hello everybody,
I was looking at getting a 95 Celica with 169,000, and the power steering rack and pinion needs to be replaced. The seller said he has a re-built one that he's willing to give alongside the car. When replacing the power steering rack and pinion, is it ok to use a rebuilt one or should I get a brand new one if I get the car?
Are you positive it’s only the rack which needs replacement? Who knows if the rebuilt rack is any good, what if it isn’t & you waste all those hours having to tear everything apart, again.
I’d just buy another brand new rack, instead. Doesn’t have to be OEM, as long as it’s a product of good quality. https://youtu.be/eWR9JtFSULE
With a vehicle of that vintage, I’d recommend a mandatory pre-purchase inspection by a good mechanic, who specialises in Toyota vehicles, before you buy it. Who knows what else needs fixing & replacing.
That is a major component of the car. I would definitely go new on it. Rebuilt anythings are always a dice roll, and I would not gamble on that.
Normally I would say go brand new because a lot of pressure goes through the rack and it is hard to rebuild them correctly. But hey, if the seller is willing to give you a rebuilt rack for free then may as well give it a try. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. If it doesn't work out with the rebuilt rack and you want to save some money you can always try a used rack.
If you can find a rebuilt unit with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, go for it and keep your receipt. At least if it goes out, you just have to do the labor.
