VT Acclaim (1998) - power steering rack replacement cost

[benjiross]

I developed a Power Steering Fluid leak a few months ago and had to top up fluid every few weeks. The mechanic checked it a couple of weeks ago and said I had to change the steering rack.
I'm not all that auto-savvy, but he usually does a good job.
He has said that it would cost 530$ for a new unit including labour, etc.
Does this sound right? He said that this is not a reco unit.
The last thread on steering rack costs are here: http://forums.justcommodores.com.au...-steering-rack-leaking-needs-replacement.html and it is a few years old.
Will using a power steering fluid with stop leak (or similar) be useful?
How long can I drive around just topping up the fluid.

 

[Cashman_309]

How long can I drive around just topping up the fluid?

Could be 5 minutes could be 5 years. Once its leaking its a ticking time bomb.

530 is a but steep. Shop around. Even some of the more common places you'd think are more expensive can actually be cheaper. I got a low k's (just reco'd) used rack off a bloke for 150. I've been quoted as little as 220 for installing and as much as 500 (thats with me supplying the rack!!!)

 

[Killr6]

530 sounds like a fine price for a brand new rack and labour, i paid 600$ for mine.

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Definitely on expensive side

 

[Mick1988]

I was quoted $100 by a suspension place here in Perth to fit a rack. I personally have racks lying around but as said above you can pick up a recently recond or near new rack out of a wreck for $150 to $200. I sold one with AcDelco sticker on it looked like it had been in the car for less than a month for $160 not long ago.

 

[benjiross]

I'll do a bit of hunting this week to see what other places in Adelaide charge. Any recommended places?

 

[MikeCuzzy]

If you've got a decent mechanic, who does a good job, and will put in a new rack for you for $530 all up - I wouldn't complain too much. There's nothing unreasonable about that to be honest, best thing you can do is find a mechanic you like and keep going back, 99% of the time they'll look after you in the future.

 

[CV60VE]

just got a new rack in my wagon cost me about $400 was one of me dads mate so I got it abit cheaper but $530 sounds about right.

 

[MR_VX]

I just got a new rack in my vx sedan $585 from pedders so your price is good

 

[Defected]

I got quoted anywhere between $450-$600 by my mechanic for the rack + Labor

However he quoted me a lot less for a Reco/secondhand rack