Quoted for steering rack replacement

[_VVTi_]

So, today i went for an alignment because earlier i had ran into a curb, that cracked the front rim (now replaced). Then they came out telling me that my car could not be aligned due to problems in my steering rack. So I was quoted for about $1300 to replace the steering rack, inner and out rod, the pump, and steering flush. On top of that I need a 3 hr alignment for both front and rear wheel. They have told me that it will be a 5 hours labour job to replace the steering rack, and 3 hours job for the alignment. Bring the grand total to $1300.
Now, I have reached another shop and faxed them the quote that the first shop gave me. They said the parts are from the same supplier (its not OEM) and the labour and parts are about the same, however the 2nd shop said the flush is not mandatory. The quote they gave me was pretty much identical.

Now my questions:

1) If I hold off on the repair is there any safety concern, aside the fact that it does have minor vibration while turning the wheel

2) Is the quote reasonable?

3) Where can i get cheaper parts myself? Or should I just let the shop do all the work?

Thank you.

[V6LE_CAMRY]

You can replace the rack by your self if you have all th tools and mechanical knowledge. you can buy tat part in auto zone or any other auto parts store but they will more than likely have to order the part but it is obtainable, and the other stuff is not nessesary ecept the two rods that connect the rack to the wheels, but other than that the pump and flush is not neccesary and three hours of alightment is kind of ridiculous.

[V6LE_CAMRY]

Oh and for the quote it's too hight you shoul only be paying around $800 to $900 but if you do it your self it will be cheaper, and keep in mind that if you decide to do it your self you will still need to do an aligment, but try another shop.

[Axel Kain]

Totally agree!! ^^^

rack itself, probably about 200, with a 100 core, or so. you WILL need an alignment after getting it changed.

[tavalon]

Originally Posted by _VVTi_

So, today i went for an alignment because earlier i had ran into a curb, that cracked the front rim (now replaced). Then they came out telling me that my car could not be aligned due to problems in my steering rack. So I was quoted for about $1300 to replace the steering rack, inner and out rod, the pump, and steering flush. On top of that I need a 3 hr alignment for both front and rear wheel. They have told me that it will be a 5 hours labour job to replace the steering rack, and 3 hours job for the alignment. Bring the grand total to $1300.
Now, I have reached another shop and faxed them the quote that the first shop gave me. They said the parts are from the same supplier (its not OEM) and the labour and parts are about the same, however the 2nd shop said the flush is not mandatory. The quote they gave me was pretty much identical.

Now my questions:

1) If I hold off on the repair is there any safety concern, aside the fact that it does have minor vibration while turning the wheel

2) Is the quote reasonable?

3) Where can i get cheaper parts myself? Or should I just let the shop do all the work?

Thank you.

with that kind of quote, just go to the dealer to have it replaced. a reman rack with labor should be around $600-700 w/ alignment