Was told at my local Tires Plus that I had power steering fluid leaking and should replace the rack and pinion. That costs $645 +tax. Also told that Engine rear main seal was faulty and needed replacement, thats another $525 +tax. Are these prices reasonable or am I being ripped off? Would appreciate your suggestions.
Thanks Andy M - Tampa Bay
I'd get a second or even third opinion before blowing $1200 or so. Question is where the fluid is leaking from ... if its from the ends of the rack, then yes, the rack needs attention, but this usually only mean rack end seals, at about $15 each plus 2-3 hours labour. Even if the rack end bearings need replacing, that only $50 each including the seal.
The rack pinion is connected to the steering pump circuit with a couple of flexible hoses. These can leak after a few years. For a 96, this is the first thing to check. There's also a pipe on the rack that rusts and may have a pin hole leaking fluid. If its a pipe and/or hose, there's no need to replace the entire rack.
Engine rear main? Maybe, but again there are other sources of oil that drips down. There's a cover plate over the bottom half of the bell housing. Remove this and you can see the rear main seal cover, and if its really leaking, it will be obvious. There could be a leak from the rocker cover gasket (common) or cam seal.
So ... let Tires Plus do their thing with tires, and look in the yellow pages for a local Mitsubishi expert for another (and likely better, accurate and cheaper) opinion.
Stewart DIBBS
Thanks Stewart. I'm going to ask my local guy next door for an opinion and also go to a Mitsu expert (not dealer, don't trust them).
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