My rack and pinion is leaking fluid on the drivers side (01 Dodge Dakota v-6 Quad Cab) . I priced them at Oreilley's and Autozone and they were about $180. Wanted to know if I should look for a rebuilt (haven't priced rebuilts)? Also is this a big job? I am pretty mechanically inclined and think I can do it if I have the right tools. I would like to know if a wheel alignment will be needed after this is replaced? If anyone has changed one of these let me know.

TIA,

Hector.

 

$180 is cheap (btw AUtozones are usually rebuilt ones anyways). Its not hard to replace them, just messy. And yes an alignment usually is a good idea since you'll be disconnecting the tie rods. Personally I string the tires for toe when I do steering work.