settin06

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/107057/101_1751.jpg"></center><p>1st off hello I am new to the forum and purchased my AUDI last year August. I have also posted this on the Audi forum web page. I have the engine light on for the catalyt converters which I'm ignoring and the ABS light is steady on but no brake problems as I can tell. My real delema is the rack started leaking. Has anyone done this and have instructions. The dealers want my new born baby for the cost of labor (1500) and parts (1300). I bought an aftermarket rebuilt with the shock attached (supposedly lifetime garuantee). I plan to change it this week and would like to be aware of any parts to buy before I get caught in the middle. Your help is much appreciated. Thank you in advance

SMOOOV

Just take the rack to an indy and have them do it...might save you some time and headache.....

settin06

Who and what is an indy? I live in NYC and seem to have a hard time finding someone to do it for a reasonable price besides the dealer. Any suggestions? Thanks.

SMOOOV

indy= independent shop (non-dealer) might save you $$$ on labor.

AudiForYou's 2.7T

Are you sure you need a new rack? I had a power steering failure which just needed a new pump.

settin06

I think so I have taken it to two shops and both say it is the rack. I haven't had time to look myself but will before I start my mission. They both also stated I should take it to the dealer to have it changed. They all estimate 10 12hrs of labor. I'm sure this can be done by not taking everything apart as probably suggested by the shop manual. Just asking for advice or a shop in the NYC Queens area. Thanks.

BernieBenz

It's the R&amp;R that is the PITA, overhauling the ZF rack is a relative snap, BTDT on several. The servotronic rack is internally identical to the earlier ones, as used on the 200Q-20V, excepting for the addition of the 3 solenoid valves on the valve body. These racks are bullet proof, excepting for the high pressure rod seal, the only part needing replacement in an overhaul. I have several emails to the 200-20V list with internal pictures if interested, but I don't know how to post them here. b.benz@charter.net

settin06

Well my few fellow audi owners that bothered to respond to my plees. I was able to take a look today with my father in-law. It seems that the leak is just that a loose connection that needed to be tightened by the rack inlet. Now I just have to find out if there is a torque setting or just tighten it snug as not to strip the nut. I will also have to flush the system now since I've been using bogus steering fluid as I thought I will be changing it anyway. Any suggestions on flushing? Thanks for the support SMOOOV, BernieBenz and AudiForYou's 2.7T. I really apreciate it.

BernieBenz

settin06,
Highly unlikely IMO that you have a leaking hose fitting to the rack, much more likely that it is the HP hose leaking close to the rack, or anywhere and running down to the rack valve area. Audi assembly always overtightens these fittings, which are leak free with just a snug. One must clean the whole rack and surrounding area to positively identify the leak area. I spray on a gunk solution and hose it down until all is oil free. If the rack is leaking it will always be the HP rod seal, which will leak from the boot area. Any leak showing at the valve area is most probably a HP hose leak running down the hose to that area. DFI if IAB!

settin06

I actually had to tighten the hose myself, that's how loose it was. I purchased the compression washers and will attepmt to take off the old ones and place the new one's on tomorrow. I waw afraid to over tighten and that's possibly why it still has a slight leak. It is hardly a drip every 5 min.