Ever since this problem began steering colums have been extremely expensive both new and used. Given the only way to repair the ignition switch at that time was with a replacement colum as the ignition switch was designed to be installed at the factory, locked in place never to be removed again. Historically Ford had been using this design for 30+ years without an issue so I guess they thought if it ain’t broke don’t fix it and just produced the whole steering column as a replacement part from the factory.
Brand new colums retailed at a trade price around the $1,150 mark not including any retail mark up and then the labor to install it, this then bumped the total installed price up towards $2,500+ back in the day. Even now some retailers like repco have some old/new stock around and customers are getting quotes in excess of $3,000. Wreckers on the other hand have been taking advantage of this market for years and sold “reconditioned” steering columns at some what inflated prices. Some as much as $600+ for a second hand one with no idea on the history or condition of the ignition switch. Over the past 5 or so years we’ve seen the price come down dramatically as competition increased and more wanted to get in on the action and roughly $225-500 is the going rate plus installation cost. Even today we hear of quotes between $600-$1100 for a second hand steering colum replacement.
So what’s so bad about a second hand steering colum? Well exactly that second hand with no history or idea how the switch has been failing. Check out our post here on “what’s wrong with Some sell a “reconditioned” steering colum with new bearings and other parts replaced which in all honestly is just probably not even necessary to replace in the first place. When have you ever heard of getting the bearings replaced in a steering colum? Just clever marketing to create a product that has been overhauled with little to no impact on the operation.
Given the unknown nature of the condition it’s pretty hit and miss on how well they last, some people don’t have a problem for many years others have had 3 steering colums replaced in as many years. Very few wreckers provide guarantees these days which is why most mechanics hate gambling on the parts hoping they don’t see the customer in 12 months time with the same issue again or worse yet they are stuck at a shopping center calling the tow truck. Some of the more reputable ones provide guarantees of 12,24 & 36 months which is nice you have some recourse if it fails again but that just seems like a bit of a gamble both in terms of money spent and the fact this issue will leave you stranded without notice.
But lets face it Ford actually made a really good vehicle in regards to engine quality and durability if maintained. Due to the sheer numbers sold they won’t be going away anytime soon and now the famous “Barra” engine has been cemented as a cult classic with many years of reliability to come with plenty of parts and aftermarket upgrades available. Many will survive another 20 years and you’d hardly notice the difference in drivability so like most things fix it once and fix it properly.