I took my car into Firestone for an oil change. They informed me that I had a leak and my rack and pinion needed changing, being concerned for safety, Igave the approval to have the work done, to a tune of $1200.00. The problem was I had no sign of noise or hard turning, but I did not know better. They also wanted to put a dye to check for more leaks since there was fluid on the rack and pinion they were assuming it was coming from there, and I told them fine.
I took my car elsewhere and found that my head gasket was leaking onto the rack and pinion and that in all probability it did not need replacement, oops too late. I took my car into get an oil change at the same Firestone 2 months ago and was told my left tire rod needed to be changed, smarter this time instead of paying the $400 they quoted me I went up the hill to Les Schwab and to a tune of $159 I had the tire rod changed out and front end realighned.
For the past two weeks or so once in awhile turning left was difficult, so back to Les Schwab and after inspecting it they came to the conclusion that the rack and pinion was bad on the left side because therubber boot was not tied down and probably dirt got into the system. Afer reading on the internet that is the one thing that must be done properly or dirt gets into the system and causes failure. I called Firestone and was told there was a 12 month warranty period.
I went to the shop after getting an estimate of $864.00 for another rack and pinion from Les Schwab, and all they could say was gee out of warranty knowing I was extremely upset that they could not explain to me how it could go out in such a short period of time and less than 7,000 miles. This is a 2000 Chevy Impala LS with not even 75,000 original miles on it. I am sure that rack and pinions are warranteed by the manufacturers longer than 12 months, I have searched internet sites and they give 3 years just on the parts!
I just think that Firestone is price gouging their customers and buyer be ware, just $1200 versis $864.00 proves that. I am a 61 year old woman, working 3 miles from home, not aspeed demon and take care of my car, hoping it to last for 100,000 miles! With repair work like Firestone did I do not stand a chance or I could buy a new car cheaper than their repairs! I have leaned my lesson, and will never return to that store. I want everyone to know just how they do business, Les Scwab was so busy and Firestone had two cars in their bays and three people hanging out at the front desk, gee tells you something.
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