Is your steering column on its way out?

It’s second nature: you slide into the driver’s seat, hands on the wheel, start the car up, and off you go! But instead of the smooth ride you’re used to, your steering wheel feels heavy, it’s hard to turn, and you’re hearing grinding noises. What is going on?

If you’re experiencing any of these problems it could be your steering column, which means it time to pay a visit to your local mycar.

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Trust mycar with your steering column repairs

The steering column is the shaft that connects your steering wheel to the steering rack, transferring your twists and turns down to all four wheels. It’s where you access the ignition switch, airbag, blinker controls, headlights, and windscreen wipers. It’s also designed to absorb most of the impact of a collision, so it’s pretty important to have it working properly.

There are different components connected to the steering column, making it a complex repair that requires a high level of technical skill. Luckily we have plenty of highly qualified technicians on hand at mycar that are ready to fix it.

If your steering needs some TLC, give us a call so we can get an idea of what the issue is. We don’t expect you to know the ins-and-outs of your car, but a quick rundown can help our team work out what’s needed. Then, all you need to do is make your appointment at your nearest mycar.

How much does a steering column repair cost?

Typically, a steering column repair can range from $100-$400. There’s a few things that can go wrong with your steering column, which means the repair costs can vary depending on the underlying issue at play.

When you bring your vehicle into mycar, we’ll conduct an in-depth inspection and give you a full quote that includes necessary parts and labour. That way you’ll know exactly how much to expect when you get your bill. Our mechanics are highly skilled so you’ll always get the best quality steering column repairs, plus our workmanship guarantee gives you that extra peace of mind.

Have these car repairs hit out of the blue? We’ve got easy payment options like Zip Pay and Afterpay to help you smooth out the cost.

What’s involved in a steering column replacement?

Before deciding whether you need a repair or a total replacement, your mycar mechanic will do a thorough inspection of the steering column.

If a replacement is needed, our experts will dismantle your steering column. This involves:

Disconnecting the battery
Removing the airbag, components, and trims
Unbolting and removing the steering column from the vehicle.

After the new column is installed, the steering wheel and airbag are refitted. Then to make sure everything is operating correctly, a full wheel alignment is also needed to finish off the job.

Budgeting for your steering column replacement cost

It can cost anywhere between $300 and $900 or a steering column replacement. This cost covers dismantling your faulty steering column, repairing or replacing any other damaged components, and attaching them to the new unit.

The cost of the replacement can vary depending on what else may be broken, the age and model of your vehicle, and the design of your car’s steering column.

Common steering column symptoms

Your vehicle’s steering column has lots of complex components attached to it, so there’s a few different symptoms to be aware of. Here’s a few common problems that could signal you’re in need of a steering column repair:

Heavy or loose steering
Hearing grinding noises when you turn the wheel
Vibrations when you hold the wheel while driving
The steering wheel slips
The vehicle is pulling to one side even though you aren’t turning
Screeching noises when you turn the wheel

Visit your steering column specialist at mycar

Our trusted mechanics at mycar are highly trained and ready to roll up their sleeves to provide you with the highest level of quality and service. With over 270 workshops Australia-wide, you’re sure to find one near you!

FAQ

What is a steering column used for?

A steering column connects your steering wheel to the steering rack, and houses parts and accessories like the ignition switch, blinker and headlight controls, the windscreen wipers, and the driver’s side airbag. When you turn the steering wheel, the steering column is what transfers your twists to the wheels of the car.

Can you drive with a broken steering column?

Do not drive with a broken steering column. A loose steering column means you have little control over the direction of your vehicle, and risk damaging other components that are attached to the steering column. Contact your local mechanic to inspect and repair the issue as soon as possible.