used steering rack shopping -- gen I or gen II?

The problem is going to be whether or not any of the linkages tied to the rack and pinon are bent or damaged. In your case, a rear-ended car would be the best bet.

Any photos of the cars?

Bob Wilson

 

Make sure the vendor will exchange your rack if it doesn't work.

Make sure they have another one in stock. Otherwise, you may have to wait for the replacement.

 

What is the price of these salvage units?

Looks like a new one has an MSRP of $2,513 and you can buy it for $1,910 plus shipping here: Champion ToyotaWorld

 

As a guide, $300 is typical, although they sometimes run $100 or less.

 

Excellent, from who? I'll be happy to call and get a quote. Do you have one?

Bob Wilson

 

There are many vendors who offer used racks in that range. It's not a hard part to find.

Actually, one can find dozens of listings, with prices, using a simple online search.

It took me just a few minutes to find them.

 

Computers have a "cut and paste" function. So take that hand and post the results here. Then we can give them a call and get a quote. More importantly, we can find the other costs not evident in the $100-300 earlier claim.

Bob Wilson

 

You might consider raising the front and going in from the driver side looking for the power connector to steering assist motor so it won't be fighting you. Alternatively, find the steering ECU and do what Daryl did, cut it and splice in a switch. Turning off power to the steering ECU will raise a code but you'll have a manual steering Prius until the steering assembly is replaced.

Bob Wilson

 

The newer, the better.

Here's a 2002 w/96K miles for $60.
01 02 03 PRIUS STEERING GEAR/RACK POWER RACK PINION : eBay Motors (item 120544711015 end time Apr-16-10 10:48:24 PDT)

Another 2002 w/122K miles for $116.
2002 TOYOTA PRIUS POWER STEERING GEAR : eBay Motors (item 370351870655 end time Apr-17-10 14:41:34 PDT)

Although the prices are great, I wouldn't suggest buying either one unless your intent was to promptly sell the car after you had replaced the steering gear.

This is why I was wondering what were the prices on the three steering gear that you had located.

 

Odometer reading? Price?

 

Why do you recommend this?

 

Because those two gear are from the 2002 model year, and I would not expect that they would offer a long service life.

OTOH the low price may make it worthwhile to take the risk esp if the OP is going to install the gear himself.

 

Lots of racks there between $100 and $300.

With head-on collisions, you need to make sure the tie rod ends haven't been bent, and the "ears" of the rack (where the rack mounting holes are located) are not broken off. Easy to do with the rack out of the car.

 

Sounds promising. Good luck!

 

Excellent find.

 

i just found out i have to replace the steering gear rack on my 2002 prius (has 110,000 mi on it.) i see here some suggestions, any others? i have also heard that the steering rack has to have it's own ECU or else there could be issues. What else do I need to look for in the used steering gear rack? Used is the only way I can go, as a single mom, it is the only option! Thank you.