Steering rack replacement... here we go again.

[üBER.QIK]

So... back in Feb when I did my K04 install, I squashed one of the 2 steel lines on the power steering unit when lifting the engine too high (which I'd discovered AFTER the engine was back in ... fkc). When I did take the rack out to fix the leak... I noticed the tie rod BOOT was perforated - and crap was getting in. Like a dumbass... I decided to leave it for the time being. So I had the crack in the steel line tigged and put it all back together.

Of course a month later... guess what? The rack starts leaking from the boot (double fck). So I managed to pick up a used rack from |skolnick (thx btw) - and tonight I'll be at it again. (much cheaper than a rebuild).

Lessons learned (yeah... hindsight's 20/20)
- don't lift your engine too high when pulling
- don't ignor torn boots!

Thought I'd share

• Great DIY Steering Rack replacement write up

[Chaddy]

Mine started leaking @ 38k and just 4 months out of warranty. I've heard the high pressure seal is poorly designed, and that all of the heat from the 2.7T downpipes being right there tends to cook the rack.

However my fluid at the time was really funky, so a previous owner may have topped up with something like brake fluid for it to fail at such low mileage.

Sorry man :/

[FixedWing]

I was told that this season all of the Cup cars in Germany had to have their hydraulic fluid replaced because something was growing in it after sitting for the winter.

Stephen