1991 Nissan Maxima replacing rack and pinion and front strut

CJONES50

MEMBER
1991 NISSAN MAXIMA

Suspension problem
1991 Nissan Maxima V6 Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 196000 miles

'91 Nissan Maxima; i've had a terrible rattle on the driver's side for a while now. Firestone told me that my inner tie rods needed to be replaced. Now I have another mechanic telling me that my rack and pinion needs to be replaced along with getting 2 new strut mounts and front struts for the driver and passenger sides. The price he quoted me for all this was $1300+, with parts and labor. He also mentioned that on these models the timing belt has a tendency to go around the 200,000 mile mark and if that were to happen than I would have sunk a whole bunch of money into the car for nothing b/c that would basically be the end. What is the least I can do to keep this car going for at least another year or two? I only paid $1000 for it to begin with.

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

I wonder sometimes as to the credentials of some mechanics, 2 opinions and two very different outcomes. You can only try to get another opinion. Ask around your friends and find out who they trust. Try an independent work shop, not a chain store offering mechanical repairs as a side line. With out seeing it first hand it is rather hard to advise. A tie rod end and steering rack would not normally rattle, but a strut might.

I hope this helps

Mark (mhpautos)