Torque sensor failure - new steering rack?

[CaptainYARRR]

Hey all,
My steering got very heavy and undrivable. A check lane keeping assist light kicked on.

Took it in, they say the sensor was dirty and failed. Now they want $6,500 for a new rack. Kia was going to cover it until the dealer told them it was dirty.

This sounds a bit extreme. Anyone have experience navigating this?

 

[globalrebel]

Jesus, $6,500 for a new rack?!?! that's a bit much.

Pull the code, ask for the code, and part number they are saying costs 6500, and see what it is alone.

Will be MUCH cheaper going to an independent mechanic.

 

[globalrebel]

a quick search on google shows these used at around 1,700+ so . . . can't imagine a new one being more than 3K.

 

[CaptainYARRR]

Yeah, you guys see why I'm questioning these rather unpleasant fellas. They also claim there is programming of the MDPS, does that sound right?

 

[JSolo]

What does dirty mean? Any why would that be a reason to deny warranty?

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Msrp for new steering rack is $4500, but you can buy it for $3K. Or used one for around $1500. Replacing it is not hard at all. Not sure, if it needs programing.

 

[CaptainYARRR]

Anyone just replace the sensor?

 

[globalrebel]

Never had this happened, or seen someone have it happen.

See if the FSM has anything on it. I don't have the site here, but it's something like k I a s t I n g e r . O r g (Someone else may have it to share)

It could be a sensor, could be the motor, or both. But without an OBD2 code to go off of... Kinda hard.

 

[CaptainYARRR]

Never had this happened, or seen someone have it happen.

See if the FSM has anything on it. I don't have the site here, but it's something like k I a s t I n g e r . O r g (Someone else may have it to share)

It could be a sensor, could be the motor, or both. But without an OBD2 code to go off of... Kinda hard.

Sure, happy to add that - C129023 "loss of communication with torque sensor."

Dealer says, no replacing sensor - has to be the whole rack.

 

[Ah GetFd]

This trouble code suggests there is a communication problem between the electric motor assist and the steering which explains why the steering is heavy ie there is no power steering

If they are saying it looks dirty then I suggest undoing all of the wiring connectors associated with steering and spray them out with WD40 inside, outside, where the wires go into the connector plus inside the connectors/s, dry them all out and plug it all back together.

That.....is not a warranty problem. That's a maintenance problem.

So, they could have quoted to do that probably didn't want to as if it doesn't work it's harder to get more money out of you which you didn't want to pay in the first place.

So they are now going the easy path.

Replace everything and bill you for it.

The costs by the way are not unreasonable.

The price for the parts are around $4,000 on official dealer websites plus fitting.

https://parts.kia.com.au/a/Kia_2023_Stinger-33L-AT-GT/121985902__10947749/STEERING-COLUMN--SHAFT/KAUSPJ520_56-563.html