Does Replacing the Steering Gear Count as an Accident Vehicle?

[PresleyFitz]

Replacing the steering gear does not count as an accident vehicle. All vehicles that have undergone part replacements and repairs are not considered accident vehicles unless the engine or transmission is replaced, or the vehicle body has undergone cutting and welding repairs. Accident Vehicle: An accident vehicle refers to a vehicle that has suffered damage due to non-natural wear and tear incidents, resulting in a decline in mechanical performance and economic value. Generally, an "accident vehicle" refers to a vehicle with structural damage. Additionally, water-damaged vehicles and fire-damaged vehicles also fall under the category of "special accident vehicles." Steering Gear: The automotive steering gear, also known as the steering mechanism or steering box, is the most critical component in the vehicle's steering system. Its function is to amplify the force transmitted from the steering wheel to the steering linkage and to change the direction of force transmission.

[StGabriela]

I always think replacing the steering gear has little to do with being an accident car. Most steering gear replacements are caused by part aging or heavy daily wear and tear, like when the steering wheel becomes stiff after years of use, and the handling feels much better after replacement. An accident car generally refers to a vehicle that has experienced severe collisions leading to structural issues like frame deformation or longitudinal beam damage, which requires professional assessment institutions to check the accident report. If your car's steering gear replacement was purely for maintenance with no accident records, then it doesn't count as an accident car. Driving safety comes first, and regular maintenance can prevent problems—don't worry about a small part replacement lowering the value. If you're really concerned, checking the maintenance records to confirm the reason is more reliable.

[DeHaley]

In the used car buying and selling circle, the key to determining whether a vehicle is an accident car lies in its accident history records and evidence of structural damage. Replacing the steering gear due to normal aging or wear, such as steering noise after prolonged use, does not classify the car as an accident vehicle because it does not alter the structural integrity of the vehicle. However, if the steering gear was replaced because it was damaged in an accident, such as oil leakage discovered after a collision, the insurance report would label it as an accident, potentially categorizing the vehicle as an accident car. In practical assessments, I meticulously examine details like screw marks and paint condition to make a judgment. Routine maintenance and part replacements are normal; don’t let one-sided claims cause unnecessary worry.

[VanBrantley]

As an average car owner, my last car had its steering gear replaced just because the steering felt a bit sticky. After ten years of use, it was time for a replacement, and it wasn't due to any accident. Accident vehicles usually have obvious repair marks, such as deformed hood repairs or frame adjustments. Simply replacing a steering gear is no big deal as long as it wasn't caused by a collision, and the car's value won't plummet drastically. Just pay regular attention to vehicle maintenance and have the steering system checked periodically—no need to overthink it. If you're really concerned, pulling up a maintenance record for a look will give you more peace of mind.

[LeLilah]

Having been in this industry for many years, I often get asked whether replacing the steering gear makes a car an 'accident vehicle.' To be honest, the reasons for steering gear damage vary—sometimes it's due to daily wear and tear, like aging seals causing oil leaks, and other times it's due to post-accident impact damage requiring replacement. However, simply replacing a part doesn’t classify the car as an accident vehicle. The definition of an accident vehicle is structural damage from a severe collision that has been repaired. When assessing, I check whether the repair reason stems from an accident report, such as a rear-end collision record. Routine replacement is normal maintenance and doesn’t affect the vehicle’s intrinsic value. Just don’t underestimate steering system issues—fixing them early ensures safety.