MkIV steering rack replacement

[Oo-v-oO]

They confirmed the rack was not new, and offered me $20 off or I could return it for a refund - it's going back. I don't trust that line to last for any length of time with the road salt they use here in NH and $20 isn't going to come anywhere near the cost to R&R the rack even if it is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pretty disappointed. The ad showing pictures of what appears to be a new rack and described as such is still live on eBay...

 

[CoreyS]

Just thought I'd post a little follow up on this post with my experience.

My steering rack on my 2004 BEW Jetta Wagon was starting to have some issues and I determined it was time to replace it. After reading the reviews on this thread about the Detroit Axle Rack I decided to give it a shot. The Ebay post clearly still says new, and much to my surprise, I actually received a brand new rack. I was certainly expecting rebuilt after the comments on this post and for the price ($162). The procedure listed in the first post was immensely helpful, I think the only missing step was to re-install the two small exhaust hanger bolts at the very end. Pretty obvious when they are the only bolts remaining to reinstall/replace. Hardest part about the entire job for me was getting the front tires off, they were really corroded on well, but thanks to some other posts on this site I was able to break them free. I was pretty nervous about the disclaimer on ebay "Important part details: w/Variable Ratio Steering (Servotronic)" as I was not able to determine what this was and if my car had it or not even with a VIN lookup. However, it seems to not matter much as the rack was a direct replacement and everything fit perfectly.

Will try to remember to post a follow up on how the Detroit Axle rack holds up, but I have no doubts it will be just fine given the other reviews on here of it.

Hope this helps someone out.

Corey

 

[mittzlepick]

Ive used several ftom amazon detriot axle? Rebuilt ones 3 going in 2 years no trouble

 

[intro]

Be extra careful threading the lines back in on the driver's side. Really take your time getting those bolts in, the tension/weight from the line makes it wonky.

 

[pompa dooz]

I know this is an old thread but... it sure has been helpful. I feel naked without a Bentley for this A4 and every bit makes a big diff. I have several books and wasn't aware Bentley Publishing has gone a bit dark? I shall treasure the ones I have even more. I hate the idea of subscribing for anything as they have you by the short and curlies then. We'll see if I got enough book-lernin crammed in there to wing it with this new fangled critter...

My apologies for resurrecting ancient history.

 

[Nuje]

Subscribe at erwin.vw.com for 24hrs for $35USD (last I looked). Then go download LITERALLY EVERY MANUAL VW HAS for NAR cars made since 1974 (or whatever the year was).
I know there's comfort in having a big physical book/manual, but at $100+ for just one platform generation, I greatly appreciate the all-you-can-download smorgasbord of erwin.

 

[braddies]

Nice writeup, thanks!(13 years later) Would be awesome if we had a source for mk1 Audi TT racks with a quicker ratio, totally makes the car more enjoyable, getting out of tight spots or windy twisty roads or straight line highway, the TT ratio is Perfect for the Mk4 platform(same rack as the Mk4 r32 recieved.
An $80 gamble on fb marketplace paid off with a used but still good rack with tie rods, but it would be nice to have a reliable source for new or quality rebuilds