Steering Rack has failed :(

[Buck]

Noticed some grinding yeterday when I turned the wheel - Power Steering reservoir was empty and we hoped it was a split pipe

Took it to the (Independent Audi Specialist) garage today who have diagnosed steering rack failure

Looks like I am waving good bye to £800+ (the part alone is £600+) He is looking at the price of a refurb but says that they are prone to pretty rapid failure - i.e. months rather than years

What a killer - we had just been talking about changing the car for a newer (in warranty) car - it must have heard us!!

I am toying whether to go for the genuine parts then keep the car a while longer but then it's due: -

MOT
Service
Tax
Brake Discs/Pads

appreicate the above are wear and tear etc. but just feels expensive at the minute after some suspension changes and 4 new tyres in the last two months - what next?

 

[itsmeagain]

Try looking on ebay, I saw some racks last week. Original Audi ones too, brand new. Dont buy reconditioned, I had one replaced on my TT with a recon one. It failed within 2 months

 

[itsmeagain]

Try this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-AUDI-A4-B...CarParts_SM?hash=item414c656a23#ht_1564wt_939
or this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUDI-A4-B6-PO..._CarParts_SM?hash=item4839ab95e5#ht_500wt_956

Hope it helps

 

[crazy88]

I've used a company called PSR direct in the past mate, and they were good. Worth a ring at least to see what they charge.

I dint see recon racks as being bad either, as long as it's done properly.

Let us know how you get on

 

[Buck]

~Thanks Both

Have felt pretty gutted all day today - was expecting a small bill then the "It's not good news..." on the phone killed me

The garage is calling me in the morning so will mention the above - see what they say.

Trouble is now I feel in a bad place - do I keep the car having spent quite a bit f cash or getit roadworthy and cut my losses in the next 4 weeks before the other bits need doing?

 

[quattrojames]

Thats the age old question mate, there's is no right or wrong answer unfortunately.

 

[Buck]

Well the garage called this morning with the bad news - new rack and p/s pump required - with the pump needing replacing that's another 3 hours labour so parts, labour and the dreaded VAT are £1200 (we looked at the racks on eBay but they are different part no.s) Also, he didn't recommend refurbs unless I was selling the car soon as they do not tend to last more than a matter of months in his experience so have gone with genuine Audi parts as I normally do

He's checked the car over and says it should fly through its MOT so am going to keep the car for a little while longer but will start looking to see what there is out there that (a) I like and (b) can afford!!

Cheers

 

[JohnboyC]

Cheekeemonkey - sorry to hear that news.....whats the mileage on your motor ?

 

[Buck]

Hi Johnboy

It's just come up to 105,000 - 7 year old next month so not mega-high but the guy at the garage said I'd just been unlucky with the rack going but I've read on here that it's not uncommon

I just put it down to experience and an empty wallet :lol: Overall I have had little go wrong with the car - Temp sensor rear wash wiper, stereo (jammed CD) and worn c-link suspension joints are all that I can think of - the suspension, exhaust and clutch are all the original and seem fine <touches wood>

I feel a bit better now I've made the decision to keep the car - will apply some TLC over the weekend to make me feel better

 

[Buck]

My car's back!

So glad to see it again and it feels to drive absolutely fine - only thing now is the brake pad warning sensor light has just come on on the dash

 

[quattrojames]

Is that cos the pads are low? Or did the sensor wire get damaged during the work?

 

[Buck]

It came on later - I know it was Ok when picked up then came on when being driven back

I'd had them chec the pads and discs - he said that there was 25% left on the inner pads and about 50% on the outer pads - he said that they are good for 3-5,000 miles still (phew!)

Will get them done soon (maybe next bank holiday when I have a couple of days off work)

 

[Turkster]

should i show you this one? my listing!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110526392875&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

 

[JohnboyC]

Glads you got it all sorted ou......my 2.5TDi has 64K on it and I am keeping it for another 16 to 24 months (until we get 1st child into school) and so we will have some freed up childcare costs to squander on a new car instead.....
My car should have about 85 to 90K on it by then...
I have had my C Links in the front suspension replaced as well.....mainly as the rubber bushes were showing signs of perishing rather than worn out....
Had a rear ABS ring go on one of the rear hubs...that cost £250 to sort out :-(

 

[Buck]

should i show you this one? my listing!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110526392875&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

In a word NO!

 

[Buck]

Glads you got it all sorted ou......my 2.5TDi has 64K on it and I am keeping it for another 16 to 24 months (until we get 1st child into school) and so we will have some freed up childcare costs to squander on a new car instead.....
My car should have about 85 to 90K on it by then...
I have had my C Links in the front suspension replaced as well.....mainly as the rubber bushes were showing signs of perishing rather than worn out....
Had a rear ABS ring go on one of the rear hubs...that cost £250 to sort out :-(

With that spec and mileage you've no need to get rid anytime soon.

I'm hoping the weather is OK tomorrow (heavy rain this PM) so I can give mine a good clean and then I'll be happy with it again!

The rack must have been going for a little while 'cos some of the creaks and groans that I associated with the car have now gone - yey!