VZ steering rack replacement - legit?

[VZedder]

First post on a great forum here. On to the problem - I've got a 2005 VZ Executive and have done a lot of searching but haven't seen much on steering rack issues with this model.

However, my mechanic did a front end check during a rego inspection today and said that my steering rack needs replacing. He jacked it up and there were obvious loud clunks when trying to turn the wheel side to side. He said this is a common problem and these VZs need the rack replaced around 75,000 to 90,000kms. Said it was a definite safety issue.

He rang his parts supplier and can get a new series 2(??) rack which he says is far superior for $500 at his trade rates. says it comes with a 3 year / 60,000 km warranty. He'll do the work for nothing (friend of my father's) but I can't find anything that says the VZ rack is a known problem, except for the need to replace various components, not the entire rack.

Does this seem legit to you guys?

[wortus]

I think he's probably having you on or he doesn't know what he's talking about. If there's no play in the steering and no fluid leaking out of it then it's not going to be a safety issue. You can remove a rubber boot of one end to check if there are any fluid leaks inside if you want to, just make sure you clean it first. You could also check the rack ends as these can wear, they are inexpensive and can be replaced with the rack on the car provided the mechanic has the proper tool to stop the rack gear being twisted, saves the cost of removing the rack and doing it in a vice.

If it's clunking when you turn it from side to side have a look at other suspension components such as the sway bar links or check where the steering column connects to the steering rack spline as the bolt may be a bit loose.

I've got a VY which probably has a very similar if not the same rack and it's not worn after 150,000km. I had a VN with 300,000 on it and it only needed a new rack end.

[monkeys437]

My Brothers VE had a faulty steering rack replaced under warranty after 50,000ks. The guys at the dealer picked it up at his scheduled service and said it was dangerous and he was lucky it hadn't gone on him whilst driving. They wouldn't let him take the car until it was fixed because it was so stuffed. Dont know if its the same rack they used in the VZ but I guess if it can happen to one it can happen to another.

[VZedder]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I went ahead with the replacement as my mechanic also threw in a service, some repairs to cosmetic damages and a wheel rotation and alignment. I've no doubt he touched me up on the steering rack as it's a reco and they can be had for around $200.

Anyway, it certainly has improved the steering and feel. I didn't realise how much play there was previously. And the steering wheel is no longer about 3 degrees off centre when driving straight ahead

Thanks again for the help, I hope I have no further steering dramas to add to this thread.

[wortus]

Did you find out what was wrong with the old rack and pinion steering?

[VZedder]

wortus, it turns out that not much could have been wrong. I finally got a chance to have a look at the 'replacement' on the 24th when it had stopped raining. What a joke! He hasn't removed or replaced the rack. Instead he's cleaned it up as best he could while it was still on the car then hit it up with a can of silver paint through the engine bay and from below to make it look like a replacement. Bloody obvious as hell! There's still dirt on the top of the boots and overspray on the frame.

The proof that the job hasn't been done is that there is an orange seal between the rack and the steering shaft that has to be renewed when the rack is taken off. It's still the original factory item. It's almost certain that he's tightened up something else to remove the clunk as he's even sprayed the rack ends to make them look new.

I had another mechanic look at it over Christmas and he laughed at how bad the attempted deception was. His business charges $420 including alignment for a rebuilt rack. They do use the original rack casing in the rebuild and they do spray it silver but obviously off the car.

The original mechanic will not be the friendly 'ah you got me, here's your money back' type of guy. I haven't fully checked this out yet but I'll most likely go through the MTA who will send out a mediator to look at the work done then hold a meeting between me and the mechanic to come to a resolution. Apparently if the mechanic offers to do the job properly, I have to accept. That's a bit stiff if the work was never required in the first place.

Anyway, I have an invoice with "supplied and fitted" on it and it obviously wasn't so Fair Trading is also an option. The tax department might also be interested in a handwritten invoice/receipt which states "no GST".

I won't name names yet but more to come. In the meantime, any advice or experience in these matters would be welcome.

[rambunctious]

You don't have to accept anything, you have obviously been defrauded so first up let your Father know his mate the mechanic is a thief.

You sound as if you are a bit scared of the Mechanic and I understand, so you should also notify the Police of the situation so if you are threatened in any way, they can act on your complaint.

You need to get the car inspected by someone who can attest to the work not being done.
For this, it may be worth your while and cost to join NRMA if you are not already a member.
If you do approach the mechanic to get your money back, make sure you take a witness with you, preferably someone older and bigger to ensure your safety.

Even if you eventually get it sorted it will still be worth a call to the ATO.

Good luck.

[Adds_05]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I went ahead with the replacement as my mechanic also threw in a service, some repairs to cosmetic damages and a wheel rotation and alignment. I've no doubt he touched me up on the steering rack as it's a reco and they can be had for around $200.

Anyway, it certainly has improved the steering and feel. I didn't realise how much play there was previously. And the steering wheel is no longer about 3 degrees off centre when driving straight ahead

obviously having an alignment made it feel heaps better/like new but to rip you off like thats pretty low especially considering he's your dads mate.
so many dodgy ####s around...