anyone a mechanic

[SilverBirdSeven]

To make a long story short, I got my alignment fixed today and the guy told me I would need a whole new wheel mounting rack, something or other is leaking. I didnt really catch what the problem was because I was preoccupied by the fact that it would cost over $500 to fix. So does anyone have any ideas about fixing it or has anyone seen this problem before? Thanks.

[hockeyman]

He's probably talking about the rack-n-pinion. Ebay has them. Installation really isn't that hard if you have done basic mechanic work to your car(s). $500 PLUS dollars...I'd tell him to stick it!

Do you see the leak? If not, he's [img]graemlins/bs.gif[/img] 'ing you! If you do see a leak, it may just be a loose connection on a power steering line. A wrench works great for that problem! ;)

[ April 06, 2005, 10:05 PM: Message edited by: hockeyman ]

[SilverBirdSeven]

Sweet! Thanks for the link. I can deal with $65. I dont know why it costs so much to rebuild but assuming that one will work, I'm deffinately gonna get it.

[V6Bob]

"I dont know why it costs so much to rebuild"

Steering racks are one of many things that no one repairs anymore. Partly because manufacturers go for low production cost and don't make repairs easy or even possible. He was quoting you a price, parts and labor, for a new one.

[SilverBirdSeven]

Sorry I kinda worded that badly. He did say it was five something for a new one, then I asked him about just fixing it and it would be about the same. Your right though v6bob, apparently it isnt really something to be fixed.
I did look myself and couldnt find a leak, also the fluid was pretty full. I'm obviously not familiar with this type of thing but hopefully he was B.S.ing me.

[hockeyman]

Originally posted by SilverBirdSeven:
I did look myself and couldnt find a leak, also the fluid was pretty full. I'm obviously not familiar with this type of thing but hopefully he was B.S.ing me.

Save your money and put $500 towards some performance stuff. No leak visible anywhere, then it isn't broken. If you pass by him by again, ask him to show you the leak. Maybe he wasn't bs'ing you, but I think he was.

[zlexiss]

I wonder if the leak the mechanic saw was just some extra engine oil that spilled onto the rack and K-member when changing your oil filter sometime..

[nda0602v6]

Originally posted by zlexiss:
I wonder if the leak the mechanic saw was just some extra engine oil that spilled onto the rack and K-member when changing your oil filter sometime..

That's what I'm thinking.

[CamaroRob97]

Don't forget about inner tie-rods. Maybe thats the issue? If its not leaking and you see no problems then don't mess with it.