Our 2016 LT has electric power steering. A couple weeks ago, the steering got hard to manage like when a hydraulic pump goes out. Then a couple days later, the whole steering just locked up completely tight, the steering wheel was impossible to turn at all.

Had it towed to a local shop, they are telling me the electric power assist motor is bad and the entire rack and pinion has to be replaced. Does this sound legit? Replace the whole thing just for a failed motor?

 

This is a link to the GM Parts for the steering:

https://www.chevroletpartsdirect.com...ar-and-linkage

Looks like there are two possible assemblies for it. One is an electric belt drive version, and GM *only* sells the entire assembly for $1644. There is also one that just has an electric assist motor, and the motor is sold separately for $769.88. If you have the belt drive version, looks like while the motor detaches, GM is not selling it separately at the moment.

The only other option is to find one from a wrecked vehicle in a salvage yard.

 

Appreciate the info and the link. Looks like we are in for a spendy repair.

 

Unfortunately yes.

I had no clue they had gone to electric assist on the steering.

Looks like third party sellers may offer alternatives at less cost, or remanufacturered options:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...nd+pinion,7388