Hello. I took my 2003 Protege in for new tires on Friday and the tire shop suggested that I have an alignment done because of some slightly uneven tire wear. They gave me a card for a shop that they recommend and I made an appointment there.

I took it in yesterday morning, and they refused to do an alignment because they say that the rack and pinion needs to be replaced.

His exact words were, "The rack and pinion is leaking and dripping onto the passenger side inner tie rod. I f we do an alignment it will be out again as soon as we pull it off of the rack." He then handed me an estimate of $800 to replace the rack and pinion.

I took the car home without repairs and looked at it myself. I saw no visible signs of leakage, and the boot is intact. I have had the car for a year and have never had to add fluid to the power steering reservoir. There is no play in the steering and no other signs of anything wrong when driving.

My question is this: Should I wait and see if symptoms develop before taking it to another shop, or take it in now for a second opinion?

I have never had a problem with a rack and pinion and I have no idea how fast symptoms might present themselves.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and have a great day!

 

2nd opinion is always good.