Power steering rack

[csmccoll68]

Hi guys need help asap my power steering has packing in on passat 05 plate 2.0 tdi sport , had the old epb problem so disconnected battery waited 10 reconnect then got solid red light in dash looked at manual says power steering fault , took to my local vw guy who tells me I need new rack £733 + vat + fitting already spent £407 replacing rear brake motor and pads + diag !!!!! Question is why are there so many different part numbers for this car my chassis no is :- WVWZZZ3CZ6E033371 part no 1K2 423 055CX I have been told is compatable but indie vw says it should end with J not X ?
PLEASE HELP I am getting desperate

colin

[Crasher]

Highly unlikely that the rack needs replacing, more likely that it needs setting up using a diagnostic computer but I find that VCDS (the registered version of VAG-COM) will not do this and it will require someone with VAS PC such as a specialist or the main dealer.

As far as the rack part number goes, X means exchange and the differentiating letter is the C or the J

1K2 423 055 CX changed to changed to 1K2 423 055 DX then 1K2 423 055 EX then 1K2 423 055 FX then 1K2 423 055 JX plus a wiring adapter set 1K2 71 111 AJ so all are the same except the JX needing the adapter set.

If you were to give us the fault code number it would help a lot.

[csmccoll68]

Hi mate

Thanks for info on above . I had my car looked at by Vw specalist using his vcds and he says there is power going to motor but he can't talk to it using his software does this mean that I would be better taking car to Vw dealer who will be able to run their diagnostic software on car? Also is it true that you can replace electric motor rather than replacing whole steering rack on a car that has only done 55k ? Soon find out

regards colin

[Crasher]

I have only had to do a few racks and I have always fitted genuine VAG exchange units. What software/system was he using?

[csmccoll68]

Hi crasher
he was using VCDS with a small laptop ! Do you think I have done any serious damage when I disconnected and reconnected battery with key in ignition ! I read somewhere this was practice when changing airbags so they didn't blow up in your face upon starting car ?

Colin

[Crasher]

The ignition should not be on when disconnecting and reconnecting the battery but the key in the ignition and off should be OK.

[csmccoll68]

Hi
well it was on looks like I have spiked the motor then!!!!!

[Crasher]

Oh crap!