 2002 - Tire Rotation - Boca Raton, FL
Very knowledgeable

Josh

14 years of experience
69 reviews
Josh
14 years of experience
Thunderbird 2004 - Oil Change - Naples, FL
Josh was on time, stayed until he completed the job, very knowledgable. He pointed out that the also need a oil change, came back and completed that job. Very nice young man.

Kevin

20 years of experience
478 reviews
Kevin
20 years of experience
Thunderbird 2003 - Car won't exceed a low speed or shift up - Lawrenceville, GA
Very professional and friendly service. I highly recommend him.

Excellent Rating

(134)

Rating Summary
126
3
2
0
3
126
3
2
0
3
Number of Ford Thunderbird services completed
1474+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1800+
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