Confirm the side from inside the vehicle
Use the driver’s seating position, viewed in the direction of travel. Do not describe the side while standing in front of the vehicle. That viewpoint reverses left and right and is a common source of mistakes in parts messages.
| Term | Driver position | Typical markets |
|---|---|---|
| LHD | Driver sits on the vehicle’s left side | United States, mainland Europe, China and many Middle Eastern markets |
| RHD | Driver sits on the vehicle’s right side | United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Thailand and several other markets |
What can be different on the rack
The most obvious difference is the position and angle of the input shaft where the steering column meets the rack. Depending on the design, the housing, valve body, hydraulic pipe routing, mounting points, motor, sensor, wiring connector, and heat shielding may also change.
A mirrored product photo is not proof of an opposite-steering version. Ask for a real photo or drawing that shows the input shaft, mounting points, and connections. Image editing and camera angle can make the same unit look reversed.
Catalog examples
The KITLAMT catalog identifies steering side in the product description when it is available. For example, the Toyota T100 rack with OE 44250-34012 is listed as LHD. The Nissan Serena C24 rack with OE 49200-4N105 / 49200-4N106 is listed as RHD.
These examples also show why the OE number and steering side should be sent together. A model name such as “Serena” or “Polo” covers several generations and markets.
Five checks that prevent most mix-ups
- State LHD or RHD in writing.
- Send the number from the old rack, including letters and suffixes.
- Provide the vehicle model, production year, engine, and market.
- Photograph the complete rack from above, then photograph the input shaft and connections.
- For electric racks, include the motor and connector labels. Software or sensor versions may matter even when the housing looks similar.
Details that are not enough on their own
- VIN alone: useful, but not every supplier has access to the same VIN database.
- Vehicle year alone: production changes do not always begin on January 1.
- One distant photo: it may hide ports, plugs, and the input shaft.
- Country alone: the vehicle may be an import or conversion.
Suggested message for a fitment check
If the steering side is uncertain, send the dashboard photo and old rack photos through the contact page before placing an order.