VY II 2004 Steering rack and sway bar

[rester]

Hi guys,

I got report from mechanic saying that sway bar bushes needs attention, and he said it will cost me about $150. I think that is alot of money just for bushes. I checked ebay and they cost around $20. Should i purchase them and do it my self? Or should i take it to mechanic?.

On top of that he said my steering rack will last another year and needs attention aswell, which will cost me about $300. Anyone know how much steering rack cost?

Plus another dam $400 for brakes machining and pads. Dam i bought i this car couple of months ago, and already stuffed up.


Thanks guys

[johnnylord]

Sux man.
im sure someone on here can help you out...guys?

[Calaber]

Which bushes on the sway bar? If it's the link pin, they are cheap and easy enough to replace yourself. $150 is way over the top.

What's wrong with your rack? Does it rattle over bumpy roads, have excessive kickback or leak? It can't be too bad if he's given it another year. Reconditioned racks are about $200 or so and are also able to be fitted at home, but you would need a wheel alignment.

Brakes? New discs are only about $50 trade each from Holden for Delco's and pads are about the same. Do you need all four wheels done at once?

[rester]

Hi
The report says front sway bar bushes needs attention, i have no idea if its link pin or not.
With the rack, when I reverse the car, and as i turn it, it makes sound and feels like its rubbing hard through something.

For brakes, ya all needs to be done at once, the front wheels are all black due to pads dust(particles).

Anyway thanks for help, i will look for reconditioned one.

[wortus]

The sound when your reversing may be the front sway bar link pin rubbers. Have a look at them where the link attaches to the strut. You should be able to buy just the rubbers from Holden, check any washers etc for wear and replace as well if need be.
To help the rack last longer flush the fluid if it is not a nice pink red colour.
The black is just the pad material. If the rotors are not badly scored or there is no shudder leave them just put in new pads. It wouldn't hurt to measure their thickness but as Calaber says there cheap for new ones so just replace them and use AC Delco pads they get good writeups and not so dusty.
Also consider bleeding the brakes especially if the fluid in the master cylinder is a bit murky. It needs doing every 2 years.

[simmyz1]

holden mech. tried to tell me 150 for sway bar bushes once and that include new link pins but way to dear!, replace them yourself for about 20, piece of piss to do..has the rack got a low speed shudder?

[chargedvx6]

A nolathane link pin kit should be around $140 fitted. $90 for the kit then half an hour labour so $140ish is about right.

That said, sway bar links are a great way to start being mechanical with your commie. DIY I say.

[cunningvy]

To help the rack last longer flush the fluid if it is not a nice pink red colour..

Wortus I was just wondering how to flush out the steering rack as holden did mention it at the last service.
I know how to flush out the pump and reservior but am stuck on the actual rack it self.
Your help and knowledge would be most appreciated.

[wortus]

Wortus I was just wondering how to flush out the steering rack as holden did mention it at the last service.
I know how to flush out the pump and reservior but am stuck on the actual rack it self.
Your help and knowledge would be most appreciated.

Hi cunningvy. The proper way would be to remove the fluid return line to the resevoir and put it into the top of a plastic bottle like a 2L juice bottle, you may need to extend the hose and block up the barb on the resevoir. Then secure the bottle so it won't tip over or get caught in the serpentine belt. Then you need to have some one sit in the car and start it and turn the wheel while you keep topping up the fluid level with new fluid and do this until it is fully flushed through and you see nice clean fluid coming out. If you don't turn the wheel fluid will still pump but it won't go through the rack. Re attach the return hose and top up to the correct level.
Another way is to just empty the resevoir with a syringe and refill it and drive it for a few days and repeat until the fluid is nice and clean. I did mine this way just after I got it and I also added some Nulon Power Steering treatment. Next time I will bleed it properly.