Can’t Align Because of Steering Rack? (3 Viewers)

[planomateo]

Is negotiating prices with a dealer a worthwhile endeavor to take on? Like I said I do have a good relationship with the service manager and that’s who prepared this estimate for me, but if there’s room to haggle I’m all for saving money.

Always negotiate.

 

[geanes]

Seems like a great deal! @geanes did your $2200 steering rack at lexus include a new rack or reman? I know for $2200 you did a little more how much was it for Steering rack and Alignment?

$2200 is for a new OEM rack, new OEM power steering pump, new OEM serpentine belt, a hose (not sure which...dealer said it crumbled on them when they removed it) and alignment with all labor. They threw in the rental car as well. With taxes it comes out to just shy of $2500. Big pill to swallow, but I did not feel like dealing with it on my own.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

My local dealer (Toyota Smart Motors) are always willing to match price with McGeorge Toyota online prices. It typically comes around 30% off the MSRP. The first time I asked for a discount I was expecting them to say no but all they said was you have to pay for shipping when you buy online but still matched the price!
Since I have bought this my 98 LX, I am on first name basis with a few parts guys at this dealership .

 

[geanes]

@TheForger ... my new OEM rack (44250-60050) from the dealer here in Austin came in at $605 for the part (after some haggling). McGregor was $475.01 + $80 shipping. The local dealer has the rack in stock and I need it in order to drive. So, I went ahead and did that instead of waiting 3-5 days for the rack from McGregor. I figure the $60 savings wasn't worth being without my rig for the next several days. Also, I am in a Nissan Altima loaner and I HATE IT!!!!!!!!!!! LOL.

 

[Usterzai]

My local dealer (Toyota Smart Motors) are always willing to match price with McGeorge Toyota online prices. It typically comes around 30% off the MSRP. The first time I asked for a discount I was expecting them to say no but all they said was you have to pay for shipping when you buy online but still matched the price!
Since I have bought this my 98 LX, I am on first name basis with a few parts guys at this dealership .

Nice dealer, my lexus dealer said they will not match any price.

 

[geanes]

Nice dealer, my lexus dealer said they will not match any price.

It took some haggling for sure. Since they are doing the service, I did point out that they are making quite a bit of $$ off me already. Toyota dealer service centers definitely seem more open to negotiation than Lexus.

 

[TheForger]

Okay so here's an update from the service manager: "I have no idea how those other dealers are able to get this part for that cheap but that's beyond me. Unfortunately I can't do any better [than the ~$835 she quoted me for a new one]". However, as long as I bring them an OEM part they are still obligated to warranty the labor for a year. That plus the 12mon warranty provided by whoever I get it from will be perfect. I'm thinking I will just buy it online through Toyota of Dallas (they will get it here the quickest for my case) with the bushings and bring all of it to my dealer to install. That'll end up saving me ~$250 in the end.

From a practical standpoint, EB Toyota has a 50% off shipping code. "ThankYou50". Even for a rack, shipping won't be too bad.

Unfortunately it looks like that discount code is no longer valid. Got any others??

 

[TheForger]

It's my understanding that I will also need the bushings to go along with the rack. I'm seeing 45517-60010 being the D-shaped bushing, but isn't there one more? Or am I imagining things? Also, is it needed to get the bracket that holds the D-shaped bushing in place (45515-60010)?

 

[suprarx7nut]

Unfortunately it looks like that discount code is no longer valid. Got any others??

Aw bummer. I do not have any others.

 

[Eyedaho]

It's my understanding that I will also need the bushings to go along with the rack. I'm seeing 45517-60010 being the D-shaped bushing, but isn't there one more? Or am I imagining things?

Not sure what year you have, but the early 100s use the D and one other, while the later years use two cylindrical ones. I'm sure someone will chime in with more exact info.

 

[TheForger]

Not sure what year you have, but the early 100s use the D and one other, while the later years use two cylindrical ones. I'm sure someone will chime in with more exact info.

Mine is a 2000 LC. I have the D-shaped one in my shopping cart but I just wasn't sure if there was another one that needed to be purchased separately or if it came preinstalled in the new rack.

 

[suprarx7nut]

Parts diagram from the repair manual. I got a 48 hour subscription to TIS, so I can pull anything right now.

 

[abuck99]

Check the price with Camelback Toyota- they ship free on most items above $150 so the actual price delvd to your door maybe more competitive- and you save the sales tax.

 

[LCReunion]

You could also call Central Toyota in Jonesboro AR....Steve was the parts mgr when I lived there 2 years ago. He was VERY willing to discount. Hopefully he's still there. They may be able to get it to you faster, since they are close, if they have it in stock. Also if it doesn't come with the bushing consider the poly bushings from @cruiseroutfit I have those and my steering is very tight now.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

It's my understanding that I will also need the bushings to go along with the rack.

You only need buy the D bushing. The other bushings come pre-installed in the rack.

New rack is currently $510 from camelback (but unknown shipping cost). McGeorge has new for $475 + $62 shipping.

 

[TheForger]

Parts diagram from the repair manual. I got a 48 hour subscription to TIS, so I can pull anything right now.

View attachment 2176698
View attachment 2176699
View attachment 2176700

Thank you very much that's very helpful! Looks like the other bushing besides the D-shaped one is already preinstalled

Check the price with Camelback Toyota- they ship free on most items above $150 so the actual price delvd to your door maybe more competitive- and you save the sales tax.

Is there a discount code or anything I have to use for that site? I loaded everything in my cart and I'm still showing both shipping and sales tax being applied.

 

[TheForger]

You only need buy the D bushing. The other bushings come pre-installed in the rack.

New rack is currently $510 from camelback (but unknown shipping cost). McGeorge has new for $475 + $62 shipping.

Thanks for the help. I'm showing Toyota of Dallas being $532 + $63 for shipping and it gets here Friday. The extra price is almost worth it considering how quickly it will show up.

 

[abuck99]

Thank you very much that's very helpful! Looks like the other bushing besides the D-shaped one is already preinstalled
Is there a discount code or anything I have to use for that site? I loaded everything in my cart and I'm still showing both shipping and sales tax being applied.

Sorry for that, looks like their website has changed and I just read they stopped offering club discounts- so change of way of doing things. Guess the Camelback deal is done.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

Guess the Camelback deal is done.

I can confirm it is done with no sign of coming back in the short term, based on my recent in-person convos with Parts Dept personnel. There was some major turnover in both parts and service personnel at CBT that led to this.

 

[TheForger]

I placed my order with Toyota of Dallas this evening for the brand new rack and D-shaped bushing. It will take them 1 day to get it from their distribution center to the dealership, and then about 3 days to get to me - ETA is Tuesday. All other places (McGeorge, Camelback, one in ATL but I forgot the name of it) wouldn't have it to me until closer to the end of the month unless I wanted to pay $200+ in shipping alone. In the end it will save me about $200 so I'm sitting right around $1000 for new rack, bushings, flush, alignment, & associated labor. Seems fair to me but what do I know?