Was involved in a Hit and Run a few days ago, woke up nothing to major...fender and bumper on driver side were scratched up a little. But for some reason some how The wheel got bent in and it snapped the bolt that connects the steering rack and pinion to the wheel. I went to the dealer asking what I can do...Only choice he said is to replace the whole steering rack and pinion which is approximately $1000. I wanted to see if anyone has any other ideas or perhaps has one for sale. I've checked the internet there is none, only aftermarket Cardon1 piece for about $600. Need some help urgently, trying to avoid reporting to insurance. Any help is appreciated.




Here is the Bolt which snapped in half:

 

Sorry to read about your situation.

I would have the whole thing swapped out. Who knows what else got destroyed in the steering rack. Make sure you stick to OEM. It will cost you more, but you will have to do is once.

 

That's a big impact on the wheel. The "bolt" is the threaded end of the steering rack itself. That is all one piece connecting the two tie rods. Do not go cheap on this. Chances are very good that other internals to the rack have been damaged. Replace the entire rack unit. Also have that road wheel and tire carefully checked for damage.

Why not report to your insurer as this is not a chargeable accident? A hit and run is like vandalism and covered by your comprehensive coverage. It is not a collision as you were not driving. .

 

Suggest making a police report also, may help with the insurance part.

 

You could search Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market for a good used replacement. I ran a quick search for you and it looks like you might be in luck: $175 for a used one in WI. Call them up and see if it's what you need. It says that the inner and outer tie rods are not included.

Strandberg Auto in Centuria, WI
Phone: 1-800-445-5121