Rack and Pinion Rebuild?

[Tedzbug]

I thought i saw a nice breakdown with pix of someone tearing down and cleaning their rack and pinion........ I have searched and searched.

I have mine out right now and would like to freshen up everything that is going back in the car

[Wally]

Cleaning a rack and pinion should be possible and easy. I am sure you don't need pictures for that
Rebuilding the thing is 'not possible' so I heard or that is what VW lets us to believe...

[wrenchnride247]

The only part I found for a '79 Vert rack was the rubber boot that covers the outside. I got it from Top Line six years ago. I just cleaned everything good and packed some grease on the rack then put the new boot on.

[Tedzbug]

I agree, i just pulled the boot today, not much there, i'm gonna flush it out and put synthetic in it....... Should be it....


Was just lookin for secret tips an tricks is all........

[MattKab]

First time I looked, I didn't see how it came apart either

I pulled my rack apart (2 actually) last week.. It can be stripped down to every last part. I scored new pinion roller bearings, the pinion ball-races were still like new. The rack bushes don't appear to wear at all. I recommend you service your rack while it out and we are here.

When I fitted my 7.5" wheels I simply pinned the rack to have stops that hit the outer ends of the opening of the housing. Rubbing wheels on full lock is a no-no, As is asymmetric steering...

Now I have screw stops to get a minimum turning-circle after I dial in my wheel alignment. I didn't take any pics but I still have 1 fully disassembled rack that I could do a how-to if anyone is interested? The modified rack in the pics may be for sale (RHD). I'll show a pic of the stops tommorrow.

The second hardest part is removing the ring-clip at the end of the housing.

Matt

[The Pirate]

Pleas a step by step would be great. Plus some pictures of the modified rack with the why and how.

Thanks

[cleggp]

I know this thread is really old, but I wanted to express my thanks for the instructions and photos gathered here. I decided to rebuild my rack and pinion steering and it was all invaluable. I have much more work to do on the car, but the steering feels like it's now going to be a solid part of the car.

Thank you all.

Peter

[Wally]

Cool! Nice of you to express that!
I wasn't even aware of this thread tbh ;-)

[Steve C]

Hi

Wow such an old thread but with good info, sure beats Facebook.

I needed to cut down my rack travel as my wheels were touching the inner mudguard/fender/wing on my car. I used a hole saw and made some urethane spacers and fitted them in the end of my rack, then re centred the rack.

Steve

[H2OSB]

I would love to install R&P in, at least, my '74. I'm sure I've asked you this in the past, Steve, but how do you clearance the frame head for the rack to pass through(kind of an academic question since I sold my steering rack to Lanner).

[Steve C]

you could cut a grove and weld a bit 1/2 tubing in there. The rack fitted OK on orange bug with a stock 73 pan, I don't think its in exactly the same position as stock rack