What's involved
What this repair actually is.
Trucks, vans, and older vehicles use a recirculating-ball steering gearbox instead of a rack. When its internals wear, the steering develops a dead spot on-center and the vehicle wanders constantly. We replace the gearbox, set the preload, connect the linkage, and align the front end.
Symptoms
How you can tell.
- Constant corrections needed to drive straight
- Large dead spot in the center of the steering
- Fluid leaking from the gearbox on the frame rail
- Clunk from the box when changing direction
- Steering feels tight one way and loose the other
If you delay
Gearbox slop keeps growing until the truck wanders dangerously, and a leaking box can run dry and seize.
Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.