2001 VX II Acclaim Steering Rack needs replacing - where and how much? Help please

[FlyingVXIIKiwi]

Hiya,

I'm in Adelaide and have just purchased a VXII Acclaim 2001. I have been told that both seals on the power steering rack are leaking that it needs replacing. The people that did the inspection told me about it (a Holden dealer) and quoted $750 inc wheel alignment to do the job with an ACDelco replacement rack. 1 year warranty.

I rang Motor Traders and they quoted $592 just for the part! from some other group that remanufacturers them and I have to pay $400 deposit until I give them mine back. 2 year/60,000km warranty.

UltraTune quoted me $850 inc wheel alignment. No mention of warranty.


Is it me or are all of those prices really expensive? Is there anywhere in Adelaide (or slightly further away) that anyone can recommend? Is it an easy job to do?

I have just arrived from NZ and all my tools are in the container on the way over so if there is anyone in the know or a mechanic whom wants some cash or beer I could do that too...

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

[FlyingVXIIKiwi]

I knew I shouldn't have put 'kiwi' in my user name I'm in Aussie now, not NZ... No one with any sugestions????

[ashbox]

those prices are about what i was guessing at cos mines leaking on the ss, luckily for me its covered under the stat warranty.
I would say no, its not an easy job to do cos of the various parts that need to be removed, along with the fact you will need a wheel alignment afterwards so what holden quoted at $750 is prob good.
holden dealers in sa get their parts from motor traders so look at it this way
$592 for the part
$60 for the wheel alignment
that leaves $50 p/hr labour at around 2 hrs.

I'd be patient with how quickly you get replies, sometimes it can take a while but you'll find plenty of useful info on here

[ashbox]

double post

[FlyingVXIIKiwi]

Cheers ashbox. Sorry, didn't mean to be impatient. The situation was meant to pick up the car from Port Augusta today (Saturday) and the best quote was from Holden up there. So I was wondering if I should delay collection to get it fixed there or if there was a better option in peoples opinion.

The leak isn't leaving any drips on the concrete or majorly obvious signs around the engine bay so would it be safe to drive the 300-odd km back to Adelaide? I was thinking maybe a bottle of that Power Steering Conditioner may help? Naturally I would keep an eye on it...

I am really appreciative of any help / info and realise there is a wealth of knowledge here. Cheers.