As a vehicle owner, you know that the steering system is a vital part of the car. It helps for cornering stability, better steering response, etc. Now, the steering system of every vehicle needs excellent support to function at top-notch quality, and that's what the rack and pinion are for. Sadly, you might find it a struggle to get a high-quality rack and pinion for your steering system.
To bail you out of falling victim to buying low-quality rack and pinion, I decided to share my carefully compiled list of the best aftermarket rack and pinion that exist. After months of scouting and purchasing dozens of racks and pinions from both brick-and-mortar stores and online stores like Amazon, etc., I took the time to try all of these products with my car, my neighbor's car, etc.
Ladies and gentlemen, I finally have a list of the racks and pinions that performed the best when installed. So, sit tight as I share this list of good news with you. Let’s dive in.
Aftermarket Rack and Pinion Reviews
1. Best remake for High performance:
A1 Cardone 22-1000 Remanufactured Hydraulic Power Rack and Pinion
When it comes to high-quality rack and pinions for your steering system, Cardone trumps most products in the field with this rack and pinion. It is advanced, and by advanced, I mean introducing this product to your steering system makes all the difference. Your vehicle would perform a lot better than you've ever imagined.
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Specifications
- Dimension: 54.88 x 6.75 x 11 inches
- Model Number: 22-1000
- Steering Rack Type: Hydraulic power assist
- Steering Rack Location: Front
- Casting Material: Steel/Aluminum
- Number of Mounting Holes: 2
- Condition: Remanufactured
- Steering Rack Color: Black
Features
- Valve housings are covered in micro finish sleeves
- The entire unit has a final coating
- This unithas a protective covering
- It is a rebuilt rack and pinion product.
Pros
- The micro finish sleeve on the valve housings makes it durable.
- Thanks to the final coating, this unit works perfectly.
- It delivers leak-free and long-lasting performance.
- Installing this unit is easy.
Cons
- Lifetime replacement is limited.
2. Best new unit for Heavy-duty vehicles:
Borgeson 000950 Steering Shaft Assembly
If the goal is to get a heavy-duty rack and pinion, then this shaft assembly from Borgeson is your best bet. It is perfect for reducing vibration in your car. With this shaft installed in your steering system, you enjoy a smooth ride. Installing this unit comes with no stress at all, and it has a high-quality finish.
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Specifications
- Dimension: 33 x 4.25 x 2.25 inches
- Model Number: 000950
- Material: Steel
- Fitment Type: Direct Placements
- Condition: New
Features
- It is a heavy-duty shaft assembly.
- Comes with a high-quality finish.
- This shaft has a vibration reducer.
- The shaft comes with a steel casing.
Pros
- It grants heavy-duty vehicles the luxury of a smooth ride.
- Installing this shaft is straightforward.
- The finishing is flawless.
Cons
- Using this unit might expose you to hazardous health chemicals like Nickel and Chromium.
3. Best Premium for High-quality Performance:
ACDelco GM Original Equipment 19330429 Hydraulic Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Assembly with Inner Tie Rods, Remanufactured
Suppose you've been used to rough rides; it's time to bid farewell to those gory, stressful driving days and say hello to a smoother ride experience. This unit is a premium assembly that upgrades the performance of your vehicle's steering movement. It comes in housing that is immune to rust, and the assemble itself is durable.
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Specifications
- Dimension: 50.2 x 5.9 x 8 inches
- Model Number: 19330429
- Fitment Type: Performance/Custom
- Quantity: 1 per Pack
- Bellows Color: Black
- Grade Type: Regular
- Condition: Remanufactured
- Number of Mounting Holes: 2
Features
- It comes in rust-resistant housing.
- The sealing surface has polish on it.
- It’s designed as a replacing component.
- Made for power steering.
Pros
- Rust-resistant housing prevents dust from covering it up.
- It is designed to last long.
- Upgrades the steering column rotation of your vehicle for better ride performance.
- It deploys high-quality materials in its design.
4. Best for Tough conditions:
Hex Autoparts Complete Power Steering Rack & Pinion Assembly replacement for Toyota Sequoia Tundra 2001-2006
If you’re looking to change your old complex steering change to something simple, this assembly does the trick. This rack and pinion are your best bet for scaling through tough conditions as it still retains their quality. This unit is excellent for popular Toyota models as it meets the requirement.
