Need hep with POWER STEERING RACK QUESTION

[ladiesgod]

I'm told I need a new power steering rack. My power steering just went out on a sudden and making a crazy loud metal twisting type groan. Next day I notice fluid all over the ground.

My car was an accident two months ago where there was significant damage to suspension components with fluids leaking and I honestly think the mechanics put in the wrong steering fluid which blew the seals since they were sloppy with a few other things. I have no way to prove it though so looks like I'm stuck with the bill.

During my research I notice most people keep referencing the ZF rack and I'd like to know if this can be perfectly used on my vehicle? I plan on getting it from carsteering.com. Also if the reasoning is because of the wrong fluid put in should I just go ahead and get a new power steering pump?

I appreciate the help!

2008 B7 S4

[Alexztt]

I doubt it was the fluid it was more likely damaged in the accident and either never repaired correctly or was missed. I run Honda power steering fluid in my S4 as I work at a dealership and was not paying the outrageous price for whatever the hell Audi uses.

[badger.]

Not sure if fluid would cause the problem, unless it was totally wrong. I think any synthetic mineral oil would work. My guess is the seals got jacked up or weakened somehow in the accident if your tie rods got shoved in or bent or something, and it wasn't noticed. And it just now let go. Have you determined where the fluid actually came from? There are a couple hoses notorious for blowing.

I bought my new rack from FCP Euro, it was a ZF brand and I've had no issues.

[ladiesgod]

Not sure if fluid would cause the problem, unless it was totally wrong. I think any synthetic mineral oil would work. My guess is the seals got jacked up or weakened somehow in the accident if your tie rods got shoved in or bent or something, and it wasn't noticed. And it just now let go. Have you determined where the fluid actually came from? There are a couple hoses notorious for blowing.

I bought my new rack from FCP Euro, it was a ZF brand and I've had no issues.

Which part number did you purchase from them? All the racks say they don't fit my vehicle.

I sent an adjuster to look at it, he said the seals blew & therefore has considered it to be normal wear and tear and told me suspension parts are made to take impacts and so the likelihood of my issues being related to the accident is Zero.

[badger.]

I bought this one but I have a B6. Not sure on the availability of the B7 rack. They do have a basically "no questions asked" lifetime warranty on everything they sell which is partly why I went with them. Also, the ZF rack I got was a reman (it was impossible to find a brand new one without special order from Germany) and was done very well, so even if you buy from carsteering I would think that ZF rack will be a good choice.

[ladiesgod]

I bought this one but I have a B6. Not sure on the availability of the B7 rack. They do have a basically "no questions asked" lifetime warranty on everything they sell which is partly why I went with them. Also, the ZF rack I got was a reman (it was impossible to find a brand new one without special order from Germany) and was done very well, so even if you buy from carsteering I would think that ZF rack will be a good choice.

Hey thanks man.