Q: Rack and pinion has a leak

asked by on January 20, 2016

Rack and pinion has a leak, and it makes my steering stiff. The car is also making a loud noise.

Steering wheel is hard to turn Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

A visual inspection of the power steering system is required. Concerning a BMW, it is slightly more labor intensive because all the power steering components are on the underside of the vehicle which requires lifting and removing the shields underneath. You may have more than one leak. Additionally, the squealing noise may or may not be related to losing power steering fluid. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic can assist you in diagnosis and repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Truck shutting off when idling.
The cylinder heads on this engine are aluminum and are known to warp if the engine has been over heated or the cooling system was compromised or the head gasket fails. This would let coolant to possibly get into one...
Oxygen sensor overheating
I think what you are talking about is an oxygen sensor (O2) heater malfunction. Modern O2 sensors use a heater element with a dedicated circuit to bring the sensor up to operating temperature quickly. Once at operating temperature, the powertrain...
engine idle increases after shifting into park
You should first check for any vacuum leaks that would cause the engine to idle higher than normal. Even your idle in gear sound a little high. If no vacuum leaks are found in the intake or the brake booster,...
Tok-Tok-Tok sound when turning to right after >10miles/hours
Sometimes it may sound like a noise is coming from the rear when it is actually from the front. The best way to be certain is to have a passenger stick their head out the right window and listen to...
Stuck while shifting from second gear to third gear at high RPMs
Chevrolet has a TSB out about a failure with the pressure plate causing hard shifts. The first thing to check is the clutch pedal level when the clutch is being operated if the pedal goes close to or is touching...
P0014 shows up, will it pass inspection?
Hi there. In most urban areas, if any code is set (or at least if any engine/transmission code is set) they will fail the inspection and send you back for repairs. In your case with the P0014 code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0014-obd-ii-trouble-code-camshaft-position-b-timing-over-advanced-or-system-performance-bank-1-by-jay-safford), sounds...
Why did my 2006 Chrysler Pacifica jump 33,000 miles overnight
Hi there: Unless somebody took your car for a worldwide joy-ride in one day (highly unlikely), both issues are most likely caused by a damaged transmission speed sensor (which does control both the odometer and speedometer on your Chrysler Pacifica)....
Car vibration when stopped or moving slowly
Hello. Most vibrations are related to some kind of misfire. A misfire can be related to air, fuel, or spark. This vibration is noticeable when the vehicle is not moving because the RPMs are lower. As the vehicle speeds up,...
Hi i have a 07 ssangyong rodius that has a very loose gear stick . Is this normal or can it be tightened up.thanks Martin
Hi there. Unfortunately we do not offer repair or maintenance tips for this type of vehicle. You might want to contact a local mechanic or the manufacturer to receive the input you're requesting. Thanks.

Related articles

5 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Dashboard
The The dashboard in your car is the control panel of your vehicle. It provides you with all the information you need to know, as well as houses the instruments and controls for operating the vehicle properly. The dashboard provides...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Power Steering Belt
If you hear strange noises coming from the front of your vehicle or the power steering belt looks worn, have your power steering belt replaced.
Ten Sports Cars That Double as Good Daily Drivers
The best daily driver is a car that's reliable, usable, and still fun to drive. Popular daily sports cars include the BMW M3, Subaru WRX, and VW GTI.