Electric steering rack replacement

[eddie_fb]

Hi all,

Its been a year since we upgraded to a C7 A6, and I’ve been enjoying trouble free motoring.

However, for the last few days we’ve been experiencing a grindy sensation when steering, and I’ve checked out as much of the steering column and linkages as possible. I can’t see it being anything other than the rack itself.

Which leads me to the question, is it possible to change the rack myself? It looks fairly accessible, being at the bottom of the car, so I’m pretty sure I can mechanically change it. But does it need coding to the car, possibly with VCDS?

What sort of cost am I looking at for just the rack from Audi? Has anyone had one fitted by the dealers, what sort of shafting would I get?

Is the rack serviceable in any way? It still all works ok, there is definite power assist, so if I took it apart, cleaned, and regreased, would it be ok again?

Lots of questions I know, but any help would be gratefully received.

Cheers, Ed.

[Crasher]

These are a constant pain and have been revised multiple times and there are at least 12 different versions, yes it has to be coded and also put on Software Version Management using ODIS preferably. Genuine they are £2009.27 for most, one or two are fractionally less. We fit ZF exchange units which are now supplied by Bosch when they do one but it looks like they don’t, private message me your REG and I will look it up for you.

[Crasher]

It looks like part number 4G2 423 055 BD but there is a parts builtin I need to ask about, the part itself is £1897.94 inc VAT.

[eddie_fb]

For anyone in similar circumstances, Audi inspected the car on Monday, and agree, it is the rack itself. They think it's failing mechanically, rather than the electrical parts, but they claim it's not serviceable (I'd like to see the old one - if it's made by man, it can be bodged by man!)

Truro Audi have quoted £2260 fitted, but after badgering by the wife, have thrown in a large service (due now) and a smaller service for free. Which is something I guess.