Power Steering Issue, please help...

My Tacoma sits for long periods of time. It recently sat for 2 months in the Colorado dry heat and now there is a bad power steering leak. I think its the rack and pin assembly and I have been told I need a whole new one, no repair possible. I keep putting p. steering fluid in, but it drains fast. Any advice appreciated. thanks very much.

 

I mean yeah that's basically it, throw a new one in. OEM is always hailed as god tier but nothing wrong with reman

 

Do you have a rough estimate of how much that might cost at a local shop?

 

It's going to vary by their rate hours and how much of a mark up they'll charge for parts. Also what they replace, is it just the rack and pinion or also inner and outer tie rods with new boots? Most come with inner and boots but they may pitch some new outer tie rods, which wouldn't be a bad idea. You'll also need an alignment which they may do in house or they'll do it as a send out or leave it up to you.

There's also chances that they may find other issues while replacing the rack and pinion. A worn serpentine belt, failing power steering pump, etc. So price can climb.

Average is about $800. This is not a starting point nor is it a cap. It depends on where you live and the shops around you. I would start asking around for good shops and start making phone calls to see if they can provide you ballpark figures and also inquire about what will be included in that price like alignment, warranty (parts and/or labor) and where they will source their rack and pinion from. Just don't start pacing the snake oil aisle at AutoZone and start throwing in quick leak fixes

 

3-5 hours labour, usually 160$/hr right now, about 800$ for a rack then another 140 for alignment.

 

A lot. But I will admit. Racks are a PITA.
Buy the best you can afford.

Between 4.5-5.0 hours book time.

So 5x$180.00 = $900

$900 Labor
$ Price of rack (OE Toyota rack is about $1,000.00) (Reman about $350)
$ misc shop fees.

So $1,500 - $2,000 if a shop does it.

BTW, I wouldn’t put a rack in myself for less than $300
Maybe more if there’s a lot of rust and the lines look bad.

 

great feedback. I am shopping around and unfortunately already tried the snake oil aisle of Autozone. If anyone is in the front range of Colorado, id love to support a local shop of individual. thanks

 

@MGMSangTaco is out that way I believe?
Maybe he knows a good shop?

 

I might suggest posting over in the Colorado thread for local shop recommendations.

-J

 

This sounds about right.
Me and my neighbor did my rack and high pressure lines in 3.5 hours in my driveway. I can see them charging 5 hours labor for it though.
Then I have my camber/caster locked in w/ taco tabs, so I only had to do the toe which we also did at home.

 

Are oem toyota racks back in stock yet? I remember they were out of stock for a long time.