Yesterday, I had my 2011 G37S in the shop for a brake and radiator flush and as they were looking around they noticed a leak around the DS valve cover and the DS rack and pinion leak. It's mid $900's for the valve cover replacements and $1900 for a new rack and pinion. See photos. Is this something that needs to be replaced ASAP? Does the pricing seem accurate these days? TIA

 

Wouldn’t be too concerned about the rack leak unless the car is extremely low mileage ... less than 30,000 miles.
If it were mine i would clean it with break-clean or something and see how bad it is leaking over the next 5-10K miles. Just keep an eye on your power steering reservoir level. If the level stays up and there is no significant leakage, i would ingore it.

Now the valve covers are a different story, definitely get those seals replaced once you start to see evidence of a leak.

 

I'd also suggest looking in your local area for a business that rebuilds steering racks. They'll take your older rack as a core when it's time to replace it, and the savings (over a new one) can be substantial. Check for valve cover pricing at a source like Rockauto.com for your G. Remember that costs in your area may be slightly higher or lower than other US cities. For Denver, where I live, $2,800 is probably a good ballpark figure, as both projects take quite a bit of labor to do correctly.

 

FYI, I had the passenger side valve cover gasket replaced for ~$450 earlier this year at an independent shop. They reused the valve cover itself as it still appeared good when they removed it.

 

I’d also check and replace the Pcv valves too.

Often times the Pcv is forgotten, resulting in it being clogged and putting pressure into the valve cover - causing leaks.

Definitely don’t put the old pcv’s back on the newly sealed valve covers.

 

Thanks, so when I have a shop do this, they'll replace the valve cover and the gaskets? Just want to make sure I get this right with them. Also, have them replace the PCV valves while we're at it. Thanks!

 

Thats right. The PCV valves are simple enough to change and are $10-15 a piece. For something as vital as engine back-pressure and pressure-relief, I'd pay a little bit extra for an OEM PCV. Good luck and report back.

 

Well, inflation has hit the valves too. ~$20 per valve these days. But, I'll order a pair. Thanks!