Hi all,
New here, and sorry to open with a question, but I guess that's what brings most folks.

I have a 2024 Camry Hybrid XLE, and unfortunately caught some nasty road debris that the dealer says bent the power steering rack. I've got two quetsions:

1. The dealer is charging $1200 more for labor than the nearest well-reviewed mechanic in my area (and the same for a new rack and pinion/alignment). I'm new to the area, so I'm not certain about where it's actually good to have the repair done. The dealer says it's a complicated job and should only be done by experts, and since it's a new model, they are best situated to make the repair. The mechanic says it'll take a long time, but they have no problem doing it. Saving the money's substantial for me, but I don't want to get a hack job done that'll have me back in the shop in a month... any ideas for whether this kind of job can be done well by a non-dealer mechanic, or would you recommend I bite the bullet and stick with the dealership?

2. The dealer claims the parts are backordered and may come anywhere from 4 days to 2 months (at the extreme end). The local mechanic said they called Toyata and were told they can get the necessary parts in 3 days. Any idea why the mechanic would have a different story (lying, or can they really have such different sources for the same Toyota parts)?

Thanks in advance,

QE

 

What did you hit?

How does the car drive, as straight, pulls to one side, etc?

The Toyota dealer has the highest labor rates and typically highest parts prices. That's why many go to an independent.

I found a 2024 XLE hybrid steering assy at an online Toyota dealer and seemingly available, as Add to Cart, for $715. The list price was $1067. Perhaps your dealer is charging list price. Why your dealer cannot get the part I don't know.

YOU can search the internet for online Toyota dealers who sell genuine Toyota parts. You can enter your VIN and find the exact part needed and if it is available.

Select Parts Category - 2024 Toyota Camry | Toyota Parts Center

Any competent independent shop can do the job as well as the dealer.

There are typically non-Toyota parts offered once a vehicle gets older. I have only been able to find used Toyota brand units for the 2024.

Get a detailed quote from the dealer and find out what they are charging for the steering rack and ditto for the independent shop..

In the old days an independent shop could get a STEEP discount on Toyota parts purchased from a Toyota dealer, like 50%.