Posted: 2/20/2017 6:10:26 PM EDT
While I do possess a certain set of skills, admittedly I'm not a mechanic 
Need to know what a fair price to pay for: 1.) new OE spec'ed Power steering rack 2.) install of the new power steering rack 3.) install of power steering pump (pump already bought just need it installed) 4.) alignment ....for a 2003 Honda Accord V6 / automatic ? Honda Dealer quoting 7.2 hours labor = 5.7hrs for the rack + 1.5hrs for the pump |
| You can do this yourself easily in my opinion. As far as alignment, count the number of turns the tie rod ends are turned out of the old rack. Then install them the same number on the new rack. If you are worried about it measure the distance from one tire to the other after installation. Get the distance on the front side of the tire and the back side to match by adjusting the tie rod ends in or out. Look up the spec to be sure it's gtg before you go messing with the adjustment as it will be pretty close if you follow this procedure. |
|
There's a great forum with a great thread about this kind of stuff (get ready for it) Cars and Bikes forum.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_1/134_Cars-andamp--Bikes.html The thread? "Friends, Romans, fellow wrench turners, this is your thread." http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_134/726714_Friends--Romans--fellow-wrench-turners--this-is-your-thread-.html You're welcome. 
|
|
V6 in fwd config means the subframe likely needs to be dropped or engine lifted up to slip the rack out. If that's the case 6 hours sounds very reasonable.
What's the hourly rate and what are they asking for the rack itself? Eta: saw the quoted price on the rack. That's a lot but not out of line for a dealer. |
|
Honda pumps don't go out that often. The problem is usually a $1.00 o-ring at the pressure hose connection to the pump. I do these for free for most customers because if they watch me change it, I'd feel like shit for charging them any money. It takes 10 seconds and if it's being difficult, it may take as long as 20 seconds. I doubt your pump is bad, I think the dealer may be adding this part on as an extra. In the rare event that your pump actually is bad, then your rack may be fine because it's rare for them to both go out at the same time unless the pump is bad and the rack is leaking.
As for the rack, I've installed aftermarket units before and the ones from Autozone/Oreilly/Pep Boys (these 3 companies use the same parts, hence the same part numbers) are usually junk with high return rates. AC Delco makes a rack which is pretty good and so does a company called Detroit Axle. These racks are usually under $300. The labor on your car is 3.1 hours and a good mechanic can knock it out in about 45 minutes not including the alignment. If I were you, I'd call various mom & pop shops asking for a quote for just the rack only, then have them change the PS Pump o-ring. Before changing the rack, you should have them flush the pump so you don't contaminate the new rack with any debris that may be left over. |
|
Quoted:
While I do possess a certain set of skills, admittedly I'm not a mechanic
Need to know what a fair price to pay for: 1.) new OE spec'ed Power steering rack 2.) install of the new power steering rack 3.) install of power steering pump (pump already bought just need it installed) 4.) alignment ....for a 2003 Honda Accord V6 / automatic ? Honda Dealer quoting 7.2 hours labor = 5.7hrs for the rack + 1.5hrs for the pump 1.5 hours is about right for replacing a power steering pump on a 1995 GMC sierra in a barn. Now they have a lift, air tools, and aren't looking for dropped sockets in the straw. On the other hand, your 2003 Accord is FWD IIRC, so it is about a wash. I have never replaced a power steering rack, but since they gave you a honest quote on the power steering pump, I am inclined to believe them. |
|
Quoted:
You can do this yourself easily in my opinion. As far as alignment, count the number of turns the tie rod ends are turned out of the old rack. Then install them the same number on the new rack. If you are worried about it measure the distance from one tire to the other after installation. Get the distance on the front side of the tire and the back side to match by adjusting the tie rod ends in or out. Look up the spec to be sure it's gtg before you go messing with the adjustment as it will be pretty close if you follow this procedure. Quoted:
You can do this yourself easily in my opinion. As far as alignment, count the number of turns the tie rod ends are turned out of the old rack. Then install them the same number on the new rack. If you are worried about it measure the distance from one tire to the other after installation. Get the distance on the front side of the tire and the back side to match by adjusting the tie rod ends in or out. Look up the spec to be sure it's gtg before you go messing with the adjustment as it will be pretty close if you follow this procedure. It's my son's car so I'm just trying to make sure he doesn't get screwed. But one thing I can assure you, I won't be attempting this job myself  I'm pretty much car-tarded when it comes to wrenching on vehicles.
Quoted:
SWAG, they want about $1600? (factory racks about 500 then 7.2 hours at 150 an hour.) its not TOO out of line. The Honda dealer quoted in the $1,400 + tax range for the Bennett OE spec'd rack. I called Tuffy and got a quote for $1101 OTD. Then I called Honda back and told them to match it if they want the business (since the vehicle is already there). They agreed, so I just wanted to make sure $1100 was a fair shake for the scope of the job. Quoted:
There's a great forum with a great thread about this kind of stuff (get ready for it) Cars and Bikes forum. http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_1/134_Cars-andamp--Bikes.html The thread? "Friends, Romans, fellow wrench turners, this is your thread." http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_134/726714_Friends--Romans--fellow-wrench-turners--this-is-your-thread-.html You're welcome. Thanks man! Didn't even know that sub-forum existed.  I'm always finding new sections now that I finally bought a membership. Found BOTD last week lol
|
|
Quoted:
$1100-1400 for the rack alone? $524.50, OEM honda rack. For 2003 coupe. https://www.hondapartsdirect.com/oem-parts/honda-rack-power-steering-53601sdpa12/?c=Zz1jaGFzc2lzJnM9cC1zLWdlYXItYm94LXY2Jmk9U0RONEIzMzExJnI9MTMmYT1ob25kYSZvPWFjY29yZC1jb3VwZSZ5PTIwMDMmdD1leC12NiZlPTUtc3BlZWQtYXV0b21hdGlj For 2003 Sedan. https://www.hondapartsdirect.com/oem-parts/honda-rack-power-steering-53601sdba03/?c=Zz1jaGFzc2lzJnM9cC1zLWdlYXItYm94LTImaT1TREE0QjMzMTEmcj0xMyZhPWhvbmRhJm89YWNjb3JkLXNlZGFuJnk9MjAwMyZ0PWV4LXY2JmU9NS1zcGVlZC1hdXRvbWF0aWM%3D $1,100 for the whole job. Parts, labor, tax, out the door. |
|
I replaced the steering pump on my girlfriend's old Accord. It's 2 bolts to remove and I think 3 holding the hoses on. I spent more time finding a bolt I dropped them doing the actual job.
The shop wanted something like$1600 to replace the pump steering rack and all new lines. A $130 for the pump and Honda fluid from a fried that has a parts store and everything is fine. I wouldn't get the rack replaced unless there were 200+ thousand miles on the car and it's leaking. http://www.doityourself.com/stry/4-signs-of-a-bad-steering-rack See if any of these match your symptoms to verify your issue. Someone already mentioned the most common issue is an o ring failure. |
| From the collision repair side, we've changed out quite a few that had to have the complete subframe assembly dropped down and out to replace a steering rack. When the mfg's design and build this stuff, the last thing on their mind is having to fuck with it once it leaves the plant. Ease of assembly, not ease of repair or replacement. |
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.