Steering rack replacement?

[Mista J]

Hi all, im new to to the site.

Im just wondering if anybody here has ever changed a steering rack on an 8v or has any information about it. My steering rack needs replacing due to it being cracked. I was told that i cant replace it with any steering rack that will fit because extensive coding will need to be done etc. It’s the programming part im trying to avoid. Trying to find plug and play if thats even possible so i have been trying to match the code with the code found on the motor part of the steering rack (not sure of this is the code i need to be matching but guessed it is probably this seen as this is the part that electriconially plugs into the car )

This second code i am guessing is the column part number.

Zoomed out view

So far i’m struggling to find the exact code. Mine is 3Q0909144E and i am finding mutiple with the last letter changed (e.g 3Q0909144F, 3Q0909144G ) im not sure the boundaries on using these other racks or if its even possible. I thought about buying a new steering column and fitting my old motor thats already programmed onto the new column. I have heard this might not work as it will put the motor timing off. So i am just hoping somebody can shed some kind of light on the situation if anybody has had any kind of experience with these in the past.

 

[DJAlix]

You will need to find the exact same part number, or a revision of that part number, or else you will not be able to have the replacement coded to the car, and when I say coded I am using the term loosely as there is a commissioning procedure which will need to be completed, from basic coding through to calibration. Will also have a very hard time trying to complete this procedure via anything other than the official VW Group service tool.

 

[Mista J]

Thanks for your reply.

So does that mean that even if i get the exact same steering rack with the correct part number it will still need coding. Also just wondering if you know how important the single letter is at the end of the part number. Does this mean it’s essentially the same part or unusable on my car altogether. Thanks

 

[DJAlix]

Thanks for your reply.

So does that mean that even if i get the exact same steering rack with the correct part number it will still need coding. Also just wondering if you know how important the single letter is at the end of the part number. Does this mean it’s essentially the same part or unusable on my car altogether. Thanks

100% that any replacement part, new or old, is gonna need "coding". No way to swap this plug 'n' play style due to what it is and you are gonna need to get a professional involved. The letter / letters at the end generally mean a revision but that can also mean a different version, which may not be compatible with your vehicles existing equipment or may be for a specific setup.

When people come to me looking to fix issues like this I suggest ordering a new part against the vehicles chassis number so its 110% compatible with the car and the official VW Group service tool. The official parts database will always list the most correct revision available. When people start talking about used parts, if they really need to, I recommend they look for the exact same as what they already have or else you might run in to "coding" problems. Gone are the days where you can just swap a part and insert manual coding, or buy a part which is already coded, especially if there is an SVM code involved. Our cars need to be connected to the servers in Germany to have their replacement parts coded properly and "commissioned", and the parts need to meet the procedures criteria in order to complete. If the fitted part is not correct then the online process will reject the part. If you then manage to manually code the installation there is a good chance that the needed followup calibrations of the steering and related sensors might fail as the underlaying part is actually incorrect etc etc

 

[RichardT]

I was thinking the same. Basically if you need to ask these questions you need to take it to a dealer or specialist.
These modern cars are complicated and expensive to maintain. That’s life.

 

[Mikeso51]

Out of interest, what is the nature of the damage to the original rack, and how was it caused?