2000 Alero Rack and Pinion Leak

Hi - I'm a new user - found this site while trying to find out what I can do about my car - hopefully someone can help.

The front end is leaking power steering fluid badly. We took it to a mechanic and they tried putting a sealant inside - but that isn't working. They told me I can't just replace the seal, I have to replace the entire rack and pinion unit!!!!!!!!!!

They quoted GM price for the part at $1500 Canadian dollars for the unit with steering assist - as the original has. They quoted a non-assist unit at $500 Canadian. This price does not include labour. This sounds like a huge repair bill and I'm trying to find a lower cost alternative.

Does anyone know if you can just replace the seal or do these things only come as a complete unit? Any suggestions on what to do will be greatly appreciated - we are without the car until we decide what to do - I just don't really want to pay a couple thousand dollars just to get the car back on the road.

Help Please!!

Thanks in advance :)

Your best bet is to just replace the rack. Seals are available but then you have to pull and rebuilt it. My advice is to check around and see if it can be replaced cheaper. Either way it will be expensive but solving the problem is most important. Good luck.

Thank you tofast for your reply. I have done some researching. Lordco Auto Parts has the rack for $342. I phoned GM to see their price - $1400!!!!! Wow - are they ever ripping people off. Anyway, I'm going ahead with replacing the rack with the Lordco product.

Others beware of GM parts and service.

Check gmpartsdirect.com if you ever want anything GM...the stealerships and their parts departments rip everyone off. Stuff that I have looked at on there is always cheaper than the dealer even after taking the shipping costs into account.

Jeremy

You have to replace the rack, buy an aftermarket they are much cheaper than the dealer.

Check some junkyards in your area there is bound to be one somewhere
just make sure it wasn't hit in the front end. Also remeber that the malibu and the grand am are based on the same platform and may have
the same rack a good junkyard would know this.

I just had the rack and pinion an my wifes 2001 grand am ( pontiacs version of the Alero) I was quoted $1560. for a dealer part but my mechanic sold me an aftermarket for $390.
I was told that when they leak there is no solution but replacement.