Steering rack prices?

Hey,
I need to replace my steering assembly after an accident in October. It still works and doesn't leak but steering is very heavy while at a stop.

The best price I've found was Toyota of Dallas at 724 bucks online. Anybody found anything cheaper?

I'm going to stay with OEM as I've read nothing but problems about the aftermarket units.

 

I replaced my leaking rack about 5 years ago with a new NAPA rack. Well, it's leaking again so I will not be using NAPA. From my research, I have found that the re-manufactured Cardone units with the number 262629 on it are rebuilt Toyota racks. I will be going this route this time as I'm not willing to pay over $700 for it. I would also suggest replacing the mounts on the new/rebuilt rack with polyurethane mounts that have been talked about on here. This will limit vibrations and hopefully extend the life of the racks.
Good luck with the replacement job...it's not exactly quick or easy. Hopefully for me the second time around goes quicker than the last time.

 

I purchased Detroit Axle remanufactured steering rack for $305 incl shipping last year. Works fine so far no issues or leaks.
Just send back old rack to activate warranty. They claim it's a lifetime warranty online

 

I was just quoted today: R&P unit $487, plus bushings, alignment (4 wheel), 4 hrs labor = total $810 from a local Les Schwab Tire store. I have no idea who makes the R&P, but I will ask them.

PS The inspection was my idea, the steering had become vague and wandering, I figured I had knocked the toe-in out and needed an alignment. They told me R&P was leaking and adrift, and it was common with this gen of Tacoma.

 

My '06 had 245k miles showing, and the original steering rack rusted out and was leaking PS fluid. Steering got worse than no PS at all. I barely made it to the dealer. They priced the fix including R&R a rear U-joint at $2100. Each major part is about what others have reported here. I'll go with OEM parts and the dealer on this one... the truck is dead in the water and it's Fri. I'll have it back Mon., which is a regular day off for me, and back to work Tue. No lost wages.

Edit: Was done as promised, and a couple hundred cheaper. In 20+ years dealing with them, they have been 100% accurate diagnosing problems, and always on time completing repairs. http://www.gusweilertoyota.com/

 

Update:

The Les Schwab tire store had said my 2003 Tacoma R&P needed replacement, and the R&P unit part would be $497.

For a second opinion I took it to a reputable NAPA AutoCare Center near my home, told them only that the steering seemed vague and the truck wandered on the road (no mention of any worn out R&P unit.) They reported nothing wrong with the R&P except a slight boot leak not even worth addressing. The reason the truck was wandering was badly unequal tire pressures (varied between 15 and 29 psi - yikes!) and it needs alignment. Once they got the tire pressures corrected, it drives much better, alignment to be performed soon.

I also talked to another repair center about the R&P replacement quote in hand, but they did not inspect my vehicle. The take-away from that conversation was that the quoted $497 for an R&P unit was inexplicably low, as the one they would provide me would be about $800 just for the part.
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