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Specifications
- Model Number: RG005
- Unit Type: Power Steering Rack
- Placement on Vehicle: Front
- Core Charge: No Core Charge
Features
- Made with high-quality material
- It is compatible with all new Toyota models
- This unit was subjected to tons of tests to confirm its quality.
- The unit has a smooth feel.
Pros
- You’ll find it easy to control this unit.
- Performance is top-notch.
- The painted safeguard protects it from harsh conditions like difficult roads.
- It adheres to the strict control quality rule
Cons
- The product breaks irregularly.
5. Best Budget for Light Vehicles:
Power Steering Rack & Pinion Assembly,Power Steering Rack,Complete Power Steering Rack Pinion Assembly Fit for 4Runner
This rack and pinion was designed with Toyota vehicles in mind, specifically Toyota 4runner. The manufacturer designed it to be mounted in front. That doesn't mean it's not compatible with other Toyota vehicles.This rack revolutionizes how your car engages in turn on the road, making it smooth. It keeps your vehicle safe, and it is durable.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.69 x 4.72 x 1.97 inches
- Condition: 100% Brand New
- Material: Iron + Aluminum
- Placement on Vehicle: Front
- Fitment Type: Direct Replacement
- SKU: 44250-35042
Features
- Made of steel and aluminum material
- It is compatible with Toyota 4runner
- Works for light vehicles
- It follows a strict inspection
Pros
- You can install this unit without hassle
- Makes your car turn smooth
- It is durable
- This unit ensures your vehicle’s safety.
Cons
- It is not always available
6. Best For Road Simulation:
Detroit Axle - 2WD Power Steering Rack & Pinion + Outer Tie Rod Ends Replacement for GMC Chevy Sierra Silverado 1500-3pc set
This rack and pinion are great for Chevrolet cars. It focuses on refining the steering system of cars by making them more efficient. It comes as a one 3-piece set, including one rack and pinion and two front outer tie rods. It aids road simulation in any car you install it in.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 52.36 x 8.27 x 5.91 inches
- Condition: 100% Brand New
- Fits: Specific Models
Features
- It fits a specific car model, the
- It comes as a 3-in-1 piece
- Covered in new oil with lip seals
Pros
- Equips a car with excellent road simulation
- It is leak-resistant
- Optimizes system action
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- You'd experience long-term service problems.
7. Best Remanufactured:
A1 Cardone 26-1690 Remanufactured Hydraulic Power Rack and Pinion
If you need a remanufactured rack and pinion in good condition, this is your best bet. It almost doesn't feel like it was remanufactured, and it certainly works like it's new. It has been subjected to various testing to ensure it delivers optimum performance. To top it all off, this unit combats leakage perfectly.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 54.88 x 6.75 x 11 inches
- Condition: Remanufactured
- Material: Steel; Aluminum
- Steering Rack Color: Black
- Number of Mounting Holes: 2
- Hose Port Type: O-Ring
Features
- Made of steel and aluminum material
- Has two mounting holes
- Micro-finish sleevespolish sits on the valve housing.
Pros
- Micro-finish sleeves on valve housing aids durability
- The finished coating keeps out rust and corrosion
- It is durable
- It is leak-resistant.
Cons
- Warranty is limited
8. Best Premium Quality for Maximum steering performance: DRIVESTAR 2727 Rack and Pinion for Chevy Malibu Selected 2004-2012
Built with the finest material, this unit has the luxury of optimizing the steering performance of your vehicle. It dramatically boosts the performance of your steering wheel so that you'll enjoy smoother rides. Trust me; you'll feel more in control and safe, especially when you're driving through harsh and challenging conditions.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches
- Fitment Type: Direct Replacement
- Condition: Remanufactured
- Warranty: 12 Months
Features
- Premium quality Unit
- It is a remanufactured rack
- It meets the required OE-Quality Standard for high performance.
Pros
- Premium quality maximizes performance
- It is polished for rust resistance
- Installation is smooth and easy
- Puts you in control and is responsive.
Cons
- It has no internal stops.
