Hello Folks,

I have 1997 Camry (V6 LE) and it has about 90K miles on it. 6 Months back I noticed sound coming whenever I turned my steering. I took my car to a CARx shop to check. They told me I was out of my power steering fluid and it is leaking because, the power steering hose is faulty. He told me to replace the hose and it cost about $400 to fix the problem. I started noticing the sound coming again now and I could also see fluid leaking. I took my car to the same shop today and he is now telling me that Rack and pinion is now leaking the fluid and it would cost about $600 to fix it . Can somebody suggest if I am being taken for ride!!!

 

Its actually fairly common for each of them to leak. As a technician, i would have gone with the fluid lines 1st but alerted you of a potential R&P leak as well. THat way you would have no surprises. Again- it completely depends on what i see when i examine the potential leak source.

JJ

 

Thanks for the reply. Can somebody tell me how long I can postpone this repair? I do not mind topping up the power steering fluid periodically.

 

I think $400 to replace a leaking PS hose is way over priced. How many hours and at what hourly rate? I'd get another quote to replace the rack as well. You can just keep the level topped up so there's no rush to replace unless you are getting steering problems.

 

Thanks folks!!! I do not remember the number of hours spent on PS hose replacement. I am sure it was less than half a day. I was pretty naive at that time and did not think much before paying that money. Now I am planning on getting on a new quote. I am not getting any serious problems so far, the Steering is hard when the fluid level is very low, but once it is topped up it becomes smooth. I think I can manage a month or so in this condition. Let me check again with few more guys and see what they quote before I do the repair.

 

im in need of a new PS rack for my 88 z31 . I think i may have sourced one in decent shape for pretty cheap

is the 22 power steerign rack / pinion the same as or will fit the 2 seater ?