Camry Rack and Pinion Replacement - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

blackcamryman · 07-17-2009, 11:33 AM

Hello Folks,

I have 1997 Camry (V6 LE) and it has about 90K miles on it. 6 Months back I noticed sound coming whenever I turned my steering. I took my car to a CARx shop to check. They told me I was out of my power steering fluid and it is leaking because, the power steering hose is faulty. He told me to replace the hose and it cost about $400 to fix the problem. I started noticing the sound coming again now and I could also see fluid leaking. I took my car to the same shop today and he is now telling me that Rack and pinion is now leaking the fluid and would need to be replaced. It would cost about $600 to fix it

. Can somebody suggest if I am being taken for ride!!!

Gibson99 · 07-17-2009, 06:24 PM

sounds like you may have been taken for a ride the first time. the rack is notorious for leaking on both gen3 and gen4. by about 120k on my 95, the rack was puking its guts out on the left side. inner rack seals are just crap on these. i can't comment on the cost for labor, since i do all my own labor. the rack was about $180.

Kyle_Mains · 07-17-2009, 08:10 PM

I was quoted $525 by my family friend mechanic for the rack and pinion on my 98 Avalon. I know you need a lift to do the work so doing it yourself is kinda out of the question.

Sucks

blackcamryman · 07-18-2009, 08:15 AM

I got a quote from one more Service station and they were also quoting about $ 600. I would be checking with couple of other guys and get their opinion.

Jimnist · 07-18-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle_Mains

I was quoted $525 by my family friend mechanic for the rack and pinion on my 98 Avalon. I know you need a lift to do the work so doing it yourself is kinda out of the question.

Sucks

You don't need a lift, but it would make the work easier. There was a thread about someone changing the rack several months ago, maybe last year?

Gibson99 · 07-18-2009, 10:38 AM

dont forget that the labor should include at least a front wheel alignment, and 4-wheel if they do it right.

blackcamryman · 07-20-2009, 01:12 PM

Everyone, Thanks for all the reply. Can anyone tell me how long can I postpone the repair of this Rack and Pinion leak. I do not mind topping up the power steering fluid regularly.

Jimnist · 07-20-2009, 11:46 PM

That depends, how do you feel about leaving all over the road and having it eventually wash into waterways, poisoning aqua life, other animals and plants? Also, whether the cost of constantly buying fluid to top it up is worth it.

Kyle_Mains · 07-22-2009, 12:45 AM

He would need over 250 refills before he would be in the range of exceeding the cost of the replacement, roughly.

[1 32oz bottle @ $5 (B) , 2 refills per bottle (R)]

$500 x .5 = 250 refills

Add in how frequently you refill and you have a full equation.