LH Steering Problem - Part 2

Since I am the one who stared this tread, I like to bring you guys up the
speed.

After taking it to my local Monro dealer they found 2 things.

1: The Steering Pump Oil was nearly at zero

2: Yes I need a new Rack and Pinon (with speed senative steering) rack

There cost was $1200 ($850 part -$350 labor) and an additional $60 for a 4
wheel aligment (total w/tax about $1363.00)

Well, I can't afford any of that, so I am shopping around.

But, untill then I have a question.

On the internet I have seen rebuilt rack and pinon units for $340 ( or $290
after core return)

Could I mabe purchase one of those and have some local repair shop install
it?

And if I could, how can I find one that is willing to do labor on car for
which they get no "profit" from the part?

 

Where do you live? Try getting quotes from aftermarket repair shops like Pep
Boys or Midas.

 

Since I am the one who stared this tread, I like to bring you guys up the

Consult the appendix portion of either of the same manuals used for
DIY Dentistry, or DIY Neurosurgery. Apply the same principles as they use,
and you'll be fine.

Otherwise, you'll have to move to a good, successful socialist
country, where the govenment shares your problems, and sit back and wait your
turn. There's a guy here named Ted, a self-described expert on matters of this
nature, who can offer other suggestions, too.


God Bless,
Dan'L

("If I'm going to reach out to the the Democrats then I need a third
hand.There's no way I'm letting go of my wallet or my gun while they're
around.")

 

I've done just exactly that in the past, with a steering rack in fact.
Typically the shop won't extend their usual warranty to you
(because their supplier actually pays for it), but many are willing to swap a
part for you at the price of the labor to do so. You have to find an
independent shop--the one I used was a Goodyear tire dealer with a
substantial repair business--more than just a quickie oil change
facility. If you're buying the part from a retailer who services such
shops, they can often recommend somebody to you. Pep
Boyz, Auto Zone, etc., are not such places.

If you buy the part from a reputable dealer who is used to servicing
professional mechanics, he might warranty the labor on a rebuilt part
directly to you; however you must make certain you understand the terms
and conditions completely. Often the warranty is very limited. It
really depends on their supplier.

IMO, a mechanic should profit from his labor, not parts, and that is why
the list of folks other than myself who are allowed to work on my
vehicles on my nickle is exceedingly short. A modest handling fee is
reasonable; a $300 profit isn't. Stay away from such places.

I'd be willing to bet that if you call enough repair shops, you will
find one that is more in line as far as the price of the part.

--Geoff

 

Just to let you know

I went to my local PepBoys

They quote $700.00 W/tax for a rack & pinion + labor.

I'll keep on looking.

But, this is a special case since I have a time to "shop around"

For usually a broken car can't be taken shop to shop, or even back home,
till repaired

As I could not do the last 3 times when I Loss my themostat, brake lines,
and waterpump/timeing belt miles away from home.

 

But, this is a special case since I have a time to "shop around"

'Tis why a well-informed consumer will use the yellow pages and call to
various shops without ever turning a wheel. Got a job you know needs doing?
Why drive to all of those places? Just call them up and say "I need a
steering rack changed out on a XXXXX, what would you charge? What would you
charge if I supplied the part?"

--Geoff

 

'Tis why a well-informed consumer will use the yellow pages and call to
various shops without ever turning a wheel

True, but, I find when I try, I either told "no price until we see it" or if
you do get a price and then bring the car in your told "sorry, there more to
do, so it will cost (much) more then I said on the phone."