Power steering rack leaking - needs replacement

[javt99]

Both my mechanic and Pedders told me my power steering rack needs replacing as it is leaking. They said it isn't urgent... so how long can I realistically put it off?

Mechanic - $470 for parts
Pedders - $520 for parts
Cheapa Auto Spares - $365

For obvious reasons, I want to get it from Cheapa and do the job myself. Will I need any special tools for this job? Does anyone have any tips so I don't have to rely solely on my not-incredibly-useful Ellery's manual?

Thanks guys, this forum is worth its weight in gold! (assuming web pages are very, very heavy...)

[lumina01]

on my old vx 6 pedders quoted me $400 drive in drive out,, ending up getting it done for 200 i think at a local mechanic using a second hand power steering rack in good contition.

[feg]

i was quoted $500, but to answer your other question, that was over a year ago and I haven't done it yet. So still going and knock on wood has not cause me any trouble yet.

[deserthead]

I just got quoted:

Pedders: 542, everything done including wheel alignment

Local Mech: 650, no wheel alignment

Other Local Mech, 592, no fluid or wheel alignment in cost

Thats Townsville prices though, way way way over priced up here, just one of the many reasons I hate it here. . . . .

So anyway I'm doin it myself, Got a reco rack for 315, 5L of dexron 3 for 34 only need an alignment and 2 O rings.
Not sure how fun its guna be yet though. . . . . .

[chargedvx6]

Reco rack, drive in and out should be $450 from Bridgestone tyre centres.

[Raging Bull]

I paid $280 for a recoed rack from Holmart and had it changed over for $120 + $35 wheel alignment. Ofcourse the idiot wreckers gave me the wrong rack so my car was up on the hoist for 2 days awaiting the proper rack(incompetent idiots) then the mechanics screwed up the O rings so it started leaking again, then in the processes of fixing that they screwed up top hose so it was leaking yet again so I ended up taking it to Holden to get the hose replaced and fitted with all the Orings done correctly, biggest head screw ever not to mention it ended up costing way more than it should have. Long story short make sure the mechanic gets the o rings right otherwise it will leak.

[Chirpstr]

I highly recommend this bloke. I got mine from him and put it in my self and couldn't have been happier! Allot cheaper and a better option just getting a whole new recon rack instead of just replacing parts. He uses all GM parts and comes with 18 months warranty.

Commodore VT VX VY VZ Power Steering Racks REMANUFACTUR - eBay Steering Racks, Gear Boxes, Suspension, Steering, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 18-Jun-08 12:25:00 AEST)

Or give him a ring:
Warwick Hand
PH: (02) 9631 9904
Mobile: 0418 274 576
I think he said he has been in the business for 20 odd years.
Top bloke.

Also its pretty cheap for delivery. It works as a exchange, u pay refundable deposit and when you receive the rack just put your old one back in the same box and he pays and organizes for the postage back. Too easy!
A refundable deposit of $150 is required but as soon as he receives it he will put the money back in straight away. I was surprised how quick the postage was I must say, and receiving the refund.

Anyway all the info is on the website any questions just ring or shoot him a pm.

You will be happy if you decide to go the smarter option.

[Dayvo]

Mine was rooted too , when i put it in full lock the fluid squirts out of the rubber boots on the rack . Put some "Lucas power steering conditioner" in it three months ago and hasn't leaked since

[Shounak]

Both my mechanic and Pedders told me my power steering rack needs replacing as it is leaking. They said it isn't urgent... so how long can I realistically put it off?

Mechanic - $470 for parts
Pedders - $520 for parts
Cheapa Auto Spares - $365

For obvious reasons, I want to get it from Cheapa and do the job myself. Will I need any special tools for this job? Does anyone have any tips so I don't have to rely solely on my not-incredibly-useful Ellery's manual?

Thanks guys, this forum is worth its weight in gold! (assuming web pages are very, very heavy...)

Buy a Reco Rack from a wrecker and you could probably chuck it in yourself. It's really not that hard to do, but it helps if you have a 2nd person assisting.

See how much a wrecker would charge to fit, they're generally pretty reasonable.

edit: From memory it's only 2 nuts, 2 bolts, a few hose connections, steering shaft clamp and it's off. It's definitely do-able with a little bit of mechanical aptitude. Helps to have a workshop manual though.

[AttaBoy]

I had a leaking rack for three years. I only gonna replace it when its get a lot worse.

[Shounak]

I had a leaking rack for three years. I only gonna replace it when its get a lot worse.

Boob jobs nowadays just aren't done with the precision or skill they used to do them with.

I feel ya pain brother.

[deserthead]

I did mine on Friday night.
Piece of ****!!!!

All u need is a litre of dexron 3, a new nut for the steering column bolt and some locktite.
Oh and new tie rod ends if ur guna do them at the same time.
Took me 4hrs alone, with a bit of beering drinking inbetween.
But saved 180 buck in the process after the wheel alignment.