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Author Topic: Steering rack question.  (Read 4419 times)

Offline N13SCB

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Steering rack question.
« on: January 10, 2013, 05:56:42 pm »
Im needing to have my rack replaced asap, ive had it looked at and its on its last legs  :scared:.

 I think its quite expensive so ive decided to by a reconditioned second hand one, the garage i use asked if it has to be calliberated with the cars electronics when the rack is replaced?

Could anyone help with this? Thanks  :happy2:


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Offline bacillus

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2013, 06:02:54 pm »
Hmm, if your garage is asking this question, I would try using another garage.
Without traction power is nothing!

Offline N13SCB

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #2 on: January 10, 2013, 06:24:45 pm »
Sorry the guy I use thats local to me is a jap car tuner to trade, very good mechanic though. Just barely works on vws, im on of the few that go!


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Offline Black9

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #3 on: January 10, 2013, 06:36:46 pm »
I may need mines replaced too:(

How much is a recon Unit and where did u buy it from


Offline rex

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #4 on: January 10, 2013, 06:43:27 pm »
Buy a Mk6 steering rack! Not identical tu MK5 but better!  :happy2:

Offline gigolo456

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #5 on: January 10, 2013, 07:01:31 pm »
If u r anywhere near Statlers in Sheffield they will sell 2nd hand steering racks, fit and code it, etc, for bout 600 I think

Offline N13SCB

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #6 on: January 10, 2013, 08:29:04 pm »
I thought it was around that price, very expensive repair  :surprised:

So its confirmed that they need coded? Is it only VW specialists that can do this?


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Offline gigolo456

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #7 on: January 10, 2013, 08:36:55 pm »
Well somebody who knows what they r doing, Yes! I had my steering rack changed by local VW dealer, cost me 850 and that was after me kicking up a rite stink and making numerous calls to VW! Tbh, my amber steering rack warning light kept coming in, but steering itself felt fine! I wonder often if I hadnt paid nearly a grand to get it changed, wud anything have been affected at all, hmmm!!??

Offline N13SCB

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #8 on: January 10, 2013, 08:51:46 pm »
Thanks mate!

That is very pricey  :surprised:

My steering feels horrendous with the amber light on as well, really does need changed asap. Its also rattling!


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Offline gigolo456

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #9 on: January 10, 2013, 08:58:26 pm »
Well are u anywhere near Sheffield?

Offline Black9

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #10 on: January 10, 2013, 10:40:51 pm »
Buy a Mk6 steering rack! Not identical tu MK5 but better!  :happy2:

Is there a price difference between the 2 and what's better about the MK6 Rack?

Sorry to the OP for the thread hijack

Offline Black9

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #11 on: January 10, 2013, 10:44:48 pm »
Well somebody who knows what they r doing, Yes! I had my steering rack changed by local VW dealer, cost me 850 and that was after me kicking up a rite stink and making numerous calls to VW! Tbh, my amber steering rack warning light kept coming in, but steering itself felt fine! I wonder often if I hadnt paid nearly a grand to get it changed, wud anything have been affected at all, hmmm!!??

My amber light hasn't came on but I'm getting a knocking from my suspension and after having numerous parts replaced ive pretty much came to the conclusion it's the rack, it's been checked by a specialist tmrw so they will comfirm ( or hopefully not ).

I've called VW to enquire about rack prices and its almost £1,000 just for parts. Surprised u got it for £850.

Offline gigolo456

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #12 on: January 10, 2013, 11:22:37 pm »
I got it for £850.00 because i complained very strongly yo VW HQ down South!! In short, had my car since new, 2005, had it religiously serviced, etc by VW every year since (that will be stopping now ive found Statlers). My front wheel bearings needed replacing in April 2011 and it was only whilst the car was with them that they told me the amber warning light came on!!  :fighting:
I huffed and i puffed, even though my car was well out of warranty, albeit that my car had done less than 40k miles at that point. They initially wanted about £1450.00, to which i reminded them that i only needed the ONE rack, not two!! I think i must have made about 10 calls in the end to VW  :mad:
I guess the moral is, if it has to be done, it has to be done, but find as many reasons to fight your corner as you can, or if you are happy with a 2nd hand one (much cheaper), go with that, depends on your circumstances really!! I too now have a clunking, creaking noise when going around roundabouts, etc, but so hope it's not my rack again, although my VW warranty is 2 years parts/labour, and a third year parts only apparently (ot is that labour only, hmm, well one or the other!!)

As i said, if you're somewhere in Yorkshire, you'd be well advised getting your steering rack changed at Statlers, if you definitely need to change it!!!???

Offline Black9

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Re: Steering rack question.
« Reply #13 on: January 11, 2013, 12:25:50 am »
I'm not 100% sure it's the rack. It's being checked tomorrow. Really hope it's not but likely. Unsure if I can argue with VW much as its on 72,000 miles, B12 suspension etc...

Any cons to a recon rack?