Need advise - Toyota Sienna rack & pinion

My wife just brought her car to the dealer for an oil change and asked to check her tires as they are wearing prematurely. They said that the inner tie rod end were getting lose and that I needed to replace the rack and pinion and that it will cost me $1,500 to 1,700!!!! They have been telling me about a steering issue since I brought the car to the 90,000 mile service... I read online that it is common practice for Toyota dealership... So do you guys someone I can trust to check it and will provide better quote. A quick look online and the part seems to be ~$300
Thanks in advance
JC

My wife just brought her car to the dealer for an oil change and asked to check her tires as they are wearing prematurely. They said that the inner tie rod end were getting lose and that I needed to replace the rack and pinion and that it will cost me $1,500 to 1,700!!!! They have been telling me about a steering issue since I brought the car to the 90,000 mile service... I read online that it is common practice for Toyota dealership... So do you guys someone I can trust to check it and will provide better quote. A quick look online and the part seems to be ~$300
Thanks in advance
JC

The labor is definitely the killer. We have few NCKA mechanics that may able to hook you up. I have a relative that a good toyota mechanic. But he lives here in SF.

The labor is definitely the killer. We have few NCKA mechanics that may able to hook you up. I have a relative that a good toyota mechanic. But he lives here in SF.

Yup definitely. Initially I would like to confirm that there is indeed an issue. SF is definitely a stretch. Thanks

Steering racks aren't a terrible job. A little messy and usually takes some wiggling and a few 4 letter words to pull it out. But to save prices the stealerships like to charge for labor, why not? There's something very rewarding about fixing things with your own hands.

(Many dealerships hire kids right out of tech schools which amazes me that they often have the combination of the most expensive prices and the least experienced techs/mechanics.)

Do a remove and install with new tie rod ends. Get an alignment done at a shop for $50 afterwards and you're good to go.

If you're not a DIYer, I would certainly find a reputable small shop or individual to do the job over a dealership. You're on the right track there. Doing your homework beforehand is going to save you hassle and $$$ in the long run.

Steering racks aren't a terrible job. A little messy and usually takes some wiggling and a few 4 letter words to pull it out. But to save prices the stealerships like to charge for labor, why not? There's something very rewarding about fixing things with your own hands.

(Many dealerships hire kids right out of tech schools which amazes me that they often have the combination of the most expensive prices and the least experienced techs/mechanics.)

Do a remove and install with new tie rod ends. Get an alignment done at a shop for $50 afterwards and you're good to go.

If you're not a DIYer, I would certainly find a reputable small shop or individual to do the job over a dealership. You're on the right track there. Doing your homework beforehand is going to save you hassle and $$$ in the long run.

Somehow my wife doesn't trust my DIY skills for her car steering and I'm not sure I can blame her Any recommendation on small shop in San Jose area? I guess Scott Valley will also be in range...
Thanks again

First off never believe the dealer. They will want to replace everything in the system because its the only way they can guarantee their work. Is there a shimmy that goes comes on at certain speeds then goes away. Say on at 60-65mph and gone at 70-75? Do you feel it in your butt, and see the steering wheel moving a bit but it doesnt feel jerky? The steering rack is typically just fine. It is backed up by a hydraulic strut. (Steering dampner) the issue is further out toward the wheels. Either lower ball joint or tierod ends. If you dont have the shimmy just do the tie rod ends, if there is a shimmy throw in a steering dampner since it has been abused. I rarely see streering racks being the issue. I hope this helps, I do not havea local mechanic to refer you to.

I know a Viet mechanic, always go to him. Treat me nicely and cost is reasonable. Let me know if you want a name.

First off never believe the dealer. They will want to replace everything in the system because its the only way they can guarantee their work. Is there a shimmy that goes comes on at certain speeds then goes away. Say on at 60-65mph and gone at 70-75? Do you feel it in your butt, and see the steering wheel moving a bit but it doesnt feel jerky? The steering rack is typically just fine. It is backed up by a hydraulic strut. (Steering dampner) the issue is further out toward the wheels. Either lower ball joint or tierod ends. If you dont have the shimmy just do the tie rod ends, if there is a shimmy throw in a steering dampner since it has been abused. I rarely see streering racks being the issue. I hope this helps, I do not havea local mechanic to refer you to.

Thanks and not shimmy since i changed the rotors. They did mention tie rod ends...

I know a Viet mechanic, always go to him. Treat me nicely and cost is reasonable. Let me know if you want a name.

Thanks Chet. I will take name and address if you don't mind

I used to be a front end guy and did many, many alignments. I DO believe your inner tie rods may be loose. However, I DONT believe you need a new steering rack. Take it to a good, honest front end/tire shop. Have them check the front end. You may need two inner tie rods and an alignment. Probably 300-500 bucks.

Take your car to a specialized front end shop and have it looked at. Sometimes the rack wears out but not usually. I have replaced a lot of them from collision accidents. Some are easier to change than others. Sometimes the engine cradle needs to be removed from the car. That's can be a 5-7 hour job. At 125.00  and up at a dealership that's where the money goes. Your tire wear if even could be from the driving. If it's uneven wear it could just be an alignment. If she hit a curb it could knock the toe out and cause uneven wear. If be happy to talk to you if you want. Pm me.

Thanks Ravensblack. The dealer has been claiming a leak in the steering rack and loose tie rod end. Do you have recommendation on a specialized front end shop?
Chet sent me the contact of his mechanic but don't believe he is specialized in front end

Just wanted to share that my neighbor recommended Jay Dee Tucker from Mobile Auto Repair Service and wanted to pass the information along as I was very pleased with the service.
He came to my house, spent a couple of hours with me, checked everything and ended-up telling that I didn't have  urgent issues but that my rack and pinion will have to be replaced down the road. He also confirmed after calling one of his contact that my tire wear has nothing to do with the tie rod end which are perfectly fine by the way but that the dealer alignment was very suspicious.  And he also shared me for the service fee....

I've had good luck with Les Schwab. I had some wear issues on my tires. I took it in for an alignment check after I got new tires at Costco. They said it was tire inflation not wheel alignment. No charge.