I replaced the steering rack about 5-6 months ago due too it clicking and rattling and there was quite a bit of play.

I noticed over the last few days its rattling again, onfurther investigation, I conclude that it's completely fooked. I had the wheel off and checked it wasn't the steering arms which have recently been replaced due too the MOT fail, its definatley the rack.

If I hold the road wheel in place and some wiggles the steering wheel I can feel it knocking and clunking through the road wheel.

I bought it as a recon unit from Euro Parts as the OEM item was £500.

Can anyone guess as too why I am suffering with same problem again ???

And does anyone know what Euro parts are like for replacing parts,or are they going too tell me it wa fitted incorrectly or some other horsecrap.

My mate fitted it who is an Audi tech so I trust him completely, only problem being I have receipt for fitting:O

Any thoughts on this fellas

I bought a recon steering rack from GSF a few years ago, Was worse than the one we took out of it and it was a nightmare to get a refund or replacement even though what they sold me was faulty. I've never used them for anything since. Hope you have better luck with Euro Car Parts!

I know that larger tyres, lower car etc... all add additional strain on the rack but i would not have thought so much as to cause the problems you are having.

Im not sure what ECP returns/warranty procedure is but just be nice to them and no go in ready for a fight or it will put there back up right away.

If your able to get your cash back then try fitting one of the TT racks. I have found 2 here:

EBAY LINKY

Let me know how you get on mate. Im fitting a R32 rack to my car tomorrow also so know how you feel.

Kind Regards

Garry

Thats great Garry

My car has 225 tyres and some TT bushes but thats all,

I've have not been happy with the steering rack for a good two years so decided too get it changed and it frikkin worse now :rolleyes:

Edit.......Garry is the TT rack a straight swap with no other bits like steering arms etc

Edited 3 April, 200917 yr by fatty5000

mmm just what I was gonna start lol.

hope you get it sorted Dave

I have a wierd knock in my steering. turning on a not too goo road there feels like something loose in there but there is no play and it turns fine. I am thinking the steerind rack bush may be going?????

I have a Powerflex poly one to go in.

what are ppls thoughts?

cheers

billy

oh and also what is the diff between the audi TT and the Golf R32 racks??

If I get one fitted what will it entail and what diff will it make to the steering?

this will hopefully be of use to you too fatty mate? hope not hijacking. if so ill start my own thread.

billy

Thats great Garry

My car has 225 tyres and some TT bushes but thats all,

Garry is the TT rack a straight swap with no other bits like steering arms etc

oh and also what is the diff between the audi TT and the Golf R32 racks??

If I get one fitted what will it entail and what diff will it make to the steering?

Mmm, would not have thought that would kill a rack then.

Yes i am told that the TT (all MK1 models), S3, Leon Cupra R, R32 Golf all use a rack that is 100% identical in its fitment to ours cars but with the added bonus of being a bit stronger and a quick rack. 2.5 Turns lock to lock so should be much better responce and far better turn in.

I found those 2 on Ebay, was about to buy, when a guy from my girlfriends work place told her he just happened to have a R32 steering rack in his garage, lol. As you do. A quick check on Vagparts confirmed it is indeed a R32 rack so shall be fitting it tomorrow. After that point i will be able to let you know if it is indeed a good upgrade and as straight forward as i hope

I shall take a few photos and put together a fitting guide also while im there

Kind Regards

Garry

star mate cheers

so is that 1/2 turn less than the octy one then?

mmm just to say its jus over 1.5 turns from centre to lock

so 3 full turns lock to lock for the vRS.

Yep thats right.

Or 20% quicker is another way to look at it

Kind Regards

Garry

spose youll be able to say after but is the feel there too as i think the vrs has very little feel.

think i might go for one of these lol.

billy

Yeah, will let you know after the weekend how it feels

Im also hoping for a much better steering feel and quicker turn in. I have always felt that although stable and quick once into a corner, it never liked to start turning very well or change direction at any sort of pace. Im hoping that this along with the S3 Braces and a full geometry setup this will go someway to improving things and make it seem less distant.

Garry

This is very interesting, I'm waiting to see them pictures and read that guide. I especially like the quicker steering.

Fatty, let me know... I'll get the boyos and we can pay them a visit

Just been looking through a workshop manual and I've found this

Could this be my problem ???

It's the bit about play in the steering making me think

That is a possibility and a nice easy one to fix. Is yours more a noise or just a bit of looseness in the steering tho?

I fitted the R32 Rack on Saturday and my god what a difference, makes the car handle like a Mini now, really wants to turn in and feels so much more nimble now. Its like the car has just lost half its weight

I am doing a fitting guide and write up now

Kind Regards

Garry

That is a possibility and a nice easy one to fix. Is yours more a noise or just a bit of looseness in the steering tho?

It loose really, did you adjust your new one this way ???

I fitted the R32 Rack on Saturday and my god what a difference, makes the car handle like a Mini now, really wants to turn in and feels so much more nimble now. Its like the car has just lost half its weight

Good news! I will have to keep my eye out for a cheap R32 or TT one and get it fitted over the summer

hell yea.

lokks like thats another good mod to do.

can you do it yourself?

do you need to drop the subframe?

do you need a ramp?

billy

Theres two TT ones for sale on fleabay at the moment... £125 buy it now... seriously tempted!!!

It loose really, did you adjust your new one this way ???

No, we did not touch that adjustment

Good news! I will have to keep my eye out for a cheap R32 or TT one and get it fitted over the summer

2 on EBAY as we speak. I nearly bought one but got offered this R32 one locally so used that instead. At £125 buy it and fit it when you get time.

hell yea.

lokks like thats another good mod to do.

can you do it yourself? Yes

do you need to drop the subframe? Yes the rear one.

do you need a ramp? We did it on a ramp and it was very easy. Could be done on the floor but i would not want to try it, lol.

billy

Answers in red

Theres two TT ones for sale on fleabay at the moment... £125 buy it now... seriously tempted!!!

DO IT!!!!!! If you like to drive your car on track or around a/b roads it simply is a must do mod.

Garry

do you need to get a geo setup done?

can you ge to the steering bush?

I have a powerflex one to go on?

do you need to get a geo setup done?

can you ge to the steering bush?

I have a powerflex one to go on?

Yes you will need to get the geometry set up again for best results. You could measure the distance between the 2 track rod ends and make the new one the same. That will be close enough to get you going

If anyone is based in the South east i can arrange for fitment and tracking to be done for a nice price

Im not sure what you mean by steering bush?

Garry

Fitting guide now done.

See HERE

Kind Regards

Garry