I replaced the tie rod ends on a 2015 Toyota Sienna with 60,000 miles (inner/outer, left/right). I had the vehicle towed to my local Toyota dealer for a wheel alignment. The dealer called and stated "the new steering rack was not centered when installed." The service adviser was then told inner/outer tie rods were the only new parts installed. The original rack was not removed from vehicle. The service advise shortly after stated "the tech inspected and found rack not centered when tie rods replaced" . We were charged $450 for tech to center steering rack. We were also charged $139.95 for wheel alignment. Question: In your opinion, do you believe the $450(Centering steering rack) charge was required or justified after a simple inner/outer tie rod replacement?
Update: I had the 2015 sienna looked at by a independent shop that specialize in Toyota vehicles(Ex. Toyota service techs). They state the rack does not need centering after doing inner and outer tie rods.
I would have asked for photos
photos of what?
the "off-center" rack
I don't think you understand. There would be nothing to see. The only way a rack should need to be centered that i am aware of is if a new rack was installed or the old rack was removed from the vehicle. I have been repairing car for 20 years and have never been charged this fee for alignment. I just started accepting Toyota, Hyundai and kia vehicles 4 years ago. Perhaps, centering steering after tie rod replacement is exclusive to Toyota vehicles?
I think that was my point. They called you and you authorized the "centering" service without asking further about it.
Actually, this is not my vehicle. The dealer did not talk with me. It was authorized because the owner needed the vehicle finished ASAP! I would go right up there to the dealer and inquire further if my vehicle. Personally, i would never own a toyota.
Perhaps, centering steering after tie rod replacement is exclusive to Toyota vehicles?
What does the Toyota shop manual say?
Toyota shop manual talks about marking relation between outer tie rod and rack. Unfortunatly, toyota does not replace inner tie rods on this vehicle. They replace entire rack that will come with new inner tie rods already installed.
Toyota recommended we replace the entire rack when ask to identify clunking sound when turning. I could identify the sound coming from tie rods so, i replaced tie rods using after market parts.
With all that being said the shop manual does not mention anything about inner tie rod replacement procedure. Only details replacement of the entire rack or outer tie rod replacement.