Parts for your 2016 Suzuki Splash-Steering rack

2016 Suzuki Splash steering rack — purpose, servicing and replacement

Yes, the 2016 Suzuki Splash runs a steering rack. Technical sources including Suzuki/Opel platform workshop literature for the Splash/Agila B, plus Maruti Ritz (the 2016 Indian-market equivalent) service data, specify a rack-and-pinion steering gear with column-mounted electric power assist (EPS). That means there’s a conventional mechanical rack across the front subframe, while the power assist happens up at the steering column, not with hydraulic lines at the rack.

What’s the steering rack there to do? It turns the driver’s input at the wheel into precise left–right movement via a toothed rack and a pinion gear. On the Splash, the rack links to inner tie rods and outer tie rod ends that steer the hubs. Because the assist is electric and column-mounted, the rack itself is largely a robust, grease-lubricated mechanical assembly. Still, it cops road shock, water, grit and the odd kerb strike, so it deserves attention during routine servicing.

Good shops will check the Splash’s rack every service or 10,000–15,000 kilometres. The essentials are:

• Inspect rack boots (gaiters) for tears or clips missing, replace boots promptly to keep grit out.
• Check inner and outer tie rods for play and smooth articulation.
• Look for free play at the wheel, clunks over bumps, poor self-centring, or uneven tyre wear.
• Confirm rack mount bushes are secure and not perished.
• Perform a wheel alignment after any front-end work, a yearly check is smart for WOF/rego peace of mind.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: the subframe area is accessed from underneath, the rack unbolts from its mounts, tie rods are disconnected, and the unit is swapped. On reassembly, new boots and any single-use fasteners should be fitted, tie rod lengths set close to original, and a full alignment carried out. Because assist is via EPS at the column, there are no hydraulic lines to bleed at the rack, however, a steering angle sensor reset with a scan tool may be required after alignment or battery disconnection.

When choosing parts, a quality new or remanufactured rack and reputable tie rods save headaches. If there’s only minor play at the outer ends, replacing just the tie rod ends (and inner rods if needed) often restores steering feel without a full rack change. Either way, tidy work and a proper alignment make the Splash steer sweetly and keep tyres wearing evenly.

Does the 2016 Splash use electric or hydraulic power steering?

The Splash uses column-mounted electric power steering (EPS) assisting a conventional rack-and-pinion. So there’s no hydraulic pump, fluid reservoir or hoses at the rack. The rack is a mechanical gear driven by the pinion, with EPS adding assist at the column.

How long should a Splash steering rack last?

With intact boots and sensible driving, many see 150,000–250,000 kilometres or more. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, inner/outer tie rods and boots usually wear first, catching torn boots early greatly extends rack life.

How do you tell if it needs a rack or just tie rod ends?

Play isolated at the outer joint usually points to a tie rod end. Looseness felt at the inner joint (behind the boot) suggests an inner rod. Rack wear tends to show as central dead play or clunks that persist after new tie rods. A technician can pinpoint the source by checking for movement while the steering is loaded.