QuestionI have a 1986 Toyota Camry. I realize this is an old car but bear with me. How much would it cost for a new rack and pinion? How many hours of labor does this require from the average mechanic? Finally, my A/C needs to be recharged. Given the age of the car will I need a whole new system? In either case, how much will this cost? I appreciate your help.
Dawn
AnswerI don't like to give repair estimates because of geographical considerations, in other words, it depends on where you live.
I'll give you an estimate of what it would cost in southern calif. it should be cheaper anywhere else anyway.
The labor rate to replace the power steering rack is about 4 hours, multyplied by the shops hourly charge, around here
this translates into about $320 it should include an alignment, an aftermarker steering rack will run about $250.
As far as the a/c is concerned I recommend that you change the system over from the R-12 freon, which costs about $55 a pound to R-134 freon at about $6 a pound,your system requires two pounds of freon, the changeover kit is around $50 available at most autoparts stores(Autozone, Kragen,Pep boys, etc.,)may be a little higher if it comes with the freon, if it doesn't, buy a recharging kit along with the retrofit kit, and you can do this yourself, just follow the instructions, this should get it up and running again.
