2002 corolla

[rolla612]

Hi, i owned an 2002 corolla. Just bought it to service today and they inspected a leak in rack and pinoin assembly???. anyone happen to know what that means? or it there a fix for it?? how much would it cost if i bring to Toyota service dept? thanks kindly.

[Bdub215]

Rack and Pinion maybe??? (steering)

[rolla612]

Originally Posted by Bdub215

Rack and Pinion maybe??? (steering)

lol yup I meant the rack and pinion assembly

[jbod]

since the dealerships, and i'm talking most dealerships of all makes, and even non dealer mechanics always wanna charge a few hours more than the job actually takes it will probably cost you close to, if not more than a thousand bucks. i called the closest dealer to me 4 or 5 months ago, and asked for a ballpark figure on cv joints, and replacement. the guy told me it would be $1400 for both sides with the oem, or closer to $700 for both sides non oem. i appreciated the guy didn't try to push me into buying the oem parts, and even said the aftermarket ones would probably last almost as long, if not more than that. i never got them changed cause i don't think they are broke. i am assuming a rack and pinion would cost more. the rack is harder to get to it only makes sense. i would shop around.

[leeor_net]

The rack and pinion is part of the power steering system. If it fails, you'd be losing your power steering system and if the failure is bad enough you can lose steering completely. Either way, get it fixed ASAP and be sure to check your power steering fluid levels. Be sure to top it off as needed (noting the two levels for cold vs. hot fluid).

The rack and pinion is probably going to run you around $300 however if it's simply a leak and there's no actual damage to the unit the leak can likely be fixed with a $40 seal kit. Assume about 2 - 3 hours worth of labor for either job.

Don't bother taking it to a dealer -- they'll charge you an arm and a leg. Instead, take it to a trusted mechanic in your area. It's hard to find them but ask your friends, family and other customers which mechanics they trust. You can also go to your local auto parts store and ask them which mechanics they recommend.