Replace Steering Rack: Why Not Just Replace It?

Hello,


I own a 1997 Passat 3B with an AFN engine, and I've been losing power steering fluid for the past few days. It's leaking from the tie rod ends, first on the right side, then on the left. And it's leaking quite a bit: The reservoir is now empty after only 30-50 km of driving!

I always receive the information from both authorized repair shops and independent workshops that the entire steering gear needs to be replaced.

Why actually? Shouldn't it be possible to just replace the two round seals/oil seals located at the connection points of the tie rods to the steering gear?

hello,
You will have a hard time because no one sells the individual seals (rings) for such a steering gear. The reason given is that the worn parts of the steering gear (i.e., the rack) would destroy the new seals after a short period of time.
Pay attention to the color of your hydraulic oil! If it's dark, I strongly recommend thoroughly flushing the pump as well (due to metal debris in the oil!).
Good luck.

The problem with these units is the actual piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder, which in this case is identical to the rack. Usually, the seals fail because dirt has entered through a defective boot. In any case, the piston rod is damaged, and even with new seals, you won't be able to fix anything; they would be destroyed within a short time. After all, such a power steering system operates at pressures of 50-100 bar (sometimes more).
Furthermore, in most cases, you won't be able to remove the tension rod and seals anymore.

CU Gremlin.

Okay, so I'm really going to install a new steering rack (or it needs to be installed).

Does anyone know where I can get something like this cheaply? I currently have an offer for a replacement steering rack for €299.

I was advised not to use used parts (e.g., from a salvage yard) because they haven't been inspected afterward, and an expert appraiser will add the steering gear to the list of damages after every accident, even if it looks okay externally. The idea is that you can't see inside to check for damage.

Hello,

"So, €299 seems relatively "cheap." It's probably a used part from a recycling center. I only know this kind of thing from Golfs, and I believe that replacement parts from VW cost about twice as much. In any case, I wouldn't have it repaired because you won't completely eliminate the defect, especially not with new seals. The piston is likely worn due to contamination, and there's definitely a significant amount of oil loss."
If you have a reputable dealer, you can easily buy from them. They often write a lot in their descriptions. For example, you could ask if they have anything from a Passat with rear-end damage. I once had a car with front-end damage, and the inspection report mentioned a new steering rack, but I still drove it with the old one. So, not everything that's declared as defective is actually broken.

The steering rack, priced at €299, is from a company that specializes in LG components and drive shafts.

It is a refurbished part with a 2-year warranty.

Then please post the VAG price again. I can imagine that if you're buying a used part, you should definitely buy it with a warranty. As far as I'm concerned, a deal for €299 is certainly acceptable!

At Volkswagen, the replacement steering rack costs €511.56.

Buy it from the other one!

What about the tie rod ends? Should they be replaced at the same time, or do they not wear out significantly.

In the case of AT steering systems, they are not included yet. My tie rod ends are only 2 months old. So, I will reuse them.[/b]

hi,
I can't imagine that the tie rods need to be replaced, unless you have reason to believe otherwise (perhaps something got bent due to hitting a curb too hard...).