[s-cars] Steering rack rebuild help needed

[Charlie Smith]

Earlier, Jeff Hemmerlin wrote:
> 
> Hi,  I am rebuilding the steering rack on my 95 S6 and I am trying 
> to remove the seal assembly that separates the hydraulic piston portion 
> of the rack from the mechanical portion of the rack and pinion.  Does 
> anyone know how this seal is removed from the tube?  or Does anyone 
> know of a shop that rebuilds the racks and might be able to tell me.  

I've had good success with a shop here in Columbus Ohio:
  Steer & Gear - 614-231-4064

Most Audi racks leak because the steel rack slides directly on the aluminum
body of the houseing, and the aluminum wears letting the rack wobble around
enough to take out the seals.  Just new seals won't usually get it in the 
long run.

Steer & Gear rebuilds these racks by putting bronze bushings into the
aluminum housing to guide and support the rack.  This oughta last longer
than the rest of the car even as long lived as Audis really are.  They
did an '86 5kCSTQ that started leaking at 70,000 miles, and it was still
sealed tight when I sold the car at 210,000 miles.

    - Charlie


  Charlie Smith  charlie {at} elektro.cmhnet.org  614-471-1418  
  http://www.elektro.com/~charlie          Columbus Ohio   USA
  http://www.elektro.com/~audi         photos & technical info

  95 S6 Quattro  -  24 PSI, RS2 6 speed, and other features  
  97 Dodge Ram   -  40 PSI, 4x4 w/Cummins turbo diesel