Furthermore, if your hose is leaking try replacing the hoses first and go from there. If it leaks change the leaking hose because from my hands on experience the rack and pinion ussually isn't the problem but when it is the whole unit needs to be replace and is not recommended for repair. Hoses on the other hand are a must.
Add trans fluid and change the hose
Michael Tires and the other stores with similar names is a national chain of auto service and repairs. They are not cheap and there is a reason. Do yourself a favor and get other estimates by local mechanics. Then you can make a choice. But what you ask is impossible to be answered online. From what I know, when a seal is shot a seal is shot and nothing will fix a shot seal except to replace it. As to what needs to be replaced or what needs to be repaired, only a trained mechanic can render an opinion. However, be advised, the nice people at Michael Tires are there to make money. I have had experience with the approach they use. I only use them in case of emergencies such as a weekend MUST repairs. Otherwise, I go somewhere else.
Replacing a rack and pinion is a labor intensive job. NOT one you want to try on your own. The seal kits are inexpensive (around $35) but you will need to remove the rack and pinion assy to install a seal kit. At a repair shop, removal and re-installation is about a six hour job. A rebuilt rack and pinion assy is about $250 or so. And you will need to have an alignment performed as well. Try shopping around at an independent repair shop. You may do better, but not by a great deal.
Replacing the rack is not that big a job. There are two attachment points beisde of course the tie-rods which must be disconnected, and there is a coupling to the steering wheel. After that it comes right out. It is of course a big messy job by most standards. I would not try to rebuild the rack. I would either buy a rebuilt or I would get a used one. There is also a seal on the pump motor that you replace. For the hose you could also use a used one but ideally this should be new.
Replace the high pressure power steering hose *first to see if that doesn't fix the problem. Never take the word of a brand X repair shop.
Where is it leaking from first of all? Than go from there. If it is the hose get that replaced. If it is the rack. Than get a rebuild or seal kit.
I would get a second opinion. See hat is exactly wrong and get it repaired. It still cheaper than getting another car.
No, just replacing the seals won't cure the problem, but there's no reason to replace your rack & pinion with all NEW parts. With 250k miles on it, your car is not going to last that much longer anyway.
Check local salvage yards to see if there are any used parts that would work to put a short-term fix on your problem and start saving your money for a newer car.
Get a second opinion. Thats way too much moola. Another shop may be able to salvage the PS system, like you say with a new hose and seal kit.
HI find a different shop.. you most likely with those miles just need to replace the high pressure hose not the whole rack.
good luck
tim
The clue is in the words 'High Pressure Hose' - it operates at a high pressure. No temporary fix is going to seal that
Ok so I have a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. I noticed that I have a terrible power steering fluid leak and im filling it up every 3 days. I took it to Michael Tires
Plus to have it checked out and they said that the rack & pinion was shot and so was the high pressure hose. They want $923 to fix it. It is an 01 with 250,000 miles on it, needs a paint job, front light replaced and a huge dent in the back door. so its really not worth putting almost a grand into it. my question is, will a seal kit fix the pronlem? could it be just the o rings or something? is the seal kit hard to install? Thanks
check hoses first if that's your leak replace if it's the rack itself try Lucas power steering or rack leak stop i have had good luck with this fixing or at least slowing down a leak.
nope the rack and pinion has to be replaced but 900 is too much the part is less than 200 I would charge about 375 for parts and labor
well time to shop for a another one, or get all repairs done at once. either way it will cost. I personally change my power steering / brake fluids every 8 months - car is still going and its original parts are fine ( car is 21 years old )
Maybe its time to dump it... Try another shop and see what they say. You might just need the hose.
