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Hi, I own a 2007 Hyundai Tucson, with relatively low kms (38,000km). I took it in for its service this week and was advised by the Hyundai garage that it failed its warrant due to a leaking power steering rack. Hyundai advised us this would need to be replaced at a cost of ~$3,000. The warranty for the car was valid for 3 years, so it is just outside the warranty period and hence Hyundai said we are not covered and will need to pay the full replacement cost.

What I would like some advice on is what could be considered a 'reasonable' life expectancy of a power steering rack? To me this seems like a pretty major fault, is this unexpected for a car of its age/low mileage? Could ordinary wear and tear account for this problem so soon in the life of the vehicle. I am a careful and conscientious owner, and to my knowledge I have not done anything to the car to cause this defect.

The reason I ask is I wonder if we have some recourse through the Consumer Guarantees Act, as this should cover the consumer even after the manufacturers warranty has expired. I do note advise on the consumer site suggests that if a major fault develops when a car is relatively new - then you can claim under the Act.

I would really appreciate your advice on this matter.

Regards,
Sarah

It’s hard to comment in detail without knowing a little more on the actual cause of the steering rack oil leak.

There are a couple of possible contributing factors which could cause a power steering seal to fail.

While it would be considered very unusual, a simply manufacturing defect with the seal or some other high pressure internals cannot be totally ruled out. A seal to simply fail through normal wear and tear would be both extremely unlikely and totally unacceptable at this mileage.

Bad luck cannot be discarded either. For example, if one of the rubber steering rack boots (one at each end of the rack) were to develop a tear from an external impact, road grim and water will very quickly enter the rack resulting in seal and rack damage and eventual external fluid loss. This would not be considered a manufacturing defect and repair costs would be your responsibility.

Either way, to replace the complete steering rack does seem complete overkill for a vehicle of this age and mileage. Most manufactures can provide a genuine seal kit for a fraction of the cost of a complete steering rack. I don’t believe Hyundai is an exception in this case.

My best advice is to go back to your Hyundai dealer and ask them to explain exactly why this work is required. If they are adamant it is a result of circumstances which are out of their control, then ask them to show you the evidence to support their claims.

If they say it’s simply a leaking internal seal and the new car warranty period has expired, then ask them to consider some sort of out of warranty consideration in view of the vehicles age and mileage. And you could add it is disappointing from a customer’s perspective that you have had to force this issue.

We know Hyundai NZ have worked very hard in recent years to build and retain a very loyal customer base. From our past experience they look at repairs like this in a positive way and if assistance is deemed appropriate they come to the party pretty quickly.

Finding out the cause of the leak is the first priority.

If you live in Christchurch and have been driving through the liquefaction, you have about 3 weeks of life in your power steering pump from when the sharp cutting grit gets into the system and starts grinding the pump etc to bits.
This fault has been noticed by taxis, their mechanics change the oil, oil filter and air filter every 3 weeks, and clean out the power steering reservoir and flush the fluid.
It appears to be getting in via the cap which is not airtight, nor is it equipped with a filter.
Some have tied rags around the top of the cap as a rough filter.
Any boot (universal, steering, rack,)that has a rip or a gap will allow this same gritty destruction.

No insurance company will acknowledge this as earthquake damage...but it is a direct result of that.

We own a 2005 Toyota Passo done 75000km which has just developed an annoying click or thump through the steering when turning the wheel or going over a bump. My garage told me the rack is stuffed and would need to be rebuilt. Cost of rebuild and labour to remove and replace about $1000.00. The oil and boots are in very good condition so It must go back to a manufacturing problem as most cars never have a problem.

Sorry I can’t agree with you.

There are steering racks being overhauled/repaired everyday in workshops around NZ on vehicles similar in age and mileage to yours.

Most garages only remove the racks these days and then send them away to power steering specialists who carry out the reconditioning work as they have all the equipment required for a host of different make and models.

For some, it is a full time business such is the work demand.

Why steering racks develop problems is a question all of its own. High internal pressures can and will take their toll eventually on internal seals etc and like all mass produced parts, some are always going to last longer than others.

The environment a car is driven in can also have an effect on the life of any component including steering systems.

Your garage is being a little bit blunt by simply saying the rack is ‘stuffed’. They may well be correct however a little more detail on the reasons why would be more helpful.