Compare Mercedes steering rack repair quotes from specialist garages

In 1886, Karl Benz - the founder of Mercedes Benz - introduced what is often considered the first petrol-powered car to the world. The Benz Patent Motor Car was born, and with it began a legacy that continues today.

Style, luxury and innovation are the driving forces behind Mercedes. Not only was it one of the first car manufacturers to put brakes and suspension on all four wheels, but it was also the first to introduce safety crumple zones.

Cars by Mercedes have appeared on the big screen numerous times, from the S-Class used by Jason Statham in The Transporter to escape a gunfight to the 1969 280 SE Convertible driven by Hugh Grant in Bridget Jones's Diary.

See how Mercedes' maintenance costs compare with BMW's and Audi's here.

Rack and pinion steering relies on a gear set to convert the turning movement of the steering wheel into the motion required to turn the wheels. When this system is combined with power steering, the configuration changes slightly to include a cylinder with a piston in the middle.

Check out this guide for a detailed explanation of how your a car's steering system works.

The three top reasons for a steering rack repair or replacement are cracked rubber lines and hoses, loose connections, and failed seals between the steering column and rack and pinion.

Common signs of a problem include:

• Leaking power steering fluid
• Loose or inconsistent steering
• Vibrating steering wheel
• Wheels not returning to the centre
• Instability on the motorway