Kia Optima 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 Kia Optima Steering Rack/Gearbox Replacement is $651 with $441 for parts and $210 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2018 Kia OptimaL4-1.6L TurboService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1900.08Shop/Dealer Price$2322.38 - $3577.11
2008 Kia OptimaV6-2.7LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1501.15Shop/Dealer Price$1762.04 - $2531.12
2002 Kia OptimaV6-2.7LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1334.45Shop/Dealer Price$1560.68 - $2226.42
2007 Kia OptimaV6-2.7LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1501.15Shop/Dealer Price$1762.12 - $2531.25
2005 Kia OptimaV6-2.7LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1334.45Shop/Dealer Price$1565.25 - $2234.40
2008 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1501.15Shop/Dealer Price$1762.59 - $2532.07
2002 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1334.45Shop/Dealer Price$1560.73 - $2226.49
2007 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeSteering Rack/Gearbox ReplacementEstimate$1501.15Shop/Dealer Price$1762.12 - $2531.25
Show example Kia Optima 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 Kia mechanics

Real customer reviews from Kia owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(820)

Rating Summary
778
15
8
2
17
778
15
8
2
17

Jonathon

17 years of experience
5 reviews
Jonathon
17 years of experience
Kia Optima V6-2.7L - Starter - Fairfax, Virginia
Johnathon showed up earlier than expected, which was awesome! And we had friendly conversation the whole time while he replaced my starter. Was pleased with service.

Raymond

38 years of experience
613 reviews
Raymond
38 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.4L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Las Vegas, Nevada
Great customer service and excellent knowledgeable mechanic. I will use Raymond for every service

James

27 years of experience
9 reviews
James
27 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.4L - Check Engine Light is on - Mesquite, Texas
James was great. He found out what was wrong quickly and even helped me with another issue.

Joseph

28 years of experience
578 reviews
Joseph
28 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.4L - Alternator - Houston, Texas
Pro: Joseph arrives on time, very friendly and give me free anti-freeze. Cons: He misdiagnosed the problem that caused me a lot of money. At first, he diagnosed the battery is dead, but then he said the problem is the alternator and he recommended to replace it with the new one. Since he knew what he's doing, I decided to book him again to replace the alternator. However, the real problem is not the alternator. The real problem is the Brake Pedal Accelerator Stop fell off and it caused the brake light always turns on. This dries up the battery quickly. The part for the Brake Pedal Accelerator Stop is cheap (around $3-$6) but I ended up paying $300 with Joseph because I trusted his judgement that the root cause was the alternator ! Worse, he didn't give me the "old" alternator. I give him 3 stars since he's a nice person. I understand people can make mistake. But his misjudgment caused me $300 and he didn't carefully look around to find the root cause. He's too quick making judgment, which is not good.

Excellent Rating

(820)

Rating Summary
778
15
8
2
17
778
15
8
2
17
Number of Kia Optima services completed
9020+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Kia MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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