I was going to only replace my steering rack bushings, but the shop mech showed me the rod of my steering rack and it was damaged already...So I bite the bullet and they proceed to the overhaul, including new rack bushings and a inner CVT boot that was torn. Total $ 280 USD

Before this my steering feel was terrible sloppy, almost an inch of freeplay...Installing the subframe washers helped on steering response but the slopiness was still there.

Now with the overhaul SR (Steering Rack), the steering feels direct, every movement of the wheel translates to the direction change, it feels weird to have the steering feel so precise COMPARED to my shot SR.

Current mods:

-Eibach Springs
-Subframe collars (Washers version)
-Front Strut tower brace

Highly recommended, it feels as a different car as the springs & good SR combo helps to convey the more planted and stable feel overall.

Another thing that I never felt with my shot SR is the variable steering assist (Not sure if our cars have it anyway)...When parking or at slow speeds the steering effort is minimal, when going faster or cruising it tightens up and it feels more stable and firm.

Peace!

 

I recommend you start a build thread for your car instead of creating a new thread whenever you do something to your car.

Keep up the good work otherwise.

 

Noted.

 

Actually I wanted to do this as well. My steering as been getting more and more sloppy. Thanks for the info.

 

Go for it! You won't regret it, money well spent.

 

I regret every penny I put into my car. Whenever I fix something something else breaks.

But, on the other hand. There's only so many parts on a car. So the more I fix, the less that could break.

 

Funny you mention it...Same thing happened to me, when I got the MAX it was a love/hate situation...I've replaced all the front suspension bushings, tie-rods, ball joints, etc...Also changed clutch, starter, well, I 've an Excel sheet to keep track of everything and the list is long...

But I've reached certain point where I'm happy with my car as most parts are either new or repaired, my engine is smooth and sounds great, my suspension is tight, and now my Steering rack.

That makes me proud of my old ride as it rides better than most econocars much newer, and also I can outrun most of them (Gotta love a 5-speed 98 SE!).

I love the face of people when they are left behind without any drama when the light turns green, thinking the MAX is no threat.

The only thing I don't like is my crappy MPG, but the right foot is the culprit...So I'm kind of resigned.

 

Is the 280 or so an average amount for a typical steering rack refresh or is that the hook ups over in Baja?

 

i was just gonna say, that's def. not what we'd pay over here. explain what they did, or put up the bill so we can see in detail what was done.

 

^amen, $280 with the rack is cheap as hell. i wouldn't want to do this again (completed a few months back).

 

Labor is way cheaper in Mexico, and the quality in SOME shops is pretty darn decent.

I´ve just got a globalized bill for the following:
- Steering rack core (As mine was not ¨overhaulable¨) $ 60 USD
- Steering rack rebuild (Parts & 7 hours labor) $ 200 USD
- Inner CV boot replacement (Boot plus labor) $ 20 USD

Taller Jimenez (Jimenez shop) it´s pretty famous as they are specialist on SR and PS systems. This is where most mechanics send you when you have something more complicated with your PS system.

Peace!

 

ahh... makes sense. should've checked your location first