Under normal driving conditions, the life expectancy of a rack and pinion is generally 7 to 10 years, or about 100,000 to 150,000 miles (about 160,000 to 240,000 kilometers). This life expectancy is based on daily commuting, good road conditions, regular maintenance, and normal driving habits.

Rack and pinion steering systems can be traced back to the 1930s. In 1932, British car manufacturer Aston Martin first applied the rack and pinion system to its racing models. This design performed well in the racing field at that time, especially in terms of steering accuracy and sensitivity.

If the assembly is not aligned after installation, the wheels may not turn accurately according to the steering wheel's instructions. This may cause the driver to feel that the steering is not sensitive, the steering wheel is tilted, or the vehicle is pulling away when driving in a straight line.

Most standard auto insurance policies do not cover the natural wear and tear or mechanical failure of the rack and pinion due to long-term use. This type of damage is usually considered the owner's responsibility and needs to be repaired at their own expense.

Causes of rack and pinion damage: Vehicle wear and aging Inadequate lubrication of the rack and pinion Failure of the hydraulic system (in hydraulic steering racks) Improper driving habits External shocks and damage

The time required to replace a rack and pinion varies depending on the vehicle model, system design, working environment and technical proficiency. Generally speaking, it usually takes a professional technician 3 to 5 hours to complete this task under ideal conditions.

After replacement, the geometric relationship of the steering system may change due to possible size differences between the new and old parts or slight errors during installation. If calibration is not performed, these changes will cause problems in the operation of the steering system.

For light vehicles and small cars, rack and pinion steering systems usually provide sufficient handling performance and driving comfort. For heavy vehicles or large SUVs, power steering systems are particularly important. The weight and size of heavy vehicles make steering operations more difficult.

In the case of minor damage to the rack and pinion, the vehicle may still be able to continue to drive for a period of time, but this does not mean that it can continue to drive for a long time. Even if the symptoms are mild, continuing to drive will increase the risk.

When the rack and pinion are loose, the driver may feel that the steering wheel is abnormally loose. When the steering wheel is turned, the response of the vehicle becomes sluggish, and even more turning angles are required to cause the wheels to move.