Power Steering Gear Assembly : OEM, OEM Remanufactured, or Aftermarket (Cardone)?

[hgill]

As the title says, the power steering gear assembly on my 2006 4runner V8 4WD is leaking and needs to be be replaced.

Important side note: I have had my 4Runner for 14 years now (now has 171k miles). I have ZERO plans to ever sell it because its the best vehicle I have ever owned and it has never let me down.

My local shop that all 3 of my cars get serviced at has given me a few options to replacing it.

Prices include parts, labor, power steering flush, and alignment as it will be needed:

- OEM Toyota Factory New Rack - $2,430.66 - 1 year warranty
- OEM Factory Remanufactured Rack - $1,683.91 - 1 year warranty
- Aftermarket Rack (Brand: Cardone) - $1,483.24 - 2 year warranty
- Aftermarket Rack (Brand: Neosteer) - $1,483.24 - 2 year warranty

I have been leaning towards new OEM as the last one has lasted 17 years now.

What do you guys recommend?

 

[MikeinNH67]

I think I would ask what the warranties are on them and if the Toyota reman is actually done by Toyota. It could be subbed out. If in house with a decent warranty then why not as it's a good savings and should have OEM parts. I think I'd pass and go new if not in house. I have had success with remans on Honda racks but no way they would last 17 years. I would bet no more than 5.

As you may know, flushing the system well is crucial on these. If the hoses are crappy looking, I'd contemplate changing them too.

 

[hgill]

I think I would ask what the warranties are on them and if the Toyota reman is actually done by Toyota. It could be subbed out. If in house with a decent warranty then why not as it's a good savings and should have OEM parts. I think I'd pass and go new if not in house. I have had success with remans on Honda racks but no way they would last 17 years. I would bet no more than 5.

As you may know, flushing the system well is crucial on these. If the hoses are crappy looking, I'd contemplate changing them too.

The Toyota Reman is done by Toyota per my shop (they contacted Toyota directly to get pricing on new and Toyota also offered the remanufactured option). They offer the same warranty (1 year) on remanufactured as their new rack.

 

[AuSeeker]

I would go OEM, new or rebuilt depends on what you can afford, me personally I would go new, that being said I doubt very seriously that Toyota rebuilds those racks, they would sub them out for sure.

I don't think warranty matters whichever way you go, I would think any of these would last more than 2 years.

 

[hgill]

I would go OEM, new or rebuilt depends on what you can afford, me personally I would go new, that being said I doubt very seriously that Toyota rebuilds those racks, they would sub them out for sure.

I don't think warranty matters whichever way you go, I would think any of these would last more than 2 years.

Leaning towards new OEM for that very reason. Its definitely within budget since I don't have any car payments. Still wanted to get some opinions and not be my usual self and rush into it.

 

[rdruss]

I'll go OEM rebuilt if I ever have to. They are a pretty simple component, so a rebuilt by someone who knows what they are doing makes sense to me.

 

[dfontes]

I went with Toyota Reman myself, no complaints.