Celica steering pump and rack replacemnt cost?

[Malibu67]

My 1987 Celica has been making a "humm" like noise the first time I turn when driving in the morning. My local auto shop said the power steering fluid was really low, and with further inspection he found the steering pump was leaking and the steering rack needs to be replaced. He quoted $696 for the pump, and $732 for the rack! Is this a fair cost for these services? If the pump is leaking, why would the rack have to be replaced?

[jtson]

I have a 90 celica that I believe needs a new ps pump too because I have no power steering what so ever right now. If I remember right the pump at my local advance auto is about $80. I read on how to replace the pump in a chilton's book I bought. You have to raise the car, take off the under cover and passenger front wheel just to get to it, in my celica anyways and I am assuming they didnt change much in 3 years. The question is do you trust the mechanic or tech who gave you the quote? There are mechanics who do repairs in their garages in every city and are cheaper than shops. One way people advertise is on crigs list. Another is to go to local parts stores and ask for recomnedations for individuals who use their comercial sales. I hope this helps.

[Malibu67]

Thanks- good to know. I don't have the equiptment to do it myself, but the shop where I am going for the repair has a lot of good feedback for being priced fair and honest. The owner Matt dosen't talk to me like, "oh your a girl so you wouldn't know what I am talking about". My Celica has less than 9,000 miles so hopefully this will be a worthy repair.