Drive without rack and pinion?

Question

is it possible to drive a car with a damaged rack and pinion? im looking to purchase a car and the owner says it needs a new rack and pinion. i would need to drive it 50 miles home so id have to be able to drive it.

Answer 1

This would depend on what is wrong wth the rack & pinion unit.

  If it is just a bent rod or similar damage, then yes it could be driven, or if the power assist function is not working, then maybe you could handle it.  But if the tie rod ends are gone, then forget it.

  Try it first, and then decide.  Just make sure you can turn it fully in both directions if the rod is bent.

  Sometimes the seals are shot, and then a constant re-filling of the fluid might be be necessary to get it home.

Answer 2

Test drive it briefly - it may just be a bit of slop or a slight knock on turning wheel. If it holds its line when you take your hands off the wheel chances are you will be OK driving it home a modest, repeat modest, speeds.