JCC511

Firestone recommended rack & pinion work and states:

Rack & pinion
*rack leaking and play in outer tie rods*
311-0154 rack&pinion $449.99(parts)
remove & replace steering gear $360(labor)
(complete)
*replace tie rod &/or ends - each $12(labor)
ES3306 tie rod end $105.99(parts)
$1045.97 total

What is your recommendation?

PFB

Sounds expensive, and you may not need all this work. Are they quoting you original Lexus parts or aftermarket?

Get a second opinion from a garage that knows and works on Toyotas/Lexus, and which is recommended.

Don't forget a wheel alignment.

JCC511

Thank you. I will have to see what I can find. I know there are some around that specialize in various Japanese manufacturers. There was quite a list of other things too, but an alignment would be last after the suspension work is done.

PFB

Alignment should be included in the Quote.

Why do they want replace the Rack and Pinion? Is it leaking?

JCC511

They say it is leaking and that there is play in the tie rod ends.

PFB

Are you loosing any power steering fluid?

JCC511

Not that I have seen on the ground or anything. It squeaks a little first thing in the morning, but is fine once it warms up.

PFB

The squeak could well be just a worn or loose power steering belt. Definitely get a second opinion on the rack and pinion, especially that you say that you don't see any leaks, and I assume that you're not low on power steering fluid.

JCC511

I will have to check the fluid. I just know I have not seen any on the ground. Maybe it is not a very big leak. It makes sense that maybe it leaks a little to cause the squeak and then the seals warm up during operation. I would say it is not a belt squeak. The squeak is only when first turning the wheel in the morning after getting going.

Second opinions are always good.

DRACO A5OG

The loose tie rods can also be the rack's bushing has worn out, our gen has only 1 on the driver side.

Easy enough to change. Raise her, loosen sway bar drop links, , turn up the sway bar, then remove bolt, swap bushing and put back together then go align it, Heck it may straighten out on it's own with this repair

JCC511

Would this apply to the inner and outer tie rods?

DRACO A5OG

Did you check for yourself or taking the shops word for it?

Inner and Outer? There is only one tie rod on each side, if they mean the connections, I can not see the inner connection coming loose unless it was worked on in the past and PO did not torque it correctly. Again Outer tie rod is threaded on too so if loose, it just needs to be tightened. If the outer tie rod end bushing is ripped and leaking grease, then yes that one should be swapped out.

Again, if I were you, I would get a second opinion or look for yourself.

Your situation reminds me of when a shop told me me I was leaking radiator fluid in my air cooled 911. Excuse me?

JCC511

I plan on doing the work myself. There is a lot of noise up front.

DRACO A5OG

The raise the front end safely, pull and push the tire to see if you can tell which component failed. it should be pretty evident.

JCC511

Are you saying I may just have to replace or repack the inner and outer tie rod ends? I am fine with doing that if it is more cost effective and all that is needed.