dbui

Ok doing my oil change today, got under the car to lose the oil nut, so I look around to do the general inspections, I notice that on the driver side cv boot has some oil and dirt deposit slick so I take a closer look at the cv boot, it has been torn but still attach with the slash light I do further inspection look inside the torn cb boot there some oil leak inside quite a bit. So I took it to one of my mechanic so he can checks it out after his inspection he told me that to stop the oil leaking he needs to replace whole Pinions rack come with everything cv boots and all but it will run me about $800-$1000
Please advices?

Thanks

salimshah

Your post has me confused.

Are we talking about 1 problem or multiple problems or the terms being thrown around to confuse me.

CV boot ... Constant velocity boot ,,, there is inner and out cv joint. The boot keeps the moisture out and the grease inside. Once ripped, the grease is swung out of the rip. Transmission drives a shaft to the wheel and the inner cv is the flex joint near the transmission and the outer is near the wheel. Not too long ago I posted a DIY for doing the inner boot replacement. You can just to the boot ... more labor (mine was free) or replace the shaft (which comes with boot). You can buy a new Toyo/Lexus or most of the time people buy an after market, which can be refurbished.


Rack and pinion:
This is a steering component. This can develop a leak ... power steering fluid. It has bunch of seals and boots. It can be serviced (labor intensive) or you can buy new/refurbished.

Tell us which and maybe it is both.

Salim

dbui

salim,

it's both the Rack and pinion and the cv boot.

salimshah

for cv boot:
If you plan to keep you cv and shafts then replace the boot soon. Lexus sells a repair kit. I only replaced the inner ... and assumed the risk that the outer can fail soon. I decoupled the coupling and never removed the shaft from the transmission (which would have required me to replace the seal and re-fill transmission fluid). If you plan to replace, you can chug along till the cv joint is partially destroyed and starts clicking and creaking.

Steering rack:
No suggestions.

Overall price: If it includes labor and quality parts, the price does not seem bad. Make sure you replace the seal and clip if the shaft is pulled out.

Salim

CubFan22

I have a 1999 RX300 that has similar steering rack issues. After the car sat for 2 years i replaced the fan belt and this started at the same time. Sometimes when you turn the wheel while driving three inches either way the tires dont move.
the high priced mechanic in town wants 900 to replace the entire rack. He said the bushings are loose on the rack. the part is $600 and the labor 3 hours.
I called lexus dealer and they said most DIYers buy their gasket assembly kit (asking price $150) that replaces the bushings. Especially since there new rack is $1300. Anyone try installing this gasket assemly kit? Would the labor be more than 3 hours? What is the price of a refurbished rack?

Having a second mecanic look at it, said its usually a hose leaking and the bushings can be replaced normally without replacing the entire rack. Will report back. I am praying it just the belt tension needs tightening but I that is likely very wishful thinking.

CubFan22

Forgot to mention the power steering resevoir was bone dry indicating a leak . Refilled but didnt help problem.

CubFan22

I just recieved an online quote for A1 Cardone steering rack price was $242 new. Plus $150 core charge You can send your old one back for credit of $150. If you want the vendor PM me.