2001 Chrysler Sebring rack & pinion repair

ROBNORRELL

MEMBER
2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
121,000 MILES

Gentlemen -

This is the first time I have had a car that exceeded 100,000 miles. As a result, I am encountering repairs that I have never dealt with before. I just returned from the repair shop where I had the guys check my suspension, specifically my shocks and struts. I learned that my shocks and struts were fine, however, my problem was my rack & pinion steering. These guys gave me an estimated repair of just under $1000. A second opinion returned an estimate just over $1100, and my dealer was just south of $1400. First of all, do these charges seen legit, and second, on an 8 year old vehicle with over 120,000 miles, does it make sense to sink that kind of money into the car. I have already been tinkering with the idea of getting a new car anyway. Should this issue, "seal the deal"? Please help. Thanks!

3 Replies

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

First of all what is the problem you are having? Why is the rack bad? Leaking? Stiff steering? Let me know

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Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 AT 7:56 PM

ROBNORRELL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have not noticed any difference in the steering. The biggest thing I notice is a rather loud "thump" noise that seems to be coming from the wheel well, and more recently just beneath the floorboard by the gas pedal. The thump only happens as I hit the accelerator from a stopped position. The noise has to be pretty loud because I have started noticing people look over at me as I pull away.

I asked the guys at the repair shop today if this is caused by any problems with my power steering fluid. He says they did not notice any leaks.

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Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 AT 9:17 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

I have been doing this a long ime and for the life of me cant imagine how a power steering rack is causing your concern. Maybe its actually broken but I would imagine your steering wheel would be going crazy when this happens. I just got off the phone with my parts supplier to check pricing on rack and my cost is 239. There are several different options but I asked for the higher priced one. You have to consider a fair mark up price on the part because the shop has to stand behind the job. So maybe consider 400 for parts, 4 hours labor plus a alignment. In the boston area you could expect to pay around 700. I hope this helps. Keeping or selling the car is really a personal question you need to ask yourself. Are you happy with the car? Most cars I work on have over 100k miles, my truck has 300k on her and I wont give her up.

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Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008 AT 7:25 AM