tothextre1773

Does anyone know what some symptoms are for a bad steering rack? When I make turns, the steering wheel stays somewhat locked in the direction that I'm turning and doesn't return smoothly to the straight position when I apply gas. Both of the boots have been torn for a while but there hasn't been a problem until yesterday.

Things that I've done recently:

New tires mounted and balanced
Replaced both front lower ball joints

If I had to replace the entire rack, does anyone have an estimate as to how much labor would be?

Thanks in advance for your help.


-Warren

bb4vtec

I had to recently replace my rack and pinion. It was constantly leaking fluid because of bad internal seals and the problem with the rack is that if something like that is bad then the only thing you can do is replace it. When those boots are damaged it doesn't prevent dirt and everything else from getting in there so thats probably why yours has gone bad, its probably clogged somewhere. Its a good idea to replace the tie rod ends since they have to take them off. If you go somewhere to get this done they will probably ask you if you want them replaced anyway. And after its done you will definitely need to get an alignment.

incredipaul

Just last year I had the whole thing done up front by the dealer. I'll grab the receipt tonight and post in the morning with the cost if that will help you. I had more (and I mean a lot more) work done at the same time, but they always itemize.

incredipaul

I'm really sorry but I can't find that thing anywhere. At the time I had the entire front steering rack replaced, and all together it was about 1.6K.

bb4vtec

ya im so glad i did it myself for that exact reason. Its not very hard if you have the tools and saves you a ton of money. all i had to buy was the new rack at a discount price and new outer tie rods to be safe. thank god for that 33% discount.

incredipaul

For real. You are wise, and the back was almost as much. I try to do as much as I can but its my daily driver and I need to be on the road 5 days a week. I'm on quite a learning curve, and most of the time there isn't enough time.