C4 Rack and Pinion, help!

[CFry86]

So I'm a resident of the great state of Texas, which requires a yearly state inspection. I've been having a bit of toughness from my steering when I turn right sometimes. I can deal with it, but when my Corvette failed the inspection because of it, I said to myself 'Well, I need to fix this problem anyways.'

My mechanic says he's pretty sure it's my rack and pinion, since it only happens when I turn right, and I've been told failure of the rack and pinion is pretty common in C4's.

The problem? I can't find one locally. Most big name parts dealers have it listed for $120-$180 with a core charge of $60-$80, but none of them have any instock. The only places I seem to be able to find it is Ecklers ($219 with a $175 core) and similar prices on ebay.

I've pretty much come to accept I'm going to have to buy online, which worries me slightly because if I have warranty issues my vette's going to be down a while, with the part being taken out, sent to wherever my warranty is with, waiting for it to be tested, and then a new one sent back and installed.

My only question is, does anybody know where I can get any better prices on the unit?

Thanks for any help!

[vetteoz]

Originally Posted by CFry86

Most big name parts dealers have it listed for $120-$180 with a core charge of $60-$80, but none of them have any instock.

My only question is, does anybody know where I can get any better prices on the unit?

Doubt you will find better pricing except at the junkyard.

Rockauto has them listed in stock for $130 (+ $56 core )
By the faster steering Z52 rack for nearly same total price
Few online beat their pricing

[CFry86]

Thanks, I was afraid that would be the case. I found rockauto's, but when you add it to the cart it turns out it's a send in and reman, which I'd be ok with, but unfortunately this is my only vehicle.

Ah well, guess I'll get the Eckler's one coming in as soon as I get the money together.

Thanks!

[wildcatlock]

Originally Posted by CFry86

Thanks, I was afraid that would be the case. I found rockauto's, but when you add it to the cart it turns out it's a send in and reman, which I'd be ok with, but unfortunately this is my only vehicle.

Ah well, guess I'll get the Eckler's one coming in as soon as I get the money together.

Thanks!

"NEW" racks for the c4 are almoxt non-existant. Almost all are reman. Dont let reman change your mind as even the one from ecklers is more than likely reman.

[vetteoz]

Originally Posted by wildcatlock

"even the one from ecklers is more than likely reman.:

And as is usually the case with the Vette " specialty " suppliers ,
it is coming from the same place that rebuilds the Rockauto racks only you are paying extra for Ecklers to put their own label on it

[DanZ51]

The story I've been told is that all the GM steering racks would wear because the piston is riding in the aluminum housing. All the remans are sleeved with steel and should outlive the car. Never heard of anyone having a problem with a reman rack, hopefully you won't be the first.

[redmen031]

I bought my racks from autozone and pepboys for about $200. Replaced mine 3 times already, they don't seem to last for me!