1997 Buick Lesabre Approx. Repair costs

You can purchase a rack and pinion assembly for $200 at AutoZone. Labor will run you about $250.

The problem will be finding a shop who'll let you buy the assembly yourself and install it for you.

Most shops want to buy the assembly through one of their suppliers because they can get it for
$200 and then charge you $500 for it, plus $250 in labor.

The reason this is, because the data service shops use (Alldata) calls for $500 on the steering assembly. This allows the shops to quote you a higher price. But it doesn't really cost that much.

Call around and ask will a shop install your bought assembly, before you buy it. Enough calls should find you one.