Car Problems... FML.
 

So for the past week or so, every time I would accelerate from a stop, I would hear a rubbing/rattling noise on the front driver side fender, while transisting between the clutch and first gear occasionally. Especially while making slow, aggressive turns.

Ignoring the issue, hoping it would hold over until I went to Option JDM on tuesday, I went to Toronto last night... big mistake.

While on leslie, I heard the noise becoming more frequent and louder. I pulled into a school parking lot and cranked my tires to a 90 degree angle. I tried looking behind the tires to see if anything looked off. I then noticed a large puddle of viscous fluid accumulating on the ground. I tried to touch/smell it, but it was dark, I assumed it was oil. I also remembered that I got an oil change last week and thought that the drain plug may have come loose or fell off.

I topped up my oil and missioned home, stopping half way to top it up one more time. Luckily making it home safe, I parked at the plaza near the house.

This morning, the puddle was small. After checking my oil levels, all seemed to be ok, so I headed over to crappy tire.

By the time I reached crappy, I had almost no power steering assistance.

I dropped off the car, now thinking it was a power steering fluid leak.

I've left them the keys and am waiting for the call.

I am now holding off on buying my rims until I receive the call indicating the damage.

Wish me luck, I'll keep you guys posted.

If you just had a oil change done last week and not your car is leaking fluid, I would be bringing the car back to the place you got the oil change done at, because the drain plug could very well be lose.

Thanks Spike.

I assume you mean if it's not leaking power steering, and it IS leaking oil?

I got it done at Mr. Lube in Oakville. (Dundas and Neyagawa)

I wanted to come by your shop to see you today, as I live in the area, but I didn't think you'd be in today.

Yeah i mean engine oil.

No we are not open on saturdays.

So, spoke to CT... They're saying it's the "Rack & Pin", which is going to run me about 1,100 with parts and labour. Then an additional costs for balancing, line replacement, power steering fluid flushing... etc... going to be about 1900.00

They also said this was with aftermarket parts, as they tried to call the dealer and they are back ordered until June. Also, the dealer Rack and Pin is going to be about 1300, as opposed to 800 for the aftermarket.

I have a family friend who works an an auto-parts dealer, as well as a family friend who is a mechanic.

I'm looking to find the best quotes on parts and then try to save the most on labour.

Is it really worth it to replace 1900.00 worth of parts and labour? or should I just put the money down on another teg?

FML!

1900. Lmao.

Tell me everything you need. Ill get you a price today on labour and parts.

BB Msg'd you... good luck on the search, appreciated.

Spike, any chance you would be willing to help me out on the labour at your shop if I was able to get the parts? Obviously I'm willing to pay, just don't wanna fork out an arm and a leg.

I got a quote for 350 on the rack and pin assembly.

I was told my lines should be salvageable, so I don't think they'll need to be replaced.

I was told only a "minor" wheel alignment is necessary as well.

I will be picking up the car from Crappy Tire and taking it home for the time being... topping up the "power steering fluid" with "transmission fluid", as opposed to the "power steering sealant conditioning", as it will apparently have no effect in fixing it.

Then, once the rack and pin is installed, the fluid will be flushed and topped up with the power steering instead.

Apparently it's cheaper to run it temporarily with tranny fluid as opposed to power steering and they have similar consistency and effects.

Please let me know.

I'd like to stop by a.s.a.p.

Yea i already told you my mechanic doesnt want to do it because he has bigger jobs.

But I asked how much it would be. He said 400$ parts and labour for all hoses and pin rack.

Yeah I can find out on Monday on labor for you Chris. Me I'll just say ---- PS, and just go manual steering, but that's just me.

^+1

yeah but it dosnt sound like its just power steering problem but something wrong with his actual rack and pin since its making weird noises which in turn might lose steering control
is that possible?

where is the fluid coming from? how are your inner/outer tie rods?

i definately wanna hear about this cause i got the same sorta noise comin form my drivers side and its every morning at its loudest while transitioning into 2nd gear

i wouldnt reccomend CT for service ever

Just delete everything that has to do with ps. I did that with my old teg since it was leakin and making noise. No problems whatsoever and its a nice work out for your forearms.

p/s racks are not cheap to buy. but you can find some used ones pretty cheap. don't spend 1900 bucks on that old car. you should be able to have it all done for under 500 if you shop around at smaller shops.

what's with VSM integras ------- up these dayss. First Vida, now Mixed1. irsdb7 and others watch out

Hey, yeah, I will be picking up the Rack and Pinion at somepoint Monday.

If you could let me know how much install/labour would cost roughly, I would appreciate it.

Just update the thread when you can, or private msg me.

I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks.

Also, I know your shop is in Oakville... I'll have to re-check my FB again unless you can msg me the location.

The car is driveable right now, but I have been topping up the power steering with ATF Fluid. It's staying parked until I have to decide and commute to a shop tommorrow.

Time is major issue, as I don't wanna miss much work.

I would just skip out on the Power Steering, but the car sounds like it gonna croak. The noise is unbearable.

Ended up speaking to the gf's uncle... he quoted me at 350-400 for labour...

I will be dropping the car off at his shop tomorrow.

Wish me luck.

Guess my rims will have to wait. *Sigh*

Honestly, just take the p/s belt off and see if the noise goes away.. The noise you're probably hearing is the pump being starved of oil. If you don't want to replace your pump too I actually suggest removing the belt assuming you plan on replacing the rack..

So yeah... the issue ended up just being a faulty hose, which was replaced.

I also had my ps fluid flushed and my oil changed.

I am contemplating on contacting Canadian Tire and filing a complaint, as they recommended $1,900.00 worth of repairs, and the hose replacement and flushing was about $200.00.

I heard they're mechanics are on commission, but $1,900.00!? Come on?

I say you do that. These mechanics these days think they can get away with that stuff.

At least you can still get your rims and tires. But wow dam those guys trying to get all that money.

you can try that..but it won't get very far...it's CANADIAN TIRE....can you imagine the amount of complaints they receive everyday...ALLOT

they may give you a gift certificate for in store products just to keep you happy....that's about it....