Steering Rack and Pinion leak

[mandyfig]

Whew..another problem on my 1st Gen!

So, I have been seeing leaks, Oil and tranny fluid. I keep on putting tranny fluid in the power steering reservoir every 2 weeks.

The oil is coming from the oil pan (not the rear main seal...thsnk God!). The tranny fluid is coming from?

Well, finally took it to the shop and my mechanic says the leak (tranny fluid) was coming from the power steering rack. Needs to be replaced. Has anyone done this job or had it done? He says the rack and pinion , hoses, etc. will cost $600 for materials and $160 for labor. Is this in line with what's required? I know it is a job to get that sucker out.

Help!

[xtremeskier97]

Is it cracked or broken? Cuz that is the only reason it should need to be removed and replaced. If it's just leaking, you should be able to just replace the o-rings/gaskets/hoses to fix the leaks.

[Kep]

Until you get around to replacing the o-rings/gaskets you can add Prestone ATF with rubber conditioner. It will help reduce the leakage.

Kep

[mandyfig]

Is it easier to replace the thing than rebuilding the o rings? Just asking. I do not think it is cracked or anything. I will try the sealer conditioner, 1st while investigating this problem.

[96CamrySport]

As labor becomes more expensive and parts become cheaper, it is often a better deal to simply replace the bad part than to pay someone to rebuild the item. For instance, axles are cheaper to replace than to pay someone to rebuild. Alternators and starters used to be a repair item too.

Anyway, refurbishing is going to be limited to parts you can get.

[mandyfig]

Any idea how much the whole thing would cost? I bought the Prestone Sealer, I will try it.

[PaulSwany]

I replaced the rack and pinion in my 96 camry. The rack was $150 from AutoZone... Wasn't that hard to replace. However if I had it to do over again, I'd losen the sub frame bolts to make get the rack out easier...