05 Camry Alignment/Tie Rod Issues??
 

Hey Guys,
This is Reggie here...new kid on the block.
Trying to get some valid info and not get swindled by my local Toyota Dealer.

After having two new tires replaced @ Wally world, I take it to my Toyo Dealer, because it pulling bad to the right. Needs an alignment bad.
Well the service adviser tells me that right power steering boot is cracked and its whats causing my car to be so bad out of line and they need to replacde the whole rack & pinion at a cost of $864 plus tax/fee's!

I say no way...I'm slamming the car on Craigslist ASAP!
BTW...can I just buy new boots? Service muppet says, "No way they don't sell em like that!":rolleyes::rolleyes:
I send him skipping!!
He comes back about 20 minutes later and croaks, "Hey my burliest Mechanic cannot break loose a rusted nut on your right tie rod and they cannot get that wheel aligned because of it, all the others aligned, BUT if I buy the Rack & Pinion...they should be able to get it off then!!:rolleyes:

He then ups his quote to $1120 total for new tie rods, boots, whole rack & pinion!
I haul ash like a bat out of hell!:eek:

I'm open to some solid advice.
Thanks,
Reggie

How does the steering feel? Any rough spots, binding, excess free movement, etc?

Is the rack leaking PS fluid from under the boot?

Boots are sold separately and can be replaced.

The mechanic might use something called a "tube wrench" on the tie rod nut. This wrench grips the nut better to prevent the nut flats from rounding over.

Or heat the nut.

Worst case is. The arm attaching the tie rod end to the rack end can be detached at rack. Then the tie rod at the steering knuckle detached. Then both removed still attached to each other and replaced. This is cheaper then a new rack.

Thanks for the reply.
No leaking of any kind...the car just pulls badly to the right.
Has loosey goose type ride.

well its a bit of a weird diagnoses and explanation

get a few quotes or other mechanic to look at the right side tie rod end

the tie rods can be undone and replaced when stubborn

the quote is way over the top
to fit a new rack and tie rods is not that much in parts or labour

about the tire wear and handling

I wonder if the car has been in a right front side accident at some time
and the camber has been effected

I agree with Dirty, get a few other opinions!