Leaky boots

SSVPom · 28-04-2009, 10:30 PM

Ok, so looking at getting the car road worthy'd soonish to put on the market again, and took it to my mechanic to get a couple of things checked out... turns out we need a new power steering rack, as it's dripping fluid and will not pass the RWC.

Been quoted the following, I would appreciate it anyone can put their 2cents worth in regarding this :

$450 for reco steering rack
$265 labour
$50 front end alignment (recommended)
$82 'power steering service' including flushing all lines, reservoir, new fluid blah blah blah
$847 all up

What do you knowledgeable people think ??

superroo · 28-04-2009, 10:48 PM

No way. When I did mine a year ago it was

$220 for reco rack
$132 labor
$33 wheel alignment

$385 total

That was over my side of the city though, Prestige Power Steering. But it only took half a day to do so not to bad of a wait.

Make sure the rack comes with a warranty too. Mines got a 24month/40,000km warranty, and it needed to be replaced as it started to leak.

Cheers

GK · 29-04-2009, 12:53 AM

Last time I had one done Andy, it was about $350 installed for a reco rack, with the alignment.

They're overcharging by a large amount. Ring for another quote elsewhere. You could try where I've had both mine done. Not sure what they'd charge these days, but well worth the call I'd say. Even though it's a way from your place, getting a competitive quote would be handy.

Prestige Auto Venue
45 Charles St, Coburg North, VIC, 3058
Phone Number: (03) 93542962

Cheers,

GK

superroo · 29-04-2009, 01:02 AM

Should of said mine was in thomastown if that helps, but it's still a fair way off from you.

Seams like you being charged double what you should be.

Cheers

GK · 29-04-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superroo

Should of said mine was in thomastown if that helps, but it's still a fair way off from you.

Seams like you being charged double what you should be.

Cheers

Andy, Roo's bloke is about the same money (my guy could be dearer by now) and is closer to you.

Perhaps give him a go.

Cheers,

GK

blueoval · 29-04-2009, 12:10 PM

I think I up for a similar problem. Good to know what the going rate is so when I get mine checked out Im not getting ripped off

SSVPom · 29-04-2009, 09:21 PM

Thanks George and 'Roo... glad to hear some more reasonable prices...

There's no way I'd pay the $800+, but it's interesting acting like the innocent motorist to get quotes and then laughing later on at how much they are !

Will suss out exactly what else I need to do - and also the situation on the Fords replacement, and then start the ring around.

Cheers,
Andy

mik · 29-04-2009, 11:26 PM

i reckon you should get the system flush automaticly and if it was`nt done they did you a dis service imo!, an alignment is mandatory, your quote Fairmontpom does look a little high though, they have loaded a couple of hundred on the rack at the very least $150, i did reco my own rack the year before last (pain in the posterior), from Bayford`s a (Bayfords have their own dedicated power steering section(coburg) so should`nt leak after installed) reco rack was about $250.00 ....$450 seems a bit exorbitant, the $82 dollars to flush the system ...hydraulic oil ain`t cheap, beware a cheap job is not always a good job.

blueoval · 30-04-2009, 01:24 PM

Well i just had my car in for a $14 28pt safety check thru pedder's just to see if they could find out what the knocking noise is coming from my front end was.

Apparently they couldnt pin point the exact cause of the issue.

But they did find the following which could be contributing to the noise:

Rack Mount bolts loose (they tightened for now)
Possible suspect seized LHS rack end
Leaking Steering rack LHD rack boot leak
Sub frame bolts loose on both side. (they tightened for free)
Lower ball joints are worn on both sides
Rear Upper & Lower trailing arm bushes loose.

They went over the car for nearly 2 hours tightening things up where they could. When I left I did notice the car wasn't making as many noises as it was and it felt tighter to drive, but the knock was still there although not as prominent.

All up the fee structure to supply and fit the above work goes like this:

Ball Joints - $128
Steering Rack & pinion - $440
R&R Trailing arm bushes - $490
Fitting Labour - $550
Wheel Align - $55
Workshop consumables - $10
GST - $152.10

Total - $1673

Anyone think these prices are acceptable???

Erich · 30-04-2009, 02:06 PM

lol - no

The trailing arms at that price would be change over I would say

Recond rec would be a lot cheaper

blueoval · 30-04-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erich

lol - no

The trailing arms at that price would be change over I would say

Recond rec would be a lot cheaper

i reckon too. A mate who is a qualified mechanic is gonna look at areas to save me cash.

Erich · 30-04-2009, 03:53 PM

Im a mechanic but I dont like to get my hands dirty anymore - IT is more fun ;)

I have a mechanic friend in Trott Park who does my work, if you want details, will let you know

Ball Joints are to expensive, as is the rack and pinion. I recon approx $400 for both is right). A front end Align should only be $40 = $45 and if you cant get that done in 5 hrs (@ $75 per hr = $375) then you shouldnt be working on cars. Either that or your sticking to the book times and thats why charges are like this!

blueoval · 30-04-2009, 03:57 PM

Thanks Erich. Appreciate your input. Hmm Mount Compass hey? My mate lives there too. Nice spot.

Back on topic. Should my mechanic buddy fall thru, I will contact you for further info.

Erich · 30-04-2009, 04:38 PM

np

I see you got that K&N Panel filter on EBAY :P

PM me if ya headin up to Compass - will give ya me details ;)

blueoval · 01-05-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erich

np

I see you got that K&N Panel filter on EBAY :P

PM me if ya headin up to Compass - will give ya me details ;)

I dont use ebay mate. Must be someone else.

re: compass, for sure. I usually go there to grab pepper steaks from the local butcher. But mym mate lives there and I visit him and his mrs at the same time.