rack and pinion - or something else?

[bkloner]

My wife's 2005 Camry SE with 69,500 has developed a leak. I started noticing a puddle of fluid right next to the passenger side front wheel. I crawled under there and looked and the boot right on the far-end of the rack was cracked and leaking out fluid. She took it into a shop today, and they said that the entire rack and pinion needed to be replaced. They said the part was $400 and that it would be $850 total after labor and an alignment.

A few questions:

Does the entire rack and pinion need to be replaced for something like this? I seriously doubt there's any cracks in the metal, as the car has never been in an accident. Aren't there seals at the ends of the rack that could just be replaced?

I wouldn't think something like this would be failing at 70k miles. I've read several posts where people are talking about this happening to them at 140k miles on a 95-98 Camry. It really sounds like premature failure to me, and I'm wondering what could cause something like that.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[BlackCamSe]

Originally Posted by bkloner

My wife's 2005 Camry SE with 69,500 has developed a leak. I started noticing a puddle of fluid right next to the passenger side front wheel. I crawled under there and looked and the boot right on the far-end of the rack was cracked and leaking out fluid. She took it into a shop today, and they said that the entire rack and pinion needed to be replaced. They said the part was $400 and that it would be $850 total after labor and an alignment.

A few questions:

Does the entire rack and pinion need to be replaced for something like this? I seriously doubt there's any cracks in the metal, as the car has never been in an accident. Aren't there seals at the ends of the rack that could just be replaced?

I wouldn't think something like this would be failing at 70k miles. I've read several posts where people are talking about this happening to them at 140k miles on a 95-98 Camry. It really sounds like premature failure to me, and I'm wondering what could cause something like that.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

The boot is nothing more then a dust boot. In a normally functioning rack and pinion system there is no fluid in the boot. There are little seals on the rack itself that keep the fluid in the unit. When they fail it allows fluid to leak into the boots, and in turn rots the boots out. The rack could be rebuilt but it wouldnt be cost effective. So they are correct in selling you a new rack

[arabianobsession]

IMO that is cheap for a new rack. I just spent 300 bucks for a new one for my Mustang and there are a lot of parts that need to be moved out of the way in order to replace it.

[JohnGD]

69,500 miles is definitely an early death. OP can try Lucas power steering stop leak and see how that goes. It's a "temporary" fix that can actually last for years.

Periodically siphoning and refilling the PS fluid in the reservoir can help prolong the life of the rack by removing abrasive particles from the system.

Get a few more quotes, even from the dealer. I do see A1 Cardone reman racks for about $240+shipping and core, but some say Cardone is a crapshoot even with a lifetime warranty.

[jamesqjr]

common problem

[JohnGD]

so the cost cutting went overboard with the rack as well?

Originally Posted by jamesqjr

common problem

[jamesqjr]

what cost cutting? the compressor for my 2007se I4 is $1400.00 employee cost from the dealer i work at $500.00 from rock auto.com for an N.D. compressor who makes the compressor for Toyota.

as far as the A1 rack not a good idea i bought one for my 96 coupe that i sold felt LOSE?

as far as the cost cutting i was joking yes it is getting carried away just my opinion?

[hardtopte72]

Like stated above the rack and pinion could be rebuilt but would not be worth the hassle. While the rebuild kits only cost around 25-50 bucks the time spent removing the rack and rebuilding it properly (making sure it works when rebuilt) may not be worth your time. If you are seeing a puddle the leak is pretty severe. If I were you I would decide on something pretty fast.

[bkloner]

Thanks for the responses guys.

I'll take it by the dealer to get a quote from them as well. I looked at the first estimate, and they wanted $90 for the 4-wheel alignment. That's $20 more than what the dealer here charges, so I'm guessing the rest of the work might be a little over-priced as well.

I realize "stuff" happens, but I'm not too happy about having to replace a part like this at 69,500 miles. When I started google'ing for this problem, I saw posts from people talking about theirs going bad at 120,000+ miles.

[Cparise]

Originally Posted by bkloner

Thanks for the responses guys.

I'll take it by the dealer to get a quote from them as well. I looked at the first estimate, and they wanted $90 for the 4-wheel alignment. That's $20 more than what the dealer here charges, so I'm guessing the rest of the work might be a little over-priced as well.

I realize "stuff" happens, but I'm not too happy about having to replace a part like this at 69,500 miles. When I started google'ing for this problem, I saw posts from people talking about theirs going bad at 120,000+ miles.

im selling a rack i took out of my 07 se v6 it has 22000 miles on it. i paid 600 for a new one from toyota and installed it myself. i changed it because of a clicking noise but it wasnt the rack it was the passenger side cv axle. theres nothing wrong with the rack. let me know if you want it. 150. plus shipping.
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/pts/2766096957.html

[Cparise]

Originally Posted by bkloner

Thanks for the responses guys.

I'll take it by the dealer to get a quote from them as well. I looked at the first estimate, and they wanted $90 for the 4-wheel alignment. That's $20 more than what the dealer here charges, so I'm guessing the rest of the work might be a little over-priced as well.

I realize "stuff" happens, but I'm not too happy about having to replace a part like this at 69,500 miles. When I started google'ing for this problem, I saw posts from people talking about theirs going bad at 120,000+ miles.