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2002 Steering problem. Replacement rack is 2,200. What has been the experiencew with refurb parts?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by elendilmir, Jun 6, 2011.

  1. elendilmir

    elendilmir Member

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    It's going to cost me about $3,500 to replace the rack, of which 2200 is the part. I have found some much cheaper lifetime warrenteed parts. What is the thought of the group?
     
    #1 elendilmir, Jun 6, 2011
  2. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Re: 2002 Steering problem. Replacement rack is 2,200. What has been the experiencew with refurb pa

    What is the rack problem? Sometimes there are inexpensive repairs available.

    I wouldn't hesitate to use a lifetime warranted rack from a reputable re-builder.

    You can buy a new Toyota rack for a bit under $2k online. $1300 labor (what it looks like they want to charge you) to replace it sounds outrageous. That's around 13 hours labor at stealership prices. The labor hours for my Gen III are 6 hours. I seriously doubt that a Gen II is that much worse.
     
    #2 xs650, Jun 6, 2011
  3. elendilmir

    elendilmir Member

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    Re: 2002 Steering problem. Replacement rack is 2,200. What has been the experiencew with refurb pa

    The rack more or less died on me on a long trip home. Warning lights, whole thing. The whole sad story can be found in a nearby thread.

    I found a re manufactured, lifetime warrenteed part on line for about $600. I love my Prius and I'm trying to hit 200K (currently at 130K), but I'm not going to spend over KBB for a part. I"m probably going to have to have a non stealership install it as well. I like having dealerships do the work, but the difference between six hours at 60 dollars an hour and 1,200 bucks is enough to sway me.

    The good news is that I now know that the car isn't truly fly-by-wire, but rather an electric assist. So if it craps out in a few years all that happens is that I have (very) sluggish steering.
     
    #3 elendilmir, Jun 6, 2011
  4. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Re: 2002 Steering problem. Replacement rack is 2,200. What has been the experiencew with refurb pa

    Feel good about fixing your car. They have been selling for $5000 - $6000 lately.

    Please post your experience with the independent shop. There are often requests for dealership alternatives in that area.
     
    #4 seilerts, Jun 7, 2011
  5. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Re: 2002 Steering problem. Replacement rack is 2,200. What has been the experiencew with refurb pa

    In the dim past, a rack rebuilder in Pittsburg (I believe) was discussed. Maybe in the archives. My limited experience (seeing one open) made me think that it woul dbe very difficult to access the potentiometers; which is most likely where the problem resides.

    OTOH, rebuilding might just mean pulling a functioning unit from a 2003 model year (which are apparently improved). Cleaning it up, perhaps some testing, and installing it into the needy car. I see now difficulties with that approach. However if the donor vehicle was a 2001 I'd be less enthusiastic. At least that may give you something to talk about with the rebuilder.
     
    #5 tochatihu, Jun 8, 2011
  6. elendilmir

    elendilmir Member

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    Re: 2002 Steering problem. Replacement rack is 2,200. What has been the experiencew with refurb pa

    The part itself has a lifetime warrentee,. Since I plan on driving the electric hooptie until it dies, I would e happy to get another one in 100k miles and pay a few hundred bucks to get it installed.

    The part is listed as a 200 - 2002 Toyota Prius power steering Rack and Pinion. It is a refurb, sold through carsteeringparts.com with the brand name listed as Precision New Remanufactured.

    I am planning on having it installed at a local shop that also does battery swaps, as they are all ASE, plus I figure that I should introduce myself at some point.

    The question that the shop has is whether all the necessary bits are included on the rack itself. The part dealer insures me that they are, and what I can make out from my Chilton manual bears that out. This bums me out a bit, because I would rather buy a $50 sensor than a whole new rack. Does anyone have any wisdom on this?
     
    #6 elendilmir, Jun 9, 2011
  7. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Re: 2002 Steering problem. Replacement rack is 2,200. What has been the experiencew with refurb pa

    I wish the sensor swap were feasible. It is in the accelerator pedal and the throttle plate positio nsensor.

    But in the steering, potentiometers are buried pretty deep and it seems one much break its data cable (a flat 4-wire as I recall) to access. I failed to take pictures when I saw one being dismantled. But this is why I am interested in the 'depth' of remanufacturing that can actually be done.
     
    #7 tochatihu, Jun 10, 2011
  8. fixitguy

    fixitguy New Member

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    Re: 2002 Steering problem. Replacement rack is 2,200. What has been the experiencew with refurb pa

    The recall for 01-03 steering was just on the news here in Portland,OR
    So call your dealer and ask about it..course it could be 3 months
    down the road, but one is in the works.!!
    Consider what this special prius scanner can do if you fix much yourself..
    I am taking orders for 50 only..see this ad and read all about at the manufacturers
    website.
    http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pts/2433989543.html

    Please letus know what happens with your car!!
    thanks,DON
     
    #8 fixitguy, Jun 12, 2011
  9. elendilmir

    elendilmir Member

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    Re: 2002 Steering problem. Replacement rack is 2,200. What has been the experiencew with refurb pa

    Fixed. I got a remanufactured rack from a dealer in Hollywood Florida. The part cost me about $500 with the core swap. I found a mechanic in Hagerstown MD that was very thorough and did a great job of installing it for around $500. I have about 200 miles on the car, and have seen no codes. I'm willing to call the project resolved.
     
    #9 elendilmir, Jun 21, 2011
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