Steering rack

[wsw]

A whining noise linked to engine revs turned out to be low power steering fluid level. The cause seems to be a leak from the steering rack, which I'm told needs replacing - £1700 new, or half that for reconditioned.

That set me thinking about reputations for reliability and service costs. Honda as a brand, and the Accord as a model, have a good reputation for reliability, and Which! this month has Honda as number one for low servicing costs. However, over the years I've had VW, British Leyland, Nissan, Toyota, Renault, Peugeot and Honda cars - mostly bought second-hand, and mostly sold on before 100,000 miles or 10 years old. All have been pretty reliable, though the BL cars least so, I think. All have suffered from rust, except the Peugeot and Honda. However, this repair to the Accord will be by far the most expensive repair bill I've ever had for a single job.

I suppose the lesson is that, whatever the general reliability of a brand or model, in the end it comes down to the particular car you happen to get, and luck.

 

[Jon_G]

Not a common problem, so I think there's a good chance that a rack from a breakers would be serviceable.

 

[Dave_G]

It does sound expensive and I would be inclined to try shopping around a bit first.

The problem is cars are getting ever more complicated and parts are getting more expensive to match. Japanese cars tend to have a reputation for being reliable but with higher prices than for Fords etc I'm sure a steering rack on a Mondeo would be loads cheaper, but the company producing them will probably have sold at least 10 times as many as for the Accord so made their money back long ago hence the cheaper price.

 

[flexa]

Try someones who's breaking privately than from a breaker yard, most are happy to let go at reasonable price, breakers are a rip off and price U by looking at you, rather than a fixed price, ive had quotes for jap cars not far off dealer price

 

[SayamaAccord]

you could try ebay as well, there are a couple on for £60 or less - one might be off a tourer or compatible

 

[jayok]

I'd get a 2nd hand one for about £200 with a 3 month warranty and fit that. Not a hope in hell in me paying any more than that for it!
Some of the racks do leak (not a common fault) but it has popped up get a one from a breakers and you'll keep motoring.

 

[rhinogolf]

Would a saloon rack fit a tourer ??

 

[jayok]

I believe so, however I've not done a rack swap, so I don't know.

 

[rhinogolf]

You could try the power steering stop leak fluid it's about £15 worth a try