I took my car ('97 civic ex) in for a standard service today, and the guy just called to say that the power steering rack is leaking fluid and will need replacing soon - and will cost $600 to replace. He said it was just wear and tear that caused it.

Is this right? It's never had any problems before.

How long can I continue driving it - would it be easier just to keep topping off the steering fluid?

Is $600 an accurate price or is he trying to rip me off?

Thanks for any help

 

depends on where its leaking from. you should be able to repair it no need to replace something if its leaking. a leak is an indication of 1 of 3 things. loose fittings/hoses, damaged seals/hoses, or some sort of physical damage to the rack. everything but damage to the rack is repairable.

 

Well I guess if he told me it needs replacing then it's unreparable - then again he could be full of crap, who knows... I'll ask him in more detail when I pick it up tomorrow.

 

never trust a mechanic unless its someone you personally know and have a history with is my advice. everyone loves to make an extra buck.

 

I just had the power steering rack go on one of my cars. One of the seals went bad, and there are no rebuild kits - you have to replace the whole rack.

The rack should be around $150-350
Labor to replace the rack $100
Then you have to get an alignment $60

It sucks. The leak is going to get worse, you should get it fixed soon.

 

I have the same problem too, I have a little leak coming from the passenger side and there is alot of play on the steering wheel. I'mma have to get it replaced too but wasn't sure how much it would've cost to do it.

 

if your in so cal i will do it at my shop for 280 and you take it in for alignment yourself ... i use only quality parts and will give a 1 year warrenty ... 600 is outrageous for a rack .....