Steering rack replacement

[chimp400]

I’m chasing a knocking noise on my front suspension and I’m almost sure it’s the rack making the noise.
Any recommendations on who to talk to with regards to getting a replacement or have mine refurbished?
I understand a gen 3 rack is the way to go but want to avoid a costly dealer visit to do the steering profile reflash if possible.
Thanks in advance.

[brian_badonde]

Did you check the anti-roll bar drop links? Mine were the source of a knocking noise for a very long time without me realising, and this was despite giving them a tug with a pry bar and not seeing any play. Replacing them fixed it for me, might be worth a try in case it isn't the rack.

[chimp400]

Yes I’ve replaced all bushes etc on the front end and the knock persists.
For some reason it almost disappeared when I had a 4 wheel alignment carried out but started again a few weeks later.

[exodus_ste]

Chimp i sourced a gen 3 rack for my Edition30. I managed to find a gen 3 from a mk6 gti so it didn't require the flash done. It came up on ebay after looking for a couple of weeks. It was a steal really, think i paid £120 and it included the loom so the only connections to make were under the bonnet instead of messing with the big connectors on the rack itself.

Same situation as you, chasing a knock for months! Also changed pretty much everything in advance trying to solve it.

[chimp400]

Yes I found out yesterday unless it's a Gti rack it will require the steering profile reflashed which can't be done using vcds, you need VCP to do it.
I will have a search around for 2nd hand racks but to be honest I'd rather go for a refurbed one as I only want to do the job once.

[pudding]

Don't outrule shot dampers as a source of knocking.  I chased a knock for years and replaced the rack thinking it was that, but it was the dampers 

Another source of knock is a worn out steering shaft UJ.

Anyway......if it is the rack, I got a Gen 3 from Power racks direct, think it was £450+VAT. Came with new tie rods and gaiters, so saves a few quid there.  They won't want your Gen1/2 back as they're worthless, so there may be a £50ish surcharge on top.  New from VW is almost car write-off.  I got a quote of £1600+£110 (harness)+VAT.  Plus tie rods and tie rod ends on top of that, so around £2300ish all in for the full works + fitting!!

On top of the rack you will also need a new harness (as above) from VW.  No way around that unfortunately.  Totally different wiring.  Gen1/2 the steering angle/torque sensor is in the steering column or clock spring thingy thing, in Gen 3 it's in the rack itself, hence the harness difference.  That isn't a bad thing as the Gen1/2 harness was sh1t anyway.  Under sized power cables, which caused a momentary loss of power assistance under hard lock applied quickly, plus poor grounding etc.

Gen 3 is a big improvement in every way.

You don't need a steering profile flashing unless you find it too heavy.  You will get an ABS fault code (have to reprogram it use the rack sensor) but that can be cleared with VCDS.

If you do need/want a steering profile, you need VW ODIS for that, so dealer or specialist with the right equipment.

I didn't bother with a profile, drives absolutely fine 

[chimp400]

I refurbed the suspension last year so would hope its not a damper but I may pull them and check first in the summer.