steering rack leak

**2004B6S4** · 03-04-2016 02:11 PM

My engine is out right now to do the timing, and while I was standing in the engine bay checking things out I noticed that my steering rack has a leak where these small pipes connect to it. These aren't the pipes that connect to hoses or circulate fluid through the system, they just connect from one part of the rack to another part. Looking at the parts diagrams, these pipes are shown as being part of the rack - they are not listed as separate replaceable parts and the exploded view doesn't explain how they seal to the rack.

not sure if you can see it in the photo but there's a bit of an oily mess around that threaded connection.

this end of the pipe is also leaking as you can see much more clearly from the pic

My question is, does anyone know if these connections use any kind of seal that I can replace, like maybe an o-ring or crush washer? any other suggestions/advice is welcomed

**2004B6S4** · 03-04-2016 11:01 PM

My guess is that, if I was to take this in to the dealership, they would tell me to replace the entire rack? Even if I could stop the leak, I'm wondering if it would be wise to replace the rack now while I have easy access? Chances are it's probably the original rack and if it is then it has 150k miles on it. But then again I don't know my car's entire service history so there's a chance it's not original(if someone can suggest a way to find out, like if it should have the date manufactured stamped on it somewhere, that would be awesome), and I don't really want to be that guy, the guy who wastes money throwing parts at the car that aren't really needed.

so I'm looking for opinions.. . does the leak in the picture already constitute a need for replacement? and if not then is it worth doing preventatively? assuming it's original, is it pretty common for it to need replacement by this mileage?

If I do replace it, I'm also going to be looking for experience/opinions on where to source it. There's a pretty huge range in pricing for rebuilt racks, with audi charging over $1k and other companies claiming to do an oem quality rebuilds for under $300. I'm sure there are rebuilt units out there that are just as good as the genuine part for less than half the price, but there are probably some real shoddy "rebuilds" that won't last being sold as well, and it's impossible to judge whether a companies claim of "oem quality" is legit or not.