I just had the Rack on the 92LS changed by the dealer along with the front control arms. Now the steering feels "too" soft. to the point where I dont even feel comfortable driving at high speed. what's wrong ? the lexus dealer's telling me that's how it should be. but it wasnt like this at all before they changed all the parts. more over the steering also has lost it's "tight" feeling where one would turn the steering a notch and the wheels would react. now i need to turn it twice as much to get the wheels to turn the same as before.I'm confused. Is there any adjustments on the rack that the tech hasnt done ? or could the new rack be bad ?
thanks for the replies in advance !

 

I have a leak at the Rack and Pinion and the dealer quoted me $1500 to replace it. Can you share with me how much you paid for the repair.

Thanks,

 

What is the result of a leak in the rack and pinion? Do you have to replace it? How are things different? Thanks.

 

i was quoted 1500 for parts/labor as well.

 

My local Toyota replaced mine about three years ago for $330. I knew at the time that was a great price.

 

jmblimo, I find it hard to believe that this repair was only $330, book labor alone is nearly that much. You're probably talking about something else, not the entire rack and pinion assembly.

I just got my rack assembly replaced and I certainly did not pay $1500 for it!!! I have an independent mechanic who does all my repairs, no dealer labor prices. I ended up paying $541 for the rack assembly plus 4 hours of labor @ $60, so $781 total. That's a big price break! Yes it did take a little more time, but I did save over $700 using this route vs. doing the repair at the dealer.

 

I'd driven our '85 Cressida with a leaking rack and pinion and except for the loss of fluid, it felt much the same. In similar too when the PS pump was leaking a bit. Granted after the new unit was in it felt quite responsive but they also replaced the rack bushings. From Toyota a new rack and labor was about $1,100. Some years back.

Does the steering wheel return to center? Is there excessive steering wheel play?

 

I add oil once every 6 months as a result of the leak, no other symptoms. That is why I am reluctant to fix it at this time.

 

Granted this may not apply to the Lexus...when the bushings on the Cressida started to wear, it developed some slop in the steering. The wheel didn't return to center and it would take a bit more turning to initiate steering response. I would suspect there may be some air in the system if all else appears fine.

 

RA40,
you're right about the "slop" in the steering feel. however the wheels do return to the center. when you mentioned air in the system ? where exactly would this air be ? inside the rack ?
i plan on going to the dealer next week to talk to the tech. and i want to make sure i ask him all the right questions and have him look at it.
thanks again for everyone's response !

 

I have to add steering fluid twice a month (LS400, 150K miles), and my dealer isn't interested in repair the unit. Fixing it is a matter of replacing the seals, but it's labor intensive. Replacing the whole unit is expensive and unneccessary.
tvd51

 

I forgot to say; I didn't notice that the feel of the steering changed at all after replacing the rack.

 

I just re-read your initial post, twice as much input to steer the car. After 10 years, I would suspect that one or both of the grommets that hold the rack may be worn but not obvious on a visual inspection. If these are the original ones, I would suggest having them replaced. The new rack may have a slightly smaller diameter and the rubebr possibly hard at this stage will not hold it adequately allowing it to move ever so slightly.

 

Whenever you have a p/s leak, always get a second opinion whether it be from the dealer or independant mech. When I had my '89 Cressida my pressure hose was leaking, it cost about $100+ or more for the part plus labor no more than $250. My '95 LS400 has the same problem, I've gotten 2 quotes ($265 & $ 325) for the part. I never really heard of the rack leaking like that.