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Govnor · 07-30-2007, 10:57 AM

Hello all,

I have a 97 Runner (140k) that has been a pretty decent machine for the last 8 yrs. I have replaced rear bearing seals, starter, suspension (now gas adjust KYB), A/C expansion components, etc. AND all the normal maintenance, somewhat religiously. I even do some of it myself (fuel filter, throttle body, etc.)

I was told during a routine oil change (at a place I trust for the most part), that my rack-and-pinion needs replacement. He took me back to the shop and showed me how the drivers side wheel makes the rod move up and down when he shakes the tire (not just back and forth). He said the inside of the rack cannot be replaced, you need to do the whole thing. The passenger side was fine by the way. Repair quotes -- $850 (plus flush and alignment) for refurbished, or $1350 (plus flush and alignment) for new. The benefit of the new he said, is that it is newer technology and a better system than the older OEM.

2 Questions:

1. Does all this sound legit?

2. I'm due in 10K miles for about a $1k worth of work (timing belt, H2O pump, tune up, flushing of every fluid, etc...) and about $600 for new tires by then. Should I sell this thing now, and put the $2500-3000 towards a 4 Gen? I'll probably by one of those someday anyway, am I hanging on to the past w/ the 97?

I just don't want something else popping up 2yrs from now that will cost $2k to fix, etc...

Thanks for any info you can provide.

07-30-2007, 10:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
Govnor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: AZ Posts: 9	Fix it or not? Hello all, I have a 97 Runner (140k) that has been a pretty decent machine for the last 8 yrs. I have replaced rear bearing seals, starter, suspension (now gas adjust KYB), A/C expansion components, etc. AND all the normal maintenance, somewhat religiously. I even do some of it myself (fuel filter, throttle body, etc.) I was told during a routine oil change (at a place I trust for the most part), that my rack-and-pinion needs replacement. He took me back to the shop and showed me how the drivers side wheel makes the rod move up and down when he shakes the tire (not just back and forth). He said the inside of the rack cannot be replaced, you need to do the whole thing. The passenger side was fine by the way. Repair quotes -- $850 (plus flush and alignment) for refurbished, or $1350 (plus flush and alignment) for new. The benefit of the new he said, is that it is newer technology and a better system than the older OEM. 2 Questions: 1. Does all this sound legit? 2. I'm due in 10K miles for about a $1k worth of work (timing belt, H2O pump, tune up, flushing of every fluid, etc...) and about $600 for new tires by then. Should I sell this thing now, and put the $2500-3000 towards a 4 Gen? I'll probably by one of those someday anyway, am I hanging on to the past w/ the 97? I just don't want something else popping up 2yrs from now that will cost $2k to fix, etc... Thanks for any info you can provide.