Steering problems on 01 Impala

[Calsonic180]

I noticed that my 2001 Impala w/76k miles had some steering vibrations and usually made a really loud whine while cornering. So I took his Impala to the shop and this is the estimate.

- 2 Bearing - $437 each + $69 labor = $1,012
- Rack and Pinion - $722 + $291 labor = $1,013
- Serpentine Belt - $54 + $45 labor = $99

Total Estimate = $2,125 plus tax

Does this sound about right? I'm only 22 years old and $2,125 is a lot of money, it will take me several weeks of paychecks for me to save up that kind of money. Should I save up the money and fix the car or would I be better off selling the car "as is" and buying a cheaper car? Your advice is much appreciated.

[maxwedge]

Get it to a 2cnd shop for a back up estimate, the rack price is way too high even for a factory oe exchange unit, the problem is what? it was leaking? What are 2 bearings, ft wheel bearings?

[Calsonic180]

Sorry I wasn't specific. Bearings means both front wheel bearings. I found out from the shop mechanics that the rack and pinion is leaking which explains why my power steering fluid was low earlier this week.

Seems like this car is worth about $5-6k with the problems fix. I paid about $12k for the car less than 2 years ago and I still owe the bank about $6k.

[BNaylor]

You are getting ripped off on all parts but the labor sounds reasonable.

I agree with Max, look for other repair shops that are reasonable. The other option is to buy the parts yourself and have a shop install if you are not DIY capable.

[Gems]

The serpentine belt is an easy job to do yourself... You just need the right size socket (15mm, I think, maybe 10mm, I don't remember) and a long handle for some decent leverage... Then you just use it to rotate the tensioner pully and remove the old belt and install the new one... Two people make it easier... One to rotate and hold the pully and the other to remove and replace the belt...

Check your power steering pump also... I had those kind of whining sounds when turning and it was a bad pump... It was changed for no charge under the GMPP that I bought with the car... Plus the intermediate steering shaft...

[boyinshirt]

Originally Posted by Calsonic180

- Serpentine Belt - $54 + $45 labor = $99

.

http://impalahq.com/HowTo/DriveBelt.html

brings your new estimate to about $2000 + tax.

Well it saves you $100, better than nothing.

[bermis519]

I had the rack and pinion thing replaced on my car and only costed around 350 bucks. The bearings, are ridiculous, i dont' know if you can just pull the hub and replace the bearings or if you have to replace the whole thing. The serpentine belt is easy to do, and it will only cost you like 35 bucks for the belt. With all that is being done it shouldn't cost over 2 grand. Sounds to me like you went to the dealership to have the work done. Try going to a small reputable mechanic and get an estimate.

What is wrong with the rack and pinion that it needs to be replaced???? Mine was replaced simply because it was leaking, and no performance loss. It was fixed 50/50 under warranty