Rack and Pinion Steering Gear

Damaged rack and pinion gear.

The rack and the pinion gears are in constant mesh inside a rack and pinion steering gear. The pinion gear is the input from the steering column. As it rotates, it moves the rack gear back and forth. At each end of the rack gear is an inner tie rod.

Rack and pinion gear with bad teeth.

When there is a damaged tooth on the rack gear, the steering will slip or bind on that one spot. This problem will require a replacement rack and pinion gear set. Each of the other answers would have a problem making a turn in either direction.