power steering rack part number?

[JHo]

Hi guys, I have the same problem on my Audi A3 2003 2.0L FSI 8P. Quote from local Audi specialist using the Audi genuine part was huge, not realistic for a 10 year old car.

I think it is a very early 8P model based on the VIN, so it probably has a Gen 1 rack. I'm trying to work out:

a) would a (much cheaper) reconditioned rack work and be safe to drive?
b) which rack part numbers would fit the car? which ones will need a loom and which wont?

That's a lot to ask i know but I'm very grateful for any help you can provide. Feel free to PM or email me etc.

Jim

[kite]

If you replace with a recon Gen1 rack you won't need the loom.
Can you not get your rack refurbed

bloody smart phones....

[JHo]

If you replace with a recon Gen1 rack you won't need the loom.
Can you not get your rack refurbed

bloody smart phones....

I was advised to get a new one by the local Audi guy. Could be an option though.

[kite]

When I had my daughter's A3 done a couple of years ago we had the newest generation fitted.
No problems since.
It was just under 1K fitted.

bloody smart phones....

[Gone audi mad]

Hi there, I hope someone can help me (Crasher possible) I have an A3 with the same steering rack problem. I have tried to get the part number but it looks like you need to drop the subframe which I don't fancy doing. Can anyone tell me what part number my rack is so I can buy a 2nd hand one and also if I get the same rack (I guess I have to have the same) if there is anything else I would need to do. VIN: WAUZZZ8P54A157300
thanks in advance for any help.

[Crasher]

As your car is March 2004 production it should have a 1K2 423 055 and these were superseded in production late 2005 by the B, then in early 2006 the C, 2007 the D, 2008 the E, early 2009 the F, then the G and H and J and currently the K which is about £930 exchange from VAG UK for part number 1K2 423 055 KX. And there are also X versions of all plus a random AX when there was no A. Cars before VIN WAUZZZ8P54A020001 require the wiring conversion piece 1K2 971 111 D for a 2nd Gen rack, a 3rd Gen rack requires harness 1K2 971 111 AJ. I STRONGLY advise against buying a used steering rack.

[JHo]

Hi all. Just a quick update in case you're interested: my power steering starting working again today.

Haven't done anything to it other than a few short trips since the local garage had a poke around 2 weeks ago. It just started working after running for a while, stopping the engine for fuel, then re-starting. I've taken it out for short drives without the power steering (red light was on and steering was very heavy). After doing a few miles this afternoon it just came back on good as new! I'm sure the problem will be back but seems odd that it is only intermittent. Wondering if anyone has any ideas as to why?

Also, Crasher - if you're reading this - I'd be interested to know if you think a second hand rack is unsafe, or a waste of money, or both..?!

[Crasher]

I have a big issue with used safety critical parts plus the later system is much better and less prone to being difficult to set up. To me fitting a used steering rack is like fitting a used brake master cylinder, unacceptable. I have a contact at ZF who gets racks for me at a good price. The worry I have is the thought of it failing mid corner with a slightly built lady customer driving who is likely not to be able to adapt and .........

[swrighty]

hi there I have a audi a3 2.0fsi 2003 plate I have the part number off the rack but can not fine one with the same part number anywhere the part number is 1k2 423 051 n
I would probably say it is a first generation rack reading previous threads as it a early model , is there and other racks with a different part number that would fit mine would be much appreciated if anyone could help me ????????

[Crasher]

Firstly it will have to be a 2004 model, that is when the 8P type started from even though some were built in 2003. The part number 1K2 423 051 N does not exist. The possible numbers are 1K2 423 055, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K or L