Power steering rack

[fliescher]

Is it hard to replace a power steering rack on a 2000 GC 3.3?
The power steering is leaking quite badly and the garagr wants to charge me ~ 900$ for installing a remanufactured one or ~1200$ for a new one (both 12/12 warranty). I am used to work with older cars a little bit, but I would like to know, how much effort it would take to replace it myself.
Anybody any experience with this?

Thanx
fliescher

[GTP Dad]

The rack is not hard to change but it will take time. You will need to disconnect the power steering lines, the tie rod ends steering column and then unbolt the rack from the van itself. One key is to get the van high enough to get under it to give you free access. Once you get the old one out reinstall the new one after you have everything connected you will need to flush the air out of both the rack itself and the power steering lines. After the installation is complete you will need to take it for an alignment.

What I suggest is that you purchase a shop manual that will give you complete directions on how to do everything. Don't do the job without it. The other thing would be to get an estimate from another garage as $900 seems a little high.

[glockuser]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

The rack is not hard to change but it will take time. You will need to disconnect the power steering lines, the tie rod ends steering column and then unbolt the rack from the van itself. One key is to get the van high enough to get under it to give you free access. Once you get the old one out reinstall the new one after you have everything connected you will need to flush the air out of both the rack itself and the power steering lines. After the installation is complete you will need to take it for an alignment.

What I suggest is that you purchase a shop manual that will give you complete directions on how to do everything. Don't do the job without it. The other thing would be to get an estimate from another garage as $900 seems a little high.

My 2002 Grand Caravan is in the shop RIGHT NOW having the rack replaced. My quote - $1300. This also includes changing a power steering line and doing the alignment. My first thought is that this is a lot of money to be spending but I guess this is the first major repair with over 75k miles.

[GTP Dad]

There are a lot of variables when it comes to repairs. Dealers usually have higher labor rates than most shops and have a reputation of charging more for parts than other repair shops. Of course the cost of parts also varies depending on where you purchase them. Also what other repairs are they going to make, like are they putting on new outer and inner tie rod ends and etc. As for your $1300 if that is your only repair in 75K miles that too bad.