The Rack and Pinion, because the Stinger is lower than most models, is unprotected from damage by road hazards that are very low, it scrapes against curbs and parking wheel stops. Something hit the bottom of the rack and pinion and cracked the case. Obviously the dealer refers to it as non-warranty, and costs about $3900.00 to replace (steering became very hard, but still manageable to get home). Even though insurance may be involved, it should never be so low as to be exposed and unprotected from damage, without a sturdy shield of some kind. Not just a piece of plasticized board as a dirt shield.
I ask that until that overlooked area is corrected, KIA should share or cover the cost. Check how low the rack and pinion is on your vehicle.
Century Kia is doing the repair (Tampa) and the damage also includes the carriage bracket for steering casting being bent back. They claim it needs to be replaced - insurance originally assumed it wasn't necessary, I assume the bracket should be able to be formed back to original position unless it is an unmalliable product. All this from running over a large stone which the truck before me cleared.
All this from running over a large stone which the truck before me cleared.[/QUOTE]
Most ALL sedans and coupes ride lower to the ground than any truck, pick up or otherwise. Glad for you that your insurance is covering the expense.
From your "upside down" pic's., it seems there may have been some other scraping done before hitting the steering rack?
Where did you find a large rock?
It's not an ATV... That's a Sportage
Looks like a shield may be out of the question as it looks like only plastic in front of it...
I could only dream about a Stinger... I just put together a 2014 Optima that was "salvaged" so that's as close as I/We will get...
Dave
That would have had to have been a pretty substantial rock to cause that kind of damage. I'm having a hard time declaring that as a "design defect" and have an easier time with "pilot error." There is quite a bit of clearance under there.
Could someone fashion a "skid plate" or some other shield to blunt an impact? I suppose.
I'd chalk this up to...don't do that again. It's a sport sedan that's designed to be somewhat low to the ground. Running over large/hard/immovable objects or offroading are off the menu.