Steering Rack Pipe Leak

June 20, 2007

Hi

Im posting this on behalf of a friend who has just taken his 2001 1.8 VVti Avensis to his local Toyota Dealer after the steering fluid leaked causing loss of steering assistance. Toyota checked the car over and told him that a rack pipe has split, and that they have checked the parts list and that particular part is not available seprately and that he will have to have the whole steering rack replaced costing £927 inclusive.

Obviously he is to put it lightly taken aback by this and is wondering if this really is necessary or whether they are advising a new rack to enhance their profits.

Id be grateful if anyone has any experience of this and whether what they are stating is the truth

Many Thanks

steve

June 20, 2007

I believe the price is about right I had about 5 racks replaced under warranty during my time of Avensis ownership and was told they were about £900 .

I would check that the car has had the recall work done on the racks and when it was done also I would have a moan to Toyota customer services as steering racks on the Avensis are notorious but being 6years old I dont hold out much hope but you can try .

June 21, 2007

I believe the price is about right I had about 5 racks replaced under warranty during my time of Avensis ownership and was told they were about £900 .
I would check that the car has had the recall work done on the racks and when it was done also I would have a moan to Toyota customer services as steering racks on the Avensis are notorious but being 6years old I dont hold out much hope but you can try .

5 racks replaced? Not all on the same car...? That sounds like a !Removed! serious design flaw...

I have checked on the AA site about recalls but it doesn't seem to mention what model of Avensis is affected by each one. I also can't find any recall that is specifically about power steering fluid leaks...Is there a recall I should be aware of?

I am in the process of seeing if I can get an independent Toyota specialist to do the work for less, but my main question is really whether it is case that I need to replace the whole rack just for a split pipe?

BTW, Steveo posted on my behalf, but I have now got my account activated.

June 21, 2007

No not on the same car it may have been 4 but could of been 5 not sure

05/05/2004 R/2004/066 TOYOTA Avensis steering - wear of the intermediate shaft spline SB1ER56L-0E001007 SB1ER56L-0E041908

try this link it may tell you a bit more info but may not apply to your car

http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/search.asp

June 22, 2007

No not on the same car it may have been 4 but could of been 5 not sure
05/05/2004 R/2004/066 TOYOTA Avensis steering - wear of the intermediate shaft spline SB1ER56L-0E001007 SB1ER56L-0E041908
try this link it may tell you a bit more info but may not apply to your car
http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/search.asp

Thanks, but different models I think.

Well, I contacted a local specialist and he informed me that it was very likely that the rack did nead replacing for a broken pipe! (Sheesh, this is like getting a puncture and having to replace the whole axle and wheels!).

I then asked for a quote from this independent specialist and it was a whole £9 cheaper than the Toyota dealership, so I left it there and got it done today...gonna pick it up in a bit...my credit card is already feeling the pain...

Anyway, thanks for the info.

June 22, 2007

No not on the same car it may have been 4 but could of been 5 not sure
05/05/2004 R/2004/066 TOYOTA Avensis steering - wear of the intermediate shaft spline SB1ER56L-0E001007 SB1ER56L-0E041908
try this link it may tell you a bit more info but may not apply to your car
http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/search.asp
Thanks, but different models I think.
Well, I contacted a local specialist and he informed me that it was very likely that the rack did nead replacing for a broken pipe! (Sheesh, this is like getting a puncture and having to replace the whole axle and wheels!).
I then asked for a quote from this independent specialist and it was a whole £9 cheaper than the Toyota dealership, so I left it there and got it done today...gonna pick it up in a bit...my credit card is already feeling the pain...
Anyway, thanks for the info.

There may not be a recall on the old Avensis but it is a known problem ask the Toyota garage and see if they will admit it

June 22, 2007

As for having to replace the whole rack, the dealer will only see one part number (for the overall assembly) on his system to order a new one. Not good, but that's the way it works.