Power steer rack CVU vs. ZF

[ACTION]

Hey Gang, Anyone replace their steering racks. I have a 2001 allroad 2.7 with 117k miles. Indie mechanic told me my steering rack needs to be replaced, parts alone $1200 US and almost 11 hours labor according to the book. I've found a ZF rack for about $730 and a $175 core. Then I found the remaufactured CVU rack for $206! Anyone have experience with these manufacturers? I'm sure ZF is oem. If CVU is a rebuild then it would be a ZF body, I would assume, lol? Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.

[wofman]

Mine is in shop as we speak having this done. Not too pleased, either. I was hearing a rattling/rumbling noise from front left. Can confirm $1200 +10.6 hrs by book. Don't know about your year and model, but 2.7 has two types of racks, $1200 for the one with extra power assist (hydraulics) to have easy steer slow-speed, stiffer for highway. Looks like mine uses the power assist, some don't (save $450). Is the latter the "ZF"? But we're not 100% sure which I need until we see replacement piece, can't be sure from VIN tracking. Looks like I have the lines and wiring for the assist version. So of course, my mechanic has a good used one of the other type.

Apparently this is not exactly rare, but not very common either. Mechanic has done a few before. First time my A6 has let me down. Had hoped it was just sway bar bushing.

[wofman]

PS - don't know where in NJ you are, but my car is at EliteMotorsNJ (Sam).

[Stampy]

Damn wofman, sorry to hear. I get a weird rattle sound only at the first turn of the wheels when I get in the car in morning. I am praying its all the suspension bits I have to replace and not my rack.

[wofman]

stamp -- pm sent

[ACTION]

Thanks for the confirmation on part price and bench time. Parts are in, I went with the aftermarket rack for $206 plus shipping. I also picked up a downpipe and catalytic replacement from east coast catalytic, The OE flex pipe was broken. I'll keep you posted.
Kyle