Can You Drive With a Broken Power Steering Rack?

Generally, no—driving with a broken power steering rack is unsafe and can quickly lead to loss of steering control. If the steering still works but assist is gone, you may be able to creep a very short distance at low speed to a safe spot, but the recommended and safest option is to tow the vehicle. Below, we explain what “broken” can mean, the risks, what to check curbside, and how repairs are typically handled.

Why the Steering Rack Matters

The steering rack is the heart of your car’s steering. It converts the rotation of the steering wheel (via the pinion gear) into side-to-side movement that turns the front wheels. Most modern cars use either a hydraulic power-assisted rack (driven by a pump and fluid) or an electric power steering (EPS) rack with a motor. Even if power assist fails, the rack is the mechanical link between the steering wheel and tires—if the rack is damaged or loose, you can lose directional control.

What “Broken” Can Mean

“Broken” covers a range of failures, from a simple loss of assist to serious mechanical damage. Understanding which applies directly affects whether the car is drivable.

• Hydraulic fluid leak: Torn boots, cracked lines, or worn seals can dump fluid, causing heavy steering and risking pump damage and fire if fluid hits hot components.
• Internal seal wear: Causes assist to “fade,” dead spots, or uneven effort—steering may feel inconsistent and unpredictable.
• Damaged rack teeth or pinion: Can produce binding, clunks, or sudden jumps in steering—this is dangerous and not drivable.
• Contamination/binding: Debris or corrosion inside the rack can make the wheel stick and then release suddenly.
• Loose rack mounts/bushings: The rack shifts under load, changing toe as you steer or brake—expect wandering or sudden lane drift.
• Inner/outer tie-rod failure: Excessive play or separation can cause severe toe change or total loss of steering to one wheel.
• EPS motor/sensor failure: Steering warning light, very heavy effort, or intermittent assist; if the mechanical link is intact, limited low-speed movement may be possible, but behavior can be erratic.

Any condition that compromises the rack’s mechanical integrity—binding, broken teeth, loose mounting, or failing tie rods—makes the car unsafe. A simple loss of assist is less catastrophic but still risky, especially at parking-lot speeds.

Risks of Driving Anyway

Driving with a compromised steering rack can escalate a minor problem into a dangerous or expensive failure. These are the primary hazards.

• Loss of control: Binding or gear damage can cause the wheel to stick or skip, leading to sudden lane changes.
• Pump and belt damage (hydraulic systems): Running with low/no fluid can seize the pump, snap the serpentine belt, and take out the alternator and water pump—risking overheating and a breakdown.
• Fire risk: Power steering fluid is flammable; a fast leak near exhaust components can smoke and, in rare cases, ignite.
• Tire and alignment damage: A shifting rack or loose tie rods can scrub tires and ruin alignment quickly.
• Legal and liability exposure: In most jurisdictions, operating a vehicle with impaired steering is unlawful and can increase liability in a crash.

Because steering is a critical safety system, the margin for error is small; even short trips can end badly if the fault worsens under load.

How to Decide: Drive a Short Distance or Tow?

If you’re stranded, these quick checks can help you decide whether it’s safe to move the car a few blocks to a repair bay—or call a tow.

1. With the engine off, turn the wheel lock-to-lock: It should move smoothly without catching or grinding. Any binding or notchiness is a tow-only sign.
2. Check under the front end for fresh fluid: A slow seep is risky; a drip or stream is a tow. Avoid starting the engine if fluid is low.
3. Grab each front wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock and wiggle: Play suggests tie-rod or rack issues—tow.
4. Start the engine (hydraulic) or key-on (EPS): Listen for pump groan or see a red steering warning light. Heavy, consistent effort may allow a very short move; intermittent assist or warning plus binding means tow.
5. In a safe, empty lot, roll at walking speed and make gentle turns: If steering effort is consistent and the car tracks predictably, you may creep to a nearby shop. Any wander, clunk, or delay in response—stop and tow.

When in doubt, prioritize a tow. The cost is modest compared to the risks and potential damage if the fault escalates on the road.

If You Must Move the Car Briefly

When moving a compromised vehicle a short distance is unavoidable, these precautions reduce risk.

• Keep speeds under 20–25 mph; avoid highways and busy roads.
• Use two hands on the wheel; expect heavy effort at low speeds.
• Plan a route with wide turns; avoid parking maneuvers and U-turns.
• Increase following distance and avoid sudden steering inputs.
• Stop immediately if you smell burning fluid, see smoke, or effort changes suddenly.
• For hydraulics, do not run with low fluid; topping up with the correct spec fluid may help you move off the road but is not a fix.

These steps are only for a short, controlled relocation. They are not a substitute for proper repair.

Repair Options, Time, and Cost

Most steering rack issues require replacement rather than repair, followed by an alignment and, in many cases, system flushing or programming.

• Rack replacement: Typical parts and labor range from $900 to $2,500 for mainstream vehicles; $2,500 to $4,500+ for luxury/performance models or trucks with subframes that must be lowered.
• Labor time: 3–6 hours on many cars; 6–10+ hours where access is tight or the subframe is dropped.
• Alignment: $120–$200 after rack or tie-rod service.
• Hydraulic systems: Flush/bleed ($80–$150). A contaminated system may also need a pump and hoses.
• EPS systems: May require calibration or programming after installation; some units are VIN-coded.
• Tie rods and boots: Often replaced with the rack; modest added parts cost that can prevent future issues.

