It seems every time I go to the dealer something in my car ends up broken so this time I went for a second opinion. I was told by the dealership that my bolts that hold the subframe to the steering rack were broken off. Went to another shop and was told same thing except that the rack might need replacement also. They said they wouldn't be able to tell if the rack needed replacement until after putting in new bolts. Just seems like they should be able to tell if needs replacement before putting in new bolts right?????

 

Unless you're having steering issues, you shouldn't need a new rack. The only way a mechanic should be able to notice "something wrong" is if it's leaking and they would take you under the car to show you.

 

They took me under the car when it was on the lift and there was no leaking. They are trying to say once they replace the bolts that hold the subframe to the rack if it doesn't drive correctly they will need to replace the rack. But no leaking, it was driving all over the road though when I would turn to the left or right. Thought it was because the bolts were broken/missing so the frame wasn't securely connected.

 

They told you bolts were broken. Bolts are replacable. Are they telling you the bolt mounting points are cracked? Did you try grabbing the rack and moving it to see that it is loose? Did you check the tie rods?

 

So now not only do the bolts need replacing but also the rack n pinion and subframe.

 

why does the subframe need replaced lol? that will not be cheap if so

 

I was told since the subframe is aluminum they can't drill the bolts into it without messing it up or get the bolts out. After a while I just kinda zoned out in disbelief n frustration.

 

yea i believe it is aluminum.. fuck man that is brutal, replacing subframe is no easy task. had to do it on my old 02 TL and it was not pretty

 

that suck tho, yeah the sub frame is aluminium.

 

There is no reason for them to even touch the subframe.
This is WorkShop Mechanics 101 .

Remove broken bolt with extractor removal kit.

 

That's the same thing I thought.

 

even if the mounting points were broken on the sub frame, you can tig weld in new ones or repair the existing ones. It's not rocket science...

Support engine from top raise car up remove sub frame, repair and reinstall

 

Finally complete, started driving it and noticed a new noise. Of course overly frustrated I asked the manager to hop in to hear the new noise I heard. Apparently heat shield.....First thought was 'shouldn't that have been noticed and fixed because it wasn't like that before'.... I'm sick and tired of going to shops to only feel ripped off.

 

BTW if I knew how to fix the problem or even knew how to diagnosis the problem then I wouldn't have came on here to ask for assistance. Thank you to those who actually gave helpful advice rather than trying to take a jab on my wound.

 

Woah. Been following this to see how you made out. Didn't contribute since I had nothing to add but I also didn't see anything that would warrant what looks to be a backhanded "FU" to some who did reply. As a new member you'd be well advised to look deeper at AZ and see how incredible a forum it is and not alienate yourself in your first post.

Apologies if I misunderstand what you meant to say. Did I?