What is this mechanic replacing, the boot or the whole rack & pinion? For that price it sounds like the whole thing. The boot on mine has been ripped for years and the steering has never been affected. 3 years ago when I first noticed the boot being ripped up, I called a dealership and they said said the boot was like $100 or something, well I couldn't afford that at the time so I didn't fix it and ended up forgeting about it. I understand you need it fixed to pass inspection though. Anywho, $1,100 (Canadian or not) seems like too much for just a leaky boot.