Steering gear

[glassbrain]

Hi guys, been lurking here for a couple years now and I finally have something to ask.. I have a bushing torn on the steering gear, and it seems to be leaking as well. I took it into the local shop, and the quote I got was over 4.5 hours labour, and 700$ for the complete assembly.. coming to a total of 1200$ CDN.

Does this seem high? I had a look and I really doubt I could do this on my own.

Advice, anyone?lurk.gif

 

[kj924]

First off...(welcome)

Now, what exactly is leaking...the rack and opinion? Yeah $1200 bones is somewhat expensive. Take it to several places for estimates first before laying out that kind of loot.

 

[glassbrain]

Uhhh, well its hard to tell as thanks to Mr. Lube I have engine oil covering everything below the filter. But there was a drop of oil hanging on the left boot. Had to top up my PS fluid a little on Thursday, don't have any noticeable drips in my carport. I also found a piece of (I assume) the bushing for the mount on my skidplate when I took it off, the mount beside the intermediate column is poking out the side.

 

[Simpleman]

It may not even be your steering rack that is leaking. It may be coming from the Power Steering Pump hose which are notorious for leaking, and it is dripping down onto the boot giving it the appearance of a rack leak. If it just the hose I would not worry to much about it. I have been driving with mine leaking for a couple of years. Does your jeep have any steering problems like hard to turn the wheel or is your wheels wobbling while driving?

 

[glassbrain]

I will give my hoses a good look over.

No, no trouble turning - little whining when turning, but no stiffness. Wheels wobble very ocassionally at lower speeds, I just figured it was tire wear.

 

[tjkj2002]

4.5 hours to change the R&P is right,plus you will need a alignment.

It is very common for PS prssure hoses on a KJ to leak,it's also very common for Chrysler R&P's to leak(all makes and models).Throw some UV dye in the PS fluid and drive for a couple of days then use a black light/UV light to spot the source of the leak.

 

[glassbrain]

Hey thanks for your responses guys!

If it needs a new assembly, should I go with a new one, or is reman. okay?

 

[LibertyTC]

Phone dealer and ask them how much a new rack & Pinion is, then you will know.
If it only leaking a small amount just keep the power steering reservoir topped with ATF+4 transmission fluid (that is what it takes) and continue to check a few shops for quotes.
It is easier to see where the leak is coming from if, a good de-greaser is used and area is dried. After it is dried a good shop should be able to use a chemical florescent tracer and utilize a black light to find exact location of leak if it is not obvious.
Well priced Parts other than entire rack, at Morris 4x4 for hoses etc:
http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-steering-parts/liberty-kj.htm