Nissan 350GT Steering rack leaking

jordan0, Nov 9, 11:24pm
So I have just failed WOF due to a steering rack leak, apparently I need to replace the steering rack. The car is a 2003 Nissan 350GT at 100,000km.

Can anyone tell me what a mechanic would normally charge for the replacement of a steering rack (not including parts)! More specifically, does anyone know what the costs of a used 350gt/350z is (I believe they are interchangeable)!

How difficult is it to swap out a steering rack! Is it a simple job! I have messed around with cars for several years, just basics (swapping suspension compnents, changing wheel bearings, fitting radiators, exhausts etc).

Thanks for any help! Jordan.

unbeatabull, Nov 10, 12:10am
It really depends on the car. Some are quite easy, disconnect the lines, steering column, bolts and pull it out. Otherwise require things like axles, subframes etc to be dropped/removed to be pulled out. I haven't done one on one of them so can't say from experience unfortunately.

jordan0, Nov 10, 12:31am
Thanks for the reply. I think I will take it into a mechanic. Cheers!

a.woodrow, Nov 10, 12:33am
A rack isn't going to be cheap. I would get a second opinion. have seen racks failed that were only slightly damp, just need a wipe down of the residue. some avics get a wee bit over zealous

mm12345, Nov 10, 1:34am
+1 - and absolutely.
A friend of mine had a WOF fail on a late model Navara, not leaking, but free-play in the rack end.Nissan looked at it, said the rack was shagged, and quoted >$3k for replacement.Easy as.Shall we book it in for you now!
Took it to a Power Steering shop specialist, who didn't look at it, but indicated that if needed, cost to rebuild the rack would be a few hundred $ (owner to remove/refit rack).
As it turned out, the freeplay could be adjusted out using some Nissan service tool to get to an allen key grub-screw or something hidden somewhere - a local mechanic knew about this when the Nissan "experts" didn't.He made the service tool and fixed it for $40 1/2 hour.Good as gold.