I was getting a moan/groaning noise from my steering system (i.e. especially loud when I turned the wheel even a quarter turn) and took it to a mechanic to take a look. The ananlysis was that the rack and pinion boot was leaking and they need to replace. Total cost about $700 (~450 for parts, 175 for labor, 60 for alignment).
1. Has anyone had this issue or if not does this sound likely?
2. Is the cost reasonale?

It is a 200 LS V8.

Thanks in advance for any help.

I was getting a moan/groaning noise from my steering system (i.e. especially loud when I turned the wheel even a quarter turn) and took it to a mechanic to take a look. The ananlysis was that the rack and pinion boot was leaking and they need to replace. Total cost about $700 (~450 for parts, 175 for labor, 60 for alignment).
1. Has anyone had this issue or if not does this sound likely?
2. Is the cost reasonale?

It is a 200 LS V8.

Thanks in advance for any help.

That sounds about right.........how many miles are on your car??? Most likely, you are out of lubrication in your boot which will cause that nasty sound. How long has it been going on? Whenever you have a problem like this.......get it fixed as soon as possible because who knows what else you're wearing out by not. I'm not a mechanic, but it seems to me that if you didn't get it taken care of in a short time, you could be looking at one hell of a shop bill if your whole rack assemby decided to take a dump on you......or equally as bad, your pump. Hope this helps and hope I'm not way off base with this........i've had a little to much beer tonight to really make a whole lot of sense.

I can get the rack for $189.00. Installation isnt too hard you can do that yourself. most alignment spots get $45 for the job.

try changing the fluid with mercon 5 and a bottle of ford friction modifier before going and spending a lot of money