2006 Skoda Fabia Mk1 1.4 16v petrol

 

I know there are several threads about this common fault, but as I have a LHD version and based in Spain (where its almost imossible to find parts like this as cars are are not scrapped as easy as in the UK), I need to be certain.

 

the leak is definatly comming from the drivers side steering rack area. (the driver side is LHD).

But what I find unusual is the level of the leak,

 

if I did a 180 turn there would be fluid everywhere and 2 180 turns would probably emply all the fluid.

 

It just seems so much for the seals to fail to this level so quickly, within a week.

 

this car is quickly becomming the worst car I have ever bought.

 

So I am grasping at straws to another issue.

 

Also I have seen that the rack could come from a Polo and possible an Ibiza which would improve my chances.

Can anyone int me to where i can get info to see what other models is this power steering rack used on.

 

Mark

 

I can't help with part numbers.

But. I had a similar leak in my VRS. Came on out of the blue. Would leave piles of fluid on my drive. In fact I was filling it up every couple of days so just got a replacement rack ASAP.

In your scenario, do you have any breakers on eBay who can send you a used rack? Obviously no guarantee it'll last but if it's cheap and you know someone who'll fit it privately for cheaper labour rates, it may be worth a go.

it gets complicated as ebay hardly exists in Spain and there are laws regarding working in the street and even though I have a private parking area in an underground garage, this also is not allowed.

 

If I could find a rack an had somewhere to work I would attempt it myself,

If I can find somewhere private to do it, but it doesn't look good.

My only chance of finding a rack is if it is used across several  models, then maybe find a mobile mechanic that has his own working space.

 

Mark

I didn't realise it was so complicated.

A competent mechanic should take no longer than 3 hours to change the rack. In the UK it's common to find reconditioned racks for a reasonable price but obviously they are all right hand drive so no good to you.

 Any CZ members who could assist?

The part number for my Power rack is 6Q1 423 055AE

 

Anyone got any idea what the difference is between this number

 

and

 

6Q1 423 055BL

 

Thanks