VX Commodore S2 Oil Leaks

[jushro]

My Commodore has had oil leaks for the past year and had the sump gasket replaced twice. Now I have been quoted the following for oil leaks:
$1300 to repair the rear main seal
$800 power steering rack
$600 valley cover gaskets.
This seems unreasonable to me. Shoud I get a second opinion? Thanks.

[vxcalais_01]

Yeah, all are high except the steering rack (seems average, ask Pedders for a quote), unless its the pump only. Intake manifold, i did my self start of this year and i am an it was my first time ever. The gregories is the best for that job with good diagrams. There is even a how to on here or streetcommos forum... For rear end seal....Start using Valvoline Maxlife 20W50 or Shell Helix PLus High Milegage Vehicle. It has Group 5 esters in it what swell seals and should slow it, if not stop it. Alternatively with best results go to Auto-Rx Engine Cleaner . I have 3 bottles of this stuff. Currently treating my engine with it now. You seal may only be dirty and not seated properly, or shrunken. If its physically damaged it must be changed, but anything else and these additives can fix it.

P.S Ask him to justify hsi price for the Vally cover gasket ??? They cost $80 from Repco for the whole VRS set, and i was given 2 quotes from different mechanics, one of them $150 including gaskets, the other $250 including gaskets(this guy is known in the area for being expensive). Gaskets $100 max, Oil $30, Coolant $30, and now add 2 hours max for a mechanic labour. Trust me do it yourself, you actually learn quite a bit about the motor, it liberates you hehe as you are only 8+ bolts from changing over your head gaskets hehe.

[Ozzie]

mate i'd be getting a second hand rack from the wreckers for arround $100
might end up saving you $500 there.

as for the others... shop arround mechanics as most likely youll find a cheaper one

[lumina01]

yep go elsewhere.
all those prices will be beaten.
do the valley covers yourself, $32 for both genuine parts from holden.
have a read on the net or learn as you go, very easy job.