rebuilt rack or new one?

[TheEZest]

im getting my power steering fixed and i need a new rack from the rack and pinion assembly. my mechanic can get me a rebuilt rack for $400 or a brand new one from audi for $800. he said that he always uses this rack rebuilder and that he is really reliable. the rebuilt one comes with a one year warantee as well as the new one. what do you guys think i should do?

[Zodiak]

rebuilt.

[DDQ]

I would go rebuilt too. With a 1 year warranty, it sounds worth it.

Also, what happened that you needed to do this? What symptoms, etc...?

[Wholsea]

For sure hit up the rebuilt. It comes with the same warranty. Might as well save a few bucks!

[TheEZest]

thanks guys...the rebuilt one was ordered earlier today.

[VRsic]

Definantly rebuilt.

[Hassmeister]

Most rebulits are just fine!

[DDQ]

Originally posted by Wholsea
For sure hit up the rebuilt. It comes with the same warranty. Might as well save a few bucks!

So what happened (see above)??? (Just for future reference.)

VRsic - nice.

[RedRocket]

Originally posted by VRsic
Definantly rebuilt.

Read my mind ya rebuilds are nice....

[TheEZest]

Originally posted by DDQ
So what happened (see above)??? (Just for future reference.)

VRsic - nice.

well i have been driving around with no power steering for almost a year now so if i remember correctly this is what happened...

first there was a hissing type of sound and the feel of the steering wheel was very inconsistent. then i noticed that fluid was leaking so i filled it up with more fluid. when the fluid got low the power steering got weaker. eventually the fluid stopped leaking out and the power steering was gone. now the fluid is just sitting not moving in the reservoir.

[skene]

Have you ever thought to ask about an exchange unit from Audi?

They do have items such as racks that will include a core charge.

[hilltop50s]

just had my steering rack replaced and now have NO steering feel, even with the servotronic disabled. from what i understand there are no NEW rack from audi, or if there were they would be way more $$$ than the $900 or so ZF charges. the mechanic has given up & says it's fine, i hate driving the car now after huge inputs of cash fixes. he says can't be the rack, anyone else had this issue, please help!!!

[flynnr]

Lol. I just sold a perfectly good used rack from my a4 for $50.

[mysman]

just had my steering rack replaced and now have NO steering feel, even with the servotronic disabled. from what i understand there are no NEW rack from audi, or if there were they would be way more $$$ than the $900 or so ZF charges. the mechanic has given up & says it's fine, i hate driving the car now after huge inputs of cash fixes. he says can't be the rack, anyone else had this issue, please help!!!

There are several different racks used in the B5/A4 depending on engine and year. One version has a steering damper, another has less power assist, I believe. This would affect the steering "feel". Also, you can adjust the assist by changing/removing the restrictors on the return line.

[Corrado_Guy]

When my rack was leaking I checked with my parts guy and he said the rebuilds were kind of hit and miss. Some people had no issues while others had leaks and other problems so I just went new. The price difference was only a few hundred where I live so I went new to save the hassle.