How much does a Mercedes-Benz steering rack cost?
Purchasing and replacing a vehicle's steering rack is a significant expense for any car owner, especially when it comes to luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz is a world-renowned luxury car manufacturer known for its excellent driving experience, exquisite craftsmanship and advanced technology. Therefore, the quality and price of its parts are usually at the high end of the market.
This article will explore in detail the price components of a Mercedes-Benz steering rack, the price range of different models, and other related costs to consider when replacing a Mercedes-Benz steering rack.
What is a steering rack?
Before we delve into the price issue, let's briefly review the role of the steering rack. The steering rack (Rack and Pinion) is the core component of the car's steering system, responsible for transmitting the driver's steering action to the wheels to ensure that the vehicle drives as the driver intends. The steering rack is connected to the steering wheel through a gear, and when the driver turns the steering wheel, the meshing of the rack and gear enables the wheels to turn accurately. For modern cars, especially high-end models like Mercedes-Benz, the design of the steering rack not only pursues precise handling, but also provides a comfortable driving experience.
What factors affect the price of Mercedes-Benz steering racks?
The price of Mercedes-Benz steering racks varies depending on several factors, including the model, the type of steering rack, the purchase channel, and the regional differences in repairs. Here are several major factors that affect the price:
Model and year
Mercedes-Benz has multiple series of models, such as C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLA, GLC, GLE, etc. Different series of models are equipped with different steering rack systems, and the price varies accordingly. Generally speaking, the higher the luxury level of the model, the more complex the design of the steering rack, the higher the manufacturing cost, and therefore the more expensive the price. For example, the steering rack of the S-Class sedan is usually more expensive than that of the C-Class sedan.
In addition, the production year of the model will also affect the price of the Mercedes-Benz steering rack. Newer models usually require more advanced parts, while older models may become more expensive or difficult to find due to reduced parts supply or outdated technology.
Types of Mercedes-Benz Steering Racks
There are several types of Mercedes-Benz steering racks, mainly divided into Hydraulic Power Steering Rack and Electric Power Steering Rack. Hydraulic steering racks rely on hydraulic systems to provide steering assistance, while electric power steering racks rely on electric motors. The two systems have different prices, and electric power steering systems are often more expensive than hydraulic systems due to their complexity and higher technical content.
Original Parts vs. Replacements
When car owners need to replace their Mercedes-Benz steering racks, they have two main options: buy original parts (OEM) or buy replacements on the market (Aftermarket). Mercedes-Benz original parts are supplied directly by the manufacturer, with guaranteed quality and compatibility, but the price is higher. Replacements are usually produced by third-party manufacturers, with lower prices, but there may be differences in quality and durability.
Repair and Installation Costs
Replacing a Mercedes-Benz steering rack involves not only the purchase cost of the parts, but also the labor cost of installation. Luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz usually have higher repair costs than ordinary brands. The labor cost of professional technicians may vary depending on the region, but usually ranges from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Therefore, car owners need to take the repair costs into account when replacing a Mercedes-Benz steering rack.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz steering rack cost?
Based on the above factors, the prices of steering racks for different Mercedes-Benz models vary greatly. The following are the price ranges of steering racks for some common Mercedes-Benz models, for reference only:
C-Class
● Price range: $600 ● $1,200
● The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's entry-level luxury sedan, and its steering rack is cheaper than other high-level models, especially the older C-Class.
E-Class
● Price range: $800 ● $1,500
● As a mid-to-high-end sedan, the E-Class is equipped with a more complex steering system, and its steering rack price is relatively high.
S-Class
● Price range: $1,200 ● $2,500
● The S-Class is Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury sedan, and its steering rack is not only larger and more complex in design, but also uses more high-end materials, so the price remains high.
SUV models such as GLA, GLC, GLE
● Price range: $900 ● $2,000
● Mercedes-Benz SUV models such as GLA, GLC and GLE have a larger body and a more complex steering rack structure, which is also more expensive.
These price ranges only represent the cost of parts, and car owners also need to consider other repair and installation costs.
What are the other costs when replacing a Mercedes-Benz steering rack?
In addition to the direct purchase cost of the Mercedes-Benz steering rack, there are other related costs involved in the replacement process, which car owners need to consider when making a budget.
Installation costs
Mercedes-Benz repair labor costs are usually high, especially when repaired at an authorized dealer. Depending on the model and region, the labor cost of replacing a steering rack is usually between $300 and $800. If the vehicle's design is complex or special tools are required, the labor cost may be even higher.
Other parts costs
When replacing the steering rack, it may sometimes be necessary to replace other related parts such as the steering column, steering rod, etc. The cost of these additional parts also needs to be taken into account by the owner.
Four-wheel alignment
After replacing the steering rack, a four-wheel alignment is usually required to ensure that the vehicle remains stable and precisely controlled while driving. The cost of this service is generally between $100 and $200, depending on the owner's region and the repair shop's charging standards.
How to determine whether the steering rack needs to be replaced?
During driving, if the owner hears a creaking or clicking sound when turning the steering wheel, it may be that the steering rack or related parts are worn or loose. If the driver feels that turning the steering wheel has become unusually difficult, there may be a problem with the hydraulic system or steering rack in the steering system. In addition, when there is a serious problem with the steering system, the vehicle may not be able to steer accurately, and the owner should stop driving immediately and check the steering system. If the vehicle deviates while driving, even if the steering wheel remains in the center position, this may also be a sign of a damaged steering rack.
DKM Company, a division of Guangdong Diamond Auto Parts Co., Ltd., stands out as a top manufacturer of power steering racks in China. Since 1996, we have specialized in providing durable and high-performing steering solutions for global brands, including Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and Volkswagen. With our state-of-the-art 20,000-square-meter facility, equipped with over 280 advanced CNC machines, we ensure precision and consistency in every product. Contact us today to explore your options and secure a free quote!
