ESMsilver00SS

iTrader: (3)

Question for you guys, my girlfriends car (2000 V6 Formula auto, with 116K miles) needs some repairs and I'm going to try to do most if not all of the work. She had an estimate from an auto shop and they quoted her $2k (I think they are full of ****)

Here's the list of repairs they said the car needed.
Replace Power Steering Pump
Replace Steering Gear-complete assembly with transfer
of parts includes adjust gear but not check and adjust
toe-in
Replace Front Cover Seal of Front Crankshaft Seal
Replace Oil Pan Gasket

What would be the best way of diagnosing the problem and also the least expensive route to fix these issues? Yes, the car does leak oil and there is a small puddle when the car is parked. The power steering is also noisy as hell.

Thanks in advance!

waldershrek

iTrader: (1)

Steering gear? Are they talking about the rack or the steering linkage?

staringback05

iTrader: (8)

if the rack and pump need replacing thats about 4 hours...so around 300$ in labor...not sure of the labor on the oil gaskets...i think it could be done for around 1500

ESMsilver00SS

iTrader: (3)

Not sure, but I was going to start by replacing the pump.

ESMsilver00SS

iTrader: (3)

So how hard is it to change the power steering pump? If anyone has tips or suggestions I would appreciate it, I'm pretty sure I'm going to change it out myself.

GregAbell60143

There is probably power steering fluid leaking out of the end of one of the boots - the Rack and Pinion is shot - they can't be repaired without specialty tools. With shop rates what they are, that alone would probably cost you $800 or more. Then figure in the pump (at the shop - $100 at least). Then they probably have to drop the K member to change the oil pan gasket, and pull the Harmonic Balancer off to change the seal in the timing cover.

How much are you capable of doing yourself? Re-manufacturered Rack and Pinion units can be found for ~ $250. Pumps ~ $65. I'd change both hoses to be safe (you don't want any debris still in the system when everything else is new) ~ $80. The gasket and seal are pretty cheap, but labor intensive.

ESMsilver00SS

iTrader: (3)

I'm sure I can change the power steering pump, maybe the rack and pinion. Not even going to try the gaskets. I did get a quote today of $375 labor for the oil pan gasket and front cover gasket. I'm going to have her get a second opinion for sure.

Do you really think that the rack and pinion is bad?

staringback05

iTrader: (8)

if its leaking yes...if it pops yes....if you change the rack its good to change the pump because of the metal that can pollute the pump.....the steering knuckle and the lines will be the biggest PITA...

sevenstarsfall

iTrader: (2)

Heres some flat rate times for you:

Steering gear (rack) 3hrs
Steering pump: 2.5hrs
Alignment: 1hr
Oil Pan: 2.8hrs
Crank seal: 1hr

I forgot your girls car was a v6 but these times should be pretty close still.

ESM, the pump isnt hard just make sure you have a pulley installer/puller to transfer the old pulley to the new pump. I wouldnt change what I dont need, for example dont change the lines and rack just because you need a new pump....just my 2 cents