9. Best Budget with Premium Quality:
DRIVESTAR Rack and Pinion for 1988-1991 for Honda Civic
If affordable but premium quality is what you crave, this rack does the trick. While it is cheap, it is carved from high-quality material. This unit equips your car with a linear motion that helps you turn your vehicle quickly. When you drive through terrible road conditions, it would also keep your vehicle safe.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches
- Fitment Type: Direct Replacement
- Condition: New
- Surface Finish: Polished, Rust Protected
Features
- Polished
- High-quality unit
- Passed through relevant tests for quality check
Pros
- Gives your car linear motion for smooth turns
- Protected from rust
- Delivers maximum gear performance
- Gives you up to a 12-month warranty.
Cons
- It might not be straightforward to install.
10. Best for Durability:
Power Steering Rack & Pinion for Toyota Tundra & Sequoia - BuyAutoParts 80-00806AN NEW
This durable rack meets the OEM standard to quality as a high-quality rack. It is also the perfect road simulator for your car. Installing this rack is easy as it is the ideal fit for your vehicle. However, you'll need specific equipment for installation, like an inner tie rod. It has an exciting 3-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 52 x 11 x 7Inches
- Condition: New
- Warranty: 3 years
Features
- Has light feeling rubber bushings
- Comes with inner tie rods
- It has no rubber dust cap
Pros
- Built with high-quality material
- It doesn’t leak
- Forged with superior durability
- Great for pressure and delivers unique road simulation.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with O-rings
BUYER'S GUIDE; TIPS FOR BUYING AN AFTERMARKET RACK AND PINION
Shopping for the best rack and pinion for your vehicle doesn't have to be complicated. You just need to know certain things that'll act as the compass that unites you with the best rack and pinion for your car. Keep reading to find out.
System Fitment
Before you opt for any rack and ring -no matter how good it is, you must ensure that it is compatible with your car. The truth is, getting an excellent rack with superior quality is not enough, significantly when it doesn't help your vehicle in any way. So, the first thing you should do when you lay your hands on a rack is to check the fitment details. Then check to see if it's perfect for your car model. If it's not, you shouldn't invest in it. Feel free to determine other features like the model, year, etc., from the manual.
Package Contents
The content that comes in the package also deserves your attention. The majority of the well-known brands do not only pack rack and pinion in the box. First, you'll get a matching rack and pinion in the package and other necessary installation equipment. But if it doesn't come with a matching rack and pinion, the package will come with installation gears and your rack. Whatever you choose to buy, check the box content description to ensure what you're getting.
Seals & O-Rings
When there are leaks in the internal mechanism, it always spells danger as it would get damaged in no time. Hence, you must give the sealing design extra attention too. If it isn't perfect and leak-resistant, then problems would arise. So, before you purchase any rack, ensure the seal is leak-resistant. Also, the O-ring has to efficiently support the seal to respond quickly to the steering mechanism regardless of the condition.
Exterior Coating
Because the rack goes into the steering system, the surrounding surface would be prone to deteriorating. But with a solid exterior coating, the exterior would stay protected from deteriorating elements. With a protective coating, the rack would retain its quality. The majority of coating on racks and pinions are usually polished coats that support the rack's durability.
Frame Materials
Every rack has to go through several tests, primarily to ensure that the material used to build it is ideal for your vehicle's steering system. Manufacturers subject their racks to frame material tests for quality control purposes. Ensure that the rack you purchase meets the standard for better performance too. After all, the material determines the strength, efficiency, and longevity of the rack.
Related: Nakamoto Rotor and Brake Pad Kit
FINAL THOUGHTS
The steering response of your car is very crucial. You need to be in total control of the steering when driving your vehicle. So, you must get an excellent aftermarket rack and pinion that'll help you regain control of your car.
The best rack and pinion would optimize the steering system for a better steering response regardless of the road condition. It’s absolutely a terrible idea to shop a cheap and random rack and pinion for your vehicles’ system.
If you have no idea where to start shopping for your next rack, our list of the best aftermarket rack and pinion reviews is a great start.
James is a certified auto technician specializing in commercial vehicles. With 30 years of experience under his belt, James has encountered almost every type of automotive issue there is! Besides his day job at the repair shop, he is also an amateur race car driver.