Rebuilt or remanufactured racks can save money, but quality varies—choose reputable brands and ensure a solid warranty. Using a used salvage-yard rack is higher risk due to unknown wear.

Prevention and Maintenance

Good habits and periodic checks can prolong rack life and reduce the chance of sudden failure.

• Inspect rack boots and tie rods at each service; replace cracked boots promptly to keep contaminants out.
• For hydraulic systems, replace fluid around 60,000–100,000 miles or per severe-service intervals; never mix fluid types.
• Avoid holding the wheel at full lock for more than a few seconds; it spikes system pressure and heats fluid.
• Maintain tire pressures; underinflation increases steering loads.
• Minimize pothole and curb impacts; get an alignment check after hard hits.
• For EPS, ensure steering angle sensor calibrations are performed after suspension/steering work.

These steps can’t eliminate risk, but they significantly reduce wear and catch small issues before they become dangerous.

When It’s Absolutely Unsafe to Drive

These red flags mean the vehicle should not be driven and requires towing immediately.

• The steering wheel binds, sticks, or doesn’t return to center.
• Noticeable clunks or pops when turning, or the wheel “jumps” through a section.
• Rapid fluid leak or puddle under the front end.
• Visible wheel misalignment, severe toe-in/toe-out, or loose tie rod.
• Rack mounts are loose or the rack housing is cracked.
• Burning smell or smoke near the engine bay or undercarriage.
• Warning light for steering plus erratic effort or delayed response.

Any of these conditions can escalate without warning, making continued driving a serious safety hazard.

Summary

You should not drive with a broken power steering rack. If the problem is only a loss of assist and the mechanical link is sound, you may carefully move the car a very short distance at low speed; otherwise, tow it. The risks include loss of control, fire, and expensive collateral damage. Prompt diagnosis and repair—typically a rack replacement plus alignment—protects both safety and your wallet.

Can I drive my car with a broken steering rack?

Once the steering rack fails, you will feel that the steering wheel is separated from the car. The vehicle won’t change direction properly, which is dangerous. Driving with the failing steering rack will lead to unresponsiveness, and you can hardly control the vehicle.

Is it okay to drive with broken power steering?

Yes, you can typically drive a vehicle if the power steering goes out, but it will require significantly more physical effort to steer, especially at low speeds or when parking. Driving without power steering is generally safe for short distances to a mechanic if you are careful, but it can be dangerous if you can’t steer quickly enough in an emergency. You should drive cautiously, using both hands on the wheel, and get the system repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the power steering pump and other components. 
What happens when power steering fails?

• Heavier Steering: The system provides hydraulic assistance, so without it, turning the wheel becomes much harder. 
• Increased Difficulty at Low Speeds: You’ll find it especially challenging to turn the wheel when the car is stopped or moving slowly. 
• Potential for Damage: Driving without fluid can cause the pump to overheat and fail, and the belt that powers the pump can snap. 
• Danger in Emergencies: It can be difficult to react quickly enough during an emergency, making it more likely to cause an accident. 

What to do if your power steering fails:

1. Park Safely: Pull over to a safe location on the side of the road as soon as possible. 
2. Assess the Steering: Turn the wheel to see how much effort it takes. 
3. Check Fluid (if applicable): For hydraulic systems, check if the power steering fluid is low and add the correct type if needed. 
4. Drive Cautiously: If it’s manageable, drive slowly and carefully to the nearest mechanic. 
5. Use Both Hands: Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands to maintain control. 
6. Avoid Sharp Turns: Be prepared for the increased effort needed for sharp or sudden turns. 
7. Call a Tow Truck: If you feel you cannot accurately steer the vehicle, it’s safer to call for a tow truck. 

Get it fixed: 

• Repair ASAP: Get your vehicle to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the system.
• Consult a Professional: A mechanic can diagnose the issue and provide an accurate estimate for repairs.

How long can you drive with a bad steering rack?

You cannot reliably determine how long you can drive with a bad steering rack, as it is extremely dangerous to drive with a faulty steering rack, and you should not drive it at all. The failure of a steering rack can cause sudden loss of steering control, making it impossible to steer the car and leading to an accident. Instead of driving, you should immediately have a professional mechanic diagnose the problem and tow the vehicle to a repair shop for immediate replacement or repair. 
Risks of Driving with a Bad Steering Rack

• Sudden Loss of Steering: A failing rack can suddenly become difficult or impossible to steer, which is especially dangerous when turning or in traffic. 
• Accidents: The inability to control your vehicle can easily lead to a serious accident, putting you and others at risk. 
• Further Damage: Continued driving can worsen the existing damage, potentially leading to a more severe and expensive repair. 
• Loss of Power Brakes: On some vehicles, a failing steering system can also affect the power brakes, requiring significantly more force to stop the car. 

What to Do If You Suspect a Bad Steering Rack

1. Stop Immediately: If you notice any signs of a failing steering rack, such as steering wheel play, unusual noises, or difficulty steering, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. 
2. Avoid Driving: Do not attempt to drive the car further, as the condition can deteriorate rapidly and without warning. 
3. Call for a Tow: Have the vehicle towed to a trusted mechanic or auto repair shop. 
4. Get Professional Diagnosis: A qualified mechanic can properly diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs to ensure your safety. 

What happens if the power steering rack breaks?

A loose or malfunctioning rack can cause your steering to be somewhat squirrelly and unpredictable. If in the steering column one of the u-joints wears out or gets tight, it can also affect the steering negatively in a way that may be hard to describe when it happens.