busted rack and pinion

**PRVWing** · 06-19-2008 04:07 PM

Ok, so my mechanic said that i have a bad rack and pinion. It is not leaking but my left side makes a clunk noice (plus feels loose) when I go slowly over imperfections. The thing is, can I keep using the car while I get the $$ for the fix? I mean, is my safety at play? I dont have the $1k + to spend on the car right now.

**fitch303** · 06-19-2008 05:04 PM

F*CK, that makes two of us! although I do my own work. How much are the parts

**AudiA4Turbo22** · 06-19-2008 05:09 PM

3 OF US! i need new axles and i've needed them for over a year going in next week, i wouldn't recommend to drive with them bad so u don't cause more damage, but u can for a little while!

**bwoy1981** · 06-19-2008 05:19 PM

Your savior!! I just did mine..

Link..http://carsteering.com/partsdisplay/2004_Audi/A4.html

**absolutegtr** · 06-19-2008 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by bwoy1981

Your savior!! I just did mine..

Link..http://carsteering.com/partsdisplay/2004_Audi/A4.html

You finally did yours?

Everytime there is a power steering rack failure thread, both of us always post in it, lol....within the next 2 months or so I should be fixing mine...

Which rack did you end up going with> The Koyo or ZF Rack? Did you notice a different feel?

(I am on a mission to find a rack that perhaps can offer tighter steering and a shorter sterring ratio...any ideas?)

**bwoy1981** · 06-19-2008 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by absolutegtr

You finally did yours?

Everytime there is a power steering rack failure thread, both of us always post in it, lol....within the next 2 months or so I should be fixing mine...

Which rack did you end up going with> The Koyo or ZF Rack? Did you notice a different feel?

(I am on a mission to find a rack that perhaps can offer tighter steering and a shorter sterring ratio...any ideas?)

Its so true how we always post in these threads

. Mine being an 02 had the ZF rack. I learnt how to tell the difference. Put a magnet to the rack and if it sticks then its Koyo, if not then its a ZF. Mine also didn't have the strut, i just looked and didn't notice any.

The steering is definitely stiffer but in a good way, not light and out of control, but the car feels sooooo solid!

As for steering ratio, i never paid any attention to that

but Im happy I did it, cause its been about a yr of topping up my power steering fluid every 2 weeks.

**absolutegtr** · 06-19-2008 10:56 PM

Originally Posted by bwoy1981

Its so true how we always post in these threads

. Mine being an 02 had the ZF rack. I learnt how to tell the difference. Put a magnet to the rack and if it sticks then its Koyo, if not then its a ZF. Mine also didn't have the strut, i just looked and didn't notice any.

The steering is definitely stiffer but in a good way, not light and out of control, but the car feels sooooo solid!

As for steering ratio, i never paid any attention to that

but Im happy I did it, cause its been about a yr of topping up my power steering fluid every 2 weeks.

I have an 02 as well...so I guess I will try the magnet trick. Eitherway, diagnosticator "recommended" the ZF rack with the strut though.

Ohh yea, I got a few questions:

1) Did you change out your outer tie rod ends also?
2) If so, did you get he "beefier/newer" ones? Where di you get them from?
3) When you bought the rack did it already come with the inner tie rods, or did you have to buy them?

Thanks!

**bwoy1981** · 06-20-2008 06:45 AM

Yes I did change the outer tie rods. I just bought the oem ones from Eurotechnik here in Orlando for $100 for the two. I love how the car feels now!

**PRVWing** · 06-22-2008 03:01 PM

Got a quote on a new rack for $625, with labor, alignment, and everything for $797 with a new ZF rack and done by a VW/Audi tuner. So I had to say yes.

**absolutegtr** · 06-22-2008 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by PRVWing

Got a quote on a new rack for $625, with labor, alignment, and everything for $797 with a new ZF rack and done by a VW/Audi tuner. So I had to say yes.

Nice...I will be doing the install my self though

Did your new rack come with a stru (shock looking thing)?

**PRVWing** · 06-23-2008 01:15 PM

Would not be able to tell you since the shop ordered it... so ill probably never see it until its installed... But if I do see it before the install, Ill check it out.