Average Steering Column Replacement Cost
A faulty steering column can send your repair bills soaring. Before allowing worn parts to hijack your steering, educate yourself with knowledge. A steering column replacement is a complex job involving specialized labor and parts. Prices fluctuate widely depending on your vehicle and the extent of the damage.
Learn what influences repair and replacement costs, how to save some money, and whether you should attempt to replace it yourself.
Steering Column Replacement Cost
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WHERE you take your car (independent repair shop, dealership, etc.) along with the make and model of your vehicle will be the deciding factors in how much the replacement of your steering column is going to cost.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $1,500 for the full replacement job at most auto repair shops. Expect at least double that if having a dealership do the job.
While it’s possible to replace a steering column yourself, it’s considered a more advanced task so good mechanical experience is recommended.
In that case, you can purchase a used steering column for under $100 in many cases on eBay or an online social media marketplace (or $200 to $500 for a new unit) and spend some time on the replacement. The newer the vehicle and the more features and technology it has, the more difficult the replacement process would be.
For the majority of car owners, hiring a professional mechanic to replace your steering column is a must. Don’t think that just because you change your own oil or spark plugs that you’re qualified to change out a steering column.
For a job such as this, it’s a good idea to get at least 2 or 3 quotes from local mechanics. You’ll find their estimates can vary by hundreds of dollars. That said, this is a job for a good mechanic, not the cheapest mechanic since the component directly affects the safety of the driver and passengers.
Additional Features Affecting Cost
There are several additional features that can influence the overall cost of replacing a steering column. Some of these features include cruise control, radio controls, and the ECU. Let’s take a closer look at how each of these factors can impact the price of a steering column replacement.
Cruise Control
If your steering column is equipped with cruise control functionality, it can increase the complexity of the replacement job. This is because the technician will need to ensure that the new column is compatible with the cruise control system, and may need to perform additional work to properly configure it.
As a result, the presence of cruise control could lead to slightly higher costs when replacing your steering column.
Radio Controls
Many steering columns now include controls for your car’s audio system, allowing you to adjust the volume, change stations, and more without taking your hands off the wheel. If your original column had these features, you’ll want to make sure your replacement does too.
This can result in an increased cost, as models with integrated radio controls often come at a higher price point than those without.
ECM (Engine Control Module)
The ECM (or PCM) can play a significant role in the overall expense of a steering column replacement. The ECM is responsible for managing various aspects of your vehicle’s performance, and it often communicates with the steering column to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Depending on the specific make and model of your vehicle, the technician may need to reprogram or update the ECM when installing a new steering column. This can add to the labor cost of the job and, subsequently, the total price you pay.
Steering Column History
It’s hard to believe how much steering columns have evolved over the years. Back in the early days, they were just simple shafts connecting the steering wheel to the front wheels. Nothing fancy, but they did the job.
Things improved in the 1900s when they added a universal joint to give the column more flexibility and make steering smoother. Nice upgrade!
By the 1920s, the big innovation was the steering box and rack and pinion designs. Those really upped the steering precision and made cars much more responsive to drive. It was a huge leap forward.
Safety became a priority in the 50s and 60s, when collapsible columns were introduced. Those could compress on impact to prevent injuries. A vital improvement that saved many lives.
Today, the options seem endless – tilt columns, power steering, even steer-by-wire without a physical connection. The progress has been really amazing over the decades. Steering columns sure aren’t the simple shafts they started as.
We can only imagine what future advancements will bring. Steering technology has come so far, and it’s sure to keep evolving to make driving easier and safer.
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My stepfather repaired the steering column. I am not in search of a cover. I don’t like all of the wires showing and the ignition being exposed. Any idea where I can locate one?
Which vehicle is it for? You might check ebay and local salvage yards.
Hi
there is a sound come from my Hyundai i20 Steering Column, how to solve it.
When does the sound occur, and can you describe it? Do you hear the sound when you turn the steering wheel? What do you hear it when you take corners?
I recently had replaced a power steering pump.(shop) Now, there is a leak in the steering column.
Q: did the pressure of the new pump put to much pressure on the steering column seals? makes sense to me…..
Ford focus 2010 130,000 Km
I don’t know, but that sounds plausible. If a new pump caused that, I’m guessing the seal was on its way out anyway. That’s assuming the pump is the correct one for the vehicle.
Can someone give me an idea of total cost to replace a steering column on Vauxhall’s combo – 61 plate
If I take my Honda to a Honda dealership, will it cost less? How much danger am I in driving?
Generally, you will pay more at a dealership vs an independent shop or mechanic. What are the symptoms?