Steering rack leak

My '55 Tdi has a power steering leak, please help with advice. Does one rack fit all and is it safe to buy on ebay and what to ask or look for?
 
First of all, how bad is the leak? It’s quite uncommon for the steering racks to go (although not unheard of). I had a cheap run around at one point with a slight steering rack leak and using an off the shelf product in a bottle it solved it and stayed that way for a few years (I sold the car still with no recurring leak).

There are 2 types of steering rack, one type fitted to early cars up until September 2001 and then a revised rack thereafter. I once knew the exact difference, but it’s one of those things that have disappeared from my grey matter. Something to do with the positioning of the sensor and how the car reads the data.

So as long as you get a later mode rack you should be ok. Haven’t done the job myself, but there’s decent access there so shouldn’t be too much hassle.
 
Hi Steve, There are many patches on the road and I have to top up once a month. As the car has 217 thousand on the clock I don't begrudge a replacement rack. Thank you for info about early racks.
You have sent me bits before I found that on the "B" post there is a small piece of black plastic trim missing between the doors level with the bottom of the windows. Should you have an offside one available please let me know the cost etc and I will get back to you.
Many thanks Roger
 
Hi, I have same problem. Mine leaks about 0,1l / 1000km. Nothing really major but it does some strange sounds and I want to get it solved. I bought one used rack today. Do you know how can I say if it is revised or old rack? What to look for? Thanks.
 
Sorry my ignorance on A2's is only exceeded by my use of computers. Steve suggested an additive which was successful, mine does not make a noise just a mess. The garage quoted 3 hours labour for the replacement and I now have ordered one. It seems the change on steering racks was very early in the production run. Good luck.
Roger
 
Well I found part number (8Z1423052CX). In catalogue it seems it should be without sensor but when I start searching the internet it looks like big mess - usually all part numbers listed below the parts :confused: I will take a look in it under the car tomorow and we will see :) The rack I bought is without sensor.
 
For those who were wondering about difference between with and without sensor - there is the answer. On the marked place ont he picture below there is spout (I don't know if it is correct term) which serves no purpose in non sensor variant. In sensor variant there is hole directly to the spindle with two screw holes above and below this big opening. Second picture is the sensor itself.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20200504_150522.jpg
    IMG_20200504_150522.jpg
    1.1 MB · Views: 202
  • VW-Polo-Audi-A2-Skoda-Fabia-Steering-Rack.jpg
    VW-Polo-Audi-A2-Skoda-Fabia-Steering-Rack.jpg
    43 KB · Views: 217
Last edited:
Guys, do you know where to buy new seals for the rack? I have been looking for it for a week but I found only one seller from Lithuania...
 
I would have little reservation ordering from Lithuania, I have heard no negative comments, in fact prices are generally good value and as described and in my experience delivery time is amazingly quicker than many UK sellers, but they were used Audi parts not seals.

Andy
 
From my recent experience of ordering parts from Lithuania, if the item is ACTUALLY in stock then you will receive it quickly, whereas I waited 6 weeks for headlight bolts......
 
Back
Top