5000 rack replacement

[Jason Douglas (jdouglas@mitre.org) <m17108@mwunix.mitre.org>]

Well, I replaced the steering rack on my 86 5000 this weekend and thought
a couple points might be useful to those of you contemplating a similar
operation in the near future.

1. It wasn't that bad a job.  Total time for this duffer - 8 hours (breaks
not included).

2. make sure you have a good 19mm wrench.  Removing the hydraulic lines 
from the rack (before removing it) is a royal pain.  Worst part of the
job.  Disregard if you are also replacing these hoses.

3. did just fine without removing the tie rod outer end, as Bentley 
recommends.  Amazing, Haynes was right, Bentley wrong!

4. hoped to replace all fluid but only lost a liter.  Why?

5. One local parts place recommended "power steering system flush," which might
be a bad idea since its made for conventional systems.  A mail order place
recommended an in line filter.  On a dealers recommendation, I reaplaced the
in reservoir filter.  Cheap protection?

6.  PAP (and others) ship Pentosin fluid in place of Audi.  Pentosin 7.1 is
used by BMW.  Guess it really is ok in audi systems?  Guess they make the audi
stuff?

7.  One part of procedure not listed in Bentley or Haynes -- reconnecting the
steering column.  When you disconnect the column from the rack, the last section
of the column may fall out in your hand.  When its time to reconnect, 
a. remove package tray and air vent on drivers side (under dash).
b.  get assistant to push steering wheel all the way in, then let back about
3 mm (its spring loaded).  Assenble last section on column and rack and tighten.c.  You can drive car ok without this part, but friction in column won't feel
right and turn signals might not cancel.
d. you may have to re-center the wheel (remove and put back on straight).

Good luck.  This is one of those jobs most of us can do with substantial $$
savings.