repairing rack and pinion

[xxdjstriderxx]

Hi guys, I dont know much about the prices of car parts or repairs so I thought maybe someone could help me out. A few mechanics and friends told me that my rack and pinion needs repairs. Its makes a clicking/cranking noise when I turn the steering wheel all the way, or near all the way. A friend of a friend's shop said he would fix it all for me including parts, labor, etc. all for $250. Is this a decent price for this work? Too expensive or a good deal? Id appreciate any input, thanks.

btw i have a 91 coupe if that helps any =)

[xung]

I really can't tell what's wrong from the description. It could be the rack; it might just need a PS flush; it might be something like the swing arms or rack boots. Whether the price is fair depends on what work gets done.

The cheapest rack from auto zone goes for $170. They can go up to the $300 range. Mechanics usually charge $70~$80/hr of labour. If he plans to swap out the rack, then it is fair if not generous that he is charging only an hour of labour and no mark up on part and no diagnosis fee. If he's planning to swap in a used rack, then the rack is probably around $100 and he's charging two hours of labour which is also pretty fair. It's hard to say how long it should take, swapping the rack can be really difficult on some cars or relatively easy on other models.

[xxdjstriderxx]

Thanks a lot for the input, I brang my car to the shop today. Im not even honestly sure if he is going to put in a used one or a new one. The owner of the shop is a family friend so im pretty sure he wouldnt rip me off, I just wanted to get some input on the prices for the repairs and labor. Sounds like I got a decent deal, it was really pi**ing me off because I would be afraid to turn my wheel too hard when cornering, busting a b**ch or doing a turnabout.

[SR22DET]

i know this is kinda probably too late but i just replaced my rack and pinion too, my dad works in a shop so i got it for $125 and we did the work ourselves within like 30 minutes-not joking, then-again we did have a lift... good luck

[xung]

So wait a minute, shops get discounts on parts?!?!? Every time some thing weird fails and I need some exotic part, they start calling up the car parts stores and quote me the store price. Is there a store to shop discount going on behind the scenes there?

[xxdjstriderxx]

woo-hoo!! got my car back...no more odd noises when turning the steering wheel. Although I did notice when im going straight, my steering wheel is turned slightly to the left. I would guess this is my f**ked up alignment, which im going to get done next. As for shop to store discounts, im sure they exist because the shop probably buys parts all the time.

[SR22DET]

shops usually get hook-ups from companies because of their reputations and consistancy with buying products from only that source(company)