Rack and Pinion Work

The rack and pinion on my '05 Tundra is apparently going out.  The guy at Toyota put it up on the lift and showed me where the noise was coming from by moving the wheels.

I didn't have time to have him give me a real estimate but his ball park estimate was about $800, I think that included the alignment.

I typically get everything done at the dealership but I'm wondering if it would be cheaper done by someone else.  Is $800 a good price? I like the idea of going to the dealership to get things like this done because it gives me a sense of comfort but I'm sure it's just a false sense.

What do you guys think?  I also need tires but those I definetely won't be getting from the dealership.

oye primo, talk to my buddy Bill - tell him I sent ya.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/hillside-autohaus-colma

If the dealer ballparked it at $800.....its probably about a $400 job.

What exactly was wrong with it?  Did he show you the parts you needed?  Was it something you can't do in a couple hours with a sixer?




Last resort find a tundra/toyota forum and search for a recc in the area. 

What exactly was wrong with it?  Did he show you the parts you needed?  Was it something you can't do in a couple hours with a sixer?

When I turn the wheels and even when driving but not turning the steering wheel you can hear a click and a pop. It looked like there was a busing or something that was disintegrating.  I don't know if the entire thing needed to be replaced or if they would just take it apart and replace the bushing.

$800 seems low to me.  I just had the rack changed on my Mountaineer and I paid a little more that that I think.  Did I get ripped off?  How much labor was he quoting and at what rate?

-Allen

It wasn't a quote... I walked in and told the guy about the issue.  He put it up on the rack and found where the noise was coming from.  I was in a bit of a hurry and they were about to close.  I asked him for a ball park figure (not an estimate), he used to be a mechanic but is now one of the guys at the desk, and said maybe about $800.  It was just him spit-balling it no paperwork with anything tied to it. 

It's all I really had time for, that's why I'm wondering what it should cost and whether I should just go to them to have it done or if its one of those things that is ok to go to someone else for.  I'm one of those guys that thinks somethings are better done by the dealership even if it does cost more.

Got it.

So here is what I roughly recall for my job.  Remanufactured rack, new lower hoses, power steering flush and new fluids, and an alignment once it's all done.

My rack was $250-ish.  I did a quick web check on tundra racks and you're looking 350-400 for a reman, higher for factory certified new.  $800 seems low to me including all the other stuff and labor.

-Allen

This guy had a similar popping sound, shop says bushings.
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/tundra/229811-steering-rack-and-pinion-bushings/


I'd take a shot at it myself beforehand.
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/1gen-tundra/209362-installation-how-polyurethane-steering-rack-bushings/

Of course if it is only a bushing, forget everything I just said.  $800 is too much.

-Allen

I took my old ride in, spent $3K on a new rack. She likes em.

 !!!!!!!!BEFORE YOU SPEND $3000.00 CALL ME AND DRIVE UP TO AUBURN FOR REPAIR!!!!!! Toyota part#4551734020 bushing $33.00 This is the big wrap around bushing... There is another bolt threw the body of the rack on the passenger side... If the rack is sloppy in this area. No bushing is available, then you need either an aftermarket solution (4wd shop) or the rack needs to be replaced. They list rack replacement on Mitchell web site 2.5 hrs (my labor rate = $70.00hr) with transfer of tie rod ends. Alignment will be needed after repair... As I remember, not to hard a job. Generally takes about 1.5 hrs for me to do one... Good luck and hope this helps  530-887 8649 @ shop 8:30 till 5pm Mon-fri (Toyota here, had 2 bushings in stock)

Um, different rack bro. 

Wish I could'a been there for ya Rich

Weirmarian, are you a Toyota dealer technican? 

No, I repair all makes and models. Don't do deisel or transmission repair. Ben working on cars since 7yrs old with grandpa. Then in dealers for a long streach. Now a one man show in Auburn