As I brought up in a previous post to another forum member, my 04 XJ was diagnosed earlier today as being in need of a rack & pinion replacement. Power steering leak led to the discovery.

To keep things brief, I quickly eliminated the dealer as an affordable option ($2275 without labor, taxes, etc.,) and began an online search for affordable alternatives.

What I'm finding are reman units in the $400-700 price range on ebay and the like. I've not delved further into the search as of yet so I am open to advice from other members in regards to affordable alternative areas to search/purchase from. Anyone have one lying around?? Also, what other steps are needed in replacement (if any) besides a direct swap of the old to the new?

A local shop has quoted me $150 labor, which I feel is more than fair but I also want to make certain that no special tricks or secrets exist in regards to replacement. Don't need a costly mistake made along the way.

Also, any particular vendors to avoid in purchasing one?

Many thanks.

 

I'm looking for one as well. How did you make out?

 

Hello there!

Well, I took the economical and sensible route by hitting eBay and searching for the same rack the dealer wanted to charge over $2k for. Ended up finding a Cardone rack in Dallas (this is a fully reman unit, top quality) for $379 shipped!!

I had a local shop that I trust do the installation (which is fairly simple pertaining to installing a steering rack) for $150, then had an alignment performed and all is back to normal now, with the clock approaching 118k.

For roughly $600 I solved my problem, alignment included and saved thousands. I wish you the same luck in your endeavor and if I can be of further assistance, feel free to gimme a shout.

Please keep me posted....

 

Coventry West has inner tie rods for 60.00. I'm not doing the work so I'll check with the shop that is and see how they feel about changing the ends out.

 

Thanks for the information.
I changed my power steering fluid at 50,000 km. And I'm about to change it again... at 170,000. I'm ol' fashioned and hope these changes save me from the pain you've endured.
Hmmm, should I/we/someone compose a maintenance schedule that actually works;-)

 

This is my way of dealing with it. I empty and refill the PS reservoir with synthetic ATF about every 6 months. I do this on all my cars. I feel this will keep the fluid fresh and make the rack last. Can't hurt anyway and just takes a few minutes with a turkey baster.