Steering Rack Replacement

[RanjS8]

I will find out later this week if I need to take the engine out. I have bad feeling I do as that's what Guy told me in passing at some point.

3000 to replace Rack is a lot. I was quoted 600 labour to replace. The symptoms I have are that there is excessive play in the steering wheel, which has been traced to play in the pinion on the steering rack. In addition, to this you can hear a knocking sound when you rock the steering back and forth and if I turn the steering under load then there is a loud creaking noise.

I m hoping the engine doesn't have to be removed, there was no mention of it in elsewin. In the same breath, I haven't found a diy of the procedure online as yet, which normally means it's not a job for the faint hearted either.

We shall see.

[Turbo Tony]

Ranj, are you planning on replacing the power steering pump too?

If they need to take the engine out, I'm thinking it may be worth doing it at the same time.

[RanjS8]

Well the steering rack has been replaced. Still have to put power steering fluid in and bleed the system so car is still on axel stands and untested. However, this will be the first task next week on my return.

Changing the steering rack really isn't a job for the faint hearted. Definitely the toughest job I have come across to date.

Fortunately, the engine/gearbox does not need to touched. However, you are in for a world of pain and swearing as there is just so little room to work in.

I will write a short diy when I have time.

Thanks.

[Turbo Tony]

Glad to hear the worst is over for you. I'd be really interested to hear your results once you've got her out on the road.

My steering rack arrived at Audi yesterday and they are fitting it next week.

I've asked for a printout of the alignment/geometry check they're doing afterwards but I'm 99% sure they will forget - communication isn't one of their strong suits.

Fingers crossed!

[RanjS8]

Well, the steering rack replacement was a success!!!! I enlisted the help of my nephew, who has been working as an apprentice mechanic for a vw specialist for past 3 yrs. He has just moved to a bmw specialist now, but wow what a talent.

I managed to find the procedure on elsawin, and so much is involved. Fortunately, we managed to do it without removing engine/gearbox.

There's lots involved in doing the job, and so it's certainly not for the faint hearted. To get access to the rack, one must remove the driverside under trim, the rear front wheel trims and the upper control arms/tie rod ends.

there are 3 bolts holding the rack in place all difficult to reach so we modified a spanner to reach them. There are 2 on the drivers side n 1 on the passenger side n they go up into the bulk head.

We left the power steering lines in the car and disconnected them from the rack. The pinion is connected to steering wheel universal joint by a hex bolt which is accessed from under the wheel arch.

There is a rubber seal covering the bolt and is easiest to remove from the inside on the driverside.

Apologies for lack of pictures, it really was one for a lot of swearing!.

good luck!!!!

[Dezzy]

Nice one Ranj