LH Steering Problem - Part 2

Where do you live? Try getting quotes from aftermarket repair shops like Pep Boys or Midas.

Consult the appendix portion of either of the same manuals used for DIY Dentistry, or DIY Neurosurgery. Apply the same principles as they use, and you'll be fine.

Otherwise, you'll have to move to a good, successful socialist country, where the govenment shares your problems, and sit back and wait your turn. There's a guy here named Ted, a self-described expert on matters of this nature, who can offer other suggestions, too.

God Bless, Dan'L

("If I'm going to reach out to the the Democrats then I need a third hand.There's no way I'm letting go of my wallet or my gun while they're around.")

I've done just exactly that in the past, with a steering rack in fact. Typically the shop won't extend their usual warranty to you (because their supplier actually pays for it), but many are willing to swap a part for you at the price of the labor to do so. You have to find an independent shop--the one I used was a Goodyear tire dealer with a substantial repair business--more than just a quickie oil change facility. If you're buying the part from a retailer who services such shops, they can often recommend somebody to you. Pep Boyz, Auto Zone, etc., are not such places.

If you buy the part from a reputable dealer who is used to servicing professional mechanics, he might warranty the labor on a rebuilt part directly to you; however you must make certain you understand the terms and conditions completely. Often the warranty is very limited. It really depends on their supplier.

IMO, a mechanic should profit from his labor, not parts, and that is why the list of folks other than myself who are allowed to work on my vehicles on my nickle is exceedingly short. A modest handling fee is reasonable; a $300 profit isn't. Stay away from such places.

I'd be willing to bet that if you call enough repair shops, you will find one that is more in line as far as the price of the part.

--Geoff

Just to let you know

I went to my local PepBoys

They quote $700.00 W/tax for a rack & pinion + labor.

I'll keep on looking.

But, this is a special case since I have a time to "shop around"

For usually a broken car can't be taken shop to shop, or even back home, till repaired

As I could not do the last 3 times when I Loss my themostat, brake lines, and waterpump/timeing belt miles away from home.

'Tis why a well-informed consumer will use the yellow pages and call to various shops without ever turning a wheel. Got a job you know needs doing? Why drive to all of those places? Just call them up and say "I need a steering rack changed out on a XXXXX, what would you charge? What would you charge if I supplied the part?"

--Geoff

various shops without ever turning a wheel

True, but, I find when I try, I either told "no price until we see it" or if you do get a price and then bring the car in your told "sorry, there more to do, so it will cost (much) more then I said on the phone."