Repair costs gut check

[DannyLlama]

I have to get my steering rack replaced along with some service for hitting 100k.

So to rebuild my rack (not a new one) - 550 / Labor - 800
Dif fluid flush , coolant flush, trannsmisison and engoin oil - 642

Grand total 2k.

Thoughts on if this can be done at a lesser cost?!

 

[MTN4RNR]

I have to get my steering rack replaced along with some service for hitting 100k.

So to rebuild my rack (not a new one) - 550 / Labor - 800
Dif fluid flush , coolant flush, trannsmisison and engoin oil - 642

Grand total 2k.

Thoughts on if this can be done at a lesser cost?!

Not much you can do about the steering rack if it needs to be replaced. As for the fluids, if you're inclined the differentials and engine oil are very self serviceable with a number of different articles on how to do so. That'll save you a few hundred there. The coolant and transmission though I personally would have a shop/dealership do.

Best of luck.

 

[bigmace]

Dif fluid flush , coolant flush, trannsmisison and engoin oil - 642

Seems a bit excessive for fluids, can you not do these yourself?

Personally I am more of a drain and fill guy myself. But anyways should be plenty of guides on here on how to do all of those. The fluid itself should only cost about ~$100 or so.

 

[pDubs]

If you've ever done a coolant flush on any vehicle ever, you can do it on a 5th gen 4runner.

The transmission fluid is a process, but seems pretty do-able as a DIY. I actually have the WS fluid on the way right now to do mine ($120 or so in fluid to do a full flush), haven't done it on an auto trans in my life. Done tons of manual trans, but that's like doing a simple oil change.
You can do a simple drain and fill, write up here: How to Drain/Refill Automatic Transmission | Tacoma World

Or a full flush, write up here: DIY: Full Flush for Automatic Transmission | Tacoma World



Front diff, transfer case, and rear diff are super simple. Literally pull the fill plug (to make sure you can get it off) pull the drain plug and drain into pan, put drain plug back in with new gasket, pump new fluid until it starts coming out the fill plug, then Plug the fill plug. I used Mobil 1 75w90 in all 3. Some say the transfer case should take the Genuine Toyota 75w fluid. $9 gets you every gasket you need to do. GENUINE OEM TOYOTA 4RUNNER TACOMA TUNDRA TRANSFER AND DIFFERENTIAL GASKETS SET | eBay

Here's a writeup on the diff fluids: Front and Rear Diff fluid change




Engine oil is straight forward as well. Hardest part is the oil filter under the skid plate. There's a few good youtube videos, here's one: YouTube


What's the reasoning for needing a steering rack replacement?

 

[MSRP.]

Seems a bit excessive for fluids, can you not do these yourself?

Personally I am more of a drain and fill guy myself. But anyways should be plenty of guides on here on how to do all of those. The fluid itself should only cost about ~$100 or so.

Yea, definitely upselling on the flush to triple the cost to you.

 

[mteolus]

I wouldn't do any of the flushes. Just change the oil. Had a Toyota truck I sold at 410k still running and never did any flushes. Changed oils and radiator fluid but flushing no.

 

[T4R2014]

How tf do you flush a diff? Just leave the drain plug out and pour in cheap oil? Unneeded. Coolant flush is something I DIY. Too many indy shops around me just use straight tap water.

How much is a new OEM steering rack? $600? Check that. These ain't parts from the good ol days where we could rebuild. Labor should be $500 max.

 

[MTN4RNR]

How tf do you flush a diff? Just leave the drain plug out and pour in cheap oil? Unneeded. Coolant flush is something I DIY. Too many indy shops around me just use straight tap water.

How much is a new OEM steering rack? $600? Check that. These ain't parts from the good ol days where we could rebuild. Labor should be $500 max.

You have to physically lift the motor to remove the steering rack... Although some have been able to do the swap by removing the front differential.

 

[4venture]

I just did my 100k mile service too. I had the tranny fluid changed, not flushed, by a shop as well as coolant.

But the diffs and transfer case are very very very easy to DIY. Just drain and fill.

 

[T4R2014]

You have to physically lift the motor to remove the steering rack... Although some have been able to do the swap by removing the front differential.

Ah, I'm coming from the third gen world. Expect higher labor rates in that case for damn sure.

 

[nb rob]

that's some pretty low mileage for an 8 year old 4r!
I wouldn't think twice about the steering rack if you trust this shop. I know I'd have my favorite toyota do that kind of work.

The fluids look pricey, but if its done right and they'll stand behind it, well-- you've still got a pretty new truck mileage-wise. Go for it.

I haven't heard of a diff flush though. I ran a jug of cheap gear oil (still made by shell, and good reviews on BITOG) through the rear diff after some water crossings last year and changed it out a few months later with some amsoil-- so I guess I'd consider that a flush.

 

[bsa70]

All depends if $$$ is a concern. If not, just pay to have it all done and forget it. Does not sound all that much to what I hear shops charge.

No if $$$ is a concern. Get on you tube for an education on changing the fluids.

 

[renau001]

I have to get my steering rack replaced along with some service for hitting 100k.

So to rebuild my rack (not a new one) - 550 / Labor - 800
Dif fluid flush , coolant flush, trannsmisison and engoin oil - 642

Grand total 2k.

Thoughts on if this can be done at a lesser cost?!

The rack seems reasonable. Hard to say on fluids. If they are actually using the Toyota OEM fluids for everything and it includes transfer case, that may not be horrible. But I would definitely check what they’re actually doing. Diffs should just be drain and fill, coolant flush also drain and fill. Trans should be drain and fill or a bleed and feed. Personally I wouldnt flush anything. You don’t know what they are flushing with., and it’s just not necessary.