LexusLooza

Ok - so I just got my rack and pin replaced on my 2004 RX330. I bought it from Ebay (toyota highlander) and had it placed by a local mechanic.
I pick up the car and noticed when I drive straight, the steering wheel is turned 25deg to the left.
Is this an alignment problem or was the Rack and Pin mis-installed? Thanks for any advice...

RX330inFL

Not so much an alignment problem, assuming it was aligned when done, as it is a problem where the steering wheel was not centered before the alignment itself. Your mechanic was a bit sloppy and should correct this for you at no charge. From Click and Clack:

http://www.cartalk.com/content/today...ht-go-straight

AtlRx350

Just coming here to say "me too". 2008 RX 350, 71,000 miles, power steering rack went out and is costing $1460 to replace. Plan for the extra expense if you're buying one of these with mileage around 60-75k.

jer

I too had mine repaired at around 60k the end of last year. I then called Lexus Corporate and asked if there was anything they could do, acknowledging the vehicle was 10 years old but with low mileage. After a couple of weeks I heard back and they gave me a $700 credit to use for future repairs on my RX. This was one of the reasons I picked up a '14. Looked at a Q5 but if something like that happened I don't think Audi would be so accommodating.

Henry1492

My 2007 RX350 had about 68k miles when I bought it. I brought it to a local mechanic and he confirmed the rack (and struts) were leaking.

I believe they were quoting me about $1500 for the rack and $1200 for all the struts.

I brought it back to Carmax (within the 30 day period) and they replaced everything. Probably saved about $2700.

Recently went to the Lexus dealer for a "once over" and asked the service coordinator what kind of issues they have with the 2007 RX350. She said, occasionally rack and pinion.

Agreed, Known problem.

lylou2h1a1

I have the same issue with my 2007 RX350 with 97,000 miles. Dealer found torn boot wants $1,700 to replace entire steering rack.

I checked with my local BrakeMasters, and they confirmed the rack is shot/leaking steering fluid.

I found a new steering rack on e-Bay and RockAuto for $254 delivered with 1 year warranty, and BrakeMasters wants $450 to install and align, so I'm going that way, saves $1,000!

I'll let you know how it goes.

JorgeGVB

My power steering rack had a leak when it was under warranty and it was replaced for free.

mrfsheldon

I have a 2008 IS250 and the power steering just stopped in my yard-it does have 172,000 miles on it with few major repairs. I have brought it to 2 mechanics and both say they cannot work on it because Lexus and they feel like they will not be able to fix it.
So I have to have it towed to the nearest dealership to get fixed. one mechanic said bring to them but they have not working on this particular thing with Lexus and now because of being at two different places, I am compelled to bring it back to dealership knowing it will cost to fix.
I will keep you posted...I am hoping for the best wish me luck!

gt1209

Mine is leaking as well. Lexus quoted $1,500. I plan to monitor the power steering fluid level. About 67k miles on an 09.

80es300

My local mechanic once told me (when I almost bought a used 2008 rx350) that it is not always required to change the whole rack. He said it was a common problem and he would usually change the boot and re-align for about $250. So you can pursue that option

mrfsheldon

Now Lexus says it's the ECU, they have to reprogram so they have to order and install. They are saying a bunch of other things...I just had 2 mechanics look underneath with no complaints of leaking...saying my axle is leaking along with my oil pan. Geez they want 6000 to fix. Crazy expensive. Having other mechanic do other work that does not need Lexus mechanism. They also think the rack and pinion might be out as well but are not sure until they get power to it and we will see...
Nothing leading up to this massive expense. They wanted to give me $500 to trade in my car . Needless to say...I told them just fix the ECU. stupidity at its best
..pay for premium only to get it charged premium to fix. I may consider another brand at my next purchase.

80es300

Man... whatever happened to Lexus quality. $500 trade in for a 2008 IS
I want to hold on to my 98 es300 even more now.

evident

lol what? I'll give you $750 for your 2008 IS

gt1209

That's interesting. I'll ask around. Thanks.

Ouch... Good luck. I had a Toyota Avalon (model year 95) from 2001 - 2011 and didn't have big ticket items to fix until 2011 with 230k on it. It would of cost me around $2,000 to fix everything. Your mileage is getting up there though.

Weird thing is I also got a $500 offer from a mechanic on my car as is. Sold it to a doctor instead.

mrfsheldon

So it costs $1300 to fix ECU, and it's golden...no I didn't take the $500...sheesh. runs just fine. Time to reconsider my options with lexus. The customer service is questionable at best.