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Told to replace tie rods and EPS pinion rack for 2400$. Advice?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by J burnstick, Oct 31, 2020.

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  1. J burnstick

    J burnstick Junior Member

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    I was told today by my mechanic shop, firestone, that's the front tie rods in my car are really bad and need to be replaced, as well as the EPS rack and pinion because the ball joint is leaking fluid or something.... But the thing I dont get is this. The Prius uses electrical steering, and doesn't have steering fluid... so how can the steering rack / pinions be leaking fluid?

    Any advice here? Feel like I'm being scammed lol
     
    #1 J burnstick, Oct 31, 2020
  2. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    The electric motor drives gears that power the shaft. Those gears need lubrication. Apparently the gear oil (maybe grease?) is leaking.
     
    #2 jerrymildred, Nov 1, 2020
  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    I think your "feeling" probably is mostly right.
    Front end work is a common target for "selling" unnecessary work at inflated prices.
    Get at least one other evaluation.
     
    #3 sam spade 2, Nov 1, 2020
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    firestone is the worst. how many miles on her?

    have you owned since new? always a florida car?
     
    #4 bisco, Nov 1, 2020
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    It's November and the owner's looking at the haulout charges from the marina.

    Or maybe that's not how it goes in FL?
     
    #5 ChapmanF, Nov 1, 2020
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  6. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Florida is an extremely big place. If we knew your location more precisely, we might be able to suggest a better shop. There's one near me that has very good prices, especially if you want used parts. He doesn't do alignments, but he does specialize in Prius.
     
    #6 jerrymildred, Nov 1, 2020
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