DIY: Volkswagen MKIV Power Steering Rack Replacement

Рет қаралды 492,553

13 жыл бұрын

Video tutorial on how to replace the power steering rack on a VW. This procedure applies to models 1999-2006 for the Golf, Jetta, Bora, and Beetle, but maybe similar on other VW, Audi, or Skoda models. I did purchase a rebuilt steering rack rather than replacing the seals or purchasing a brand new one. My steering rack was leaking a fair amount of fluid though the seals for the tie rod shafts. Unfortunately the chrome coating on the shafts rusts away, therefore just replacing the seals won't fix the issue. If you choose to purchase a used steering rack, you may have premature failure down the road than compared to a new or rebuilt unit. This particular tutorial was done on a 2004 Volkswagen Golf TDI equipped with a manual transmission.
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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-jack
-jack/axle stands or blocks
-ratchet and metric socket set
-power steering fluid
-drain pan
-new copper crush washers
-replacement power steering rack
Procedure:
-safely jack your vehicle up
-place the jack stands or blocks in a safe location under the vehicle, not interfering with the front subframe
-next remove both front wheels
-ensure the steering wheel has been centered
-remove tie rods
-place the jack under subframe
-remove lower engine mount/dog bone
-loosen the subframe bolts
-loosen the steering rack bolts
-remove sub-frame bolts and lower sub-frame about 2-3 inches, but do not fully remove the jack just yet
-have a drain pan handy, place it under the power steering lines
-remove the banjo bolts holding the power steering lines on the power steering rack
-fluid may drain when removing the lines, therefore allow the fluid to empty from the system
-remove bolt on the universal joint at the end of the steering column behind the pedals inside the vehicle
-remove power steering rack bolts fully now
-lower sub-frame and remove power steering rack
-swap heat shield and rubber grommet from old steering rack to new steering rack
-install tie rod on new steering rack
-install the rest of the parts in reverse of removal
-fill power steering reservoir with the correct fluid specific for your vehicle
-start the vehicle
-now bleed the power steering system
-this is done by turning the steering full lock to the left and right directions a few times each
-ensure the air have been bleed from the system, add fluid accordingly
-inspect for any leaks
-I would highly recommend having the car professionally aligned
-also before an align, if you encounter any worn steering parts such as tie rods or balls joints, it is best to replace them during the steering rack replacement
-once finish, test drive your vehicle to ensure everything is working correctly
Thank you to all those who watch my videos and support my content. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for future tutorial videos and like my video if you found it helpful. New videos are always being uploaded every week!
© 4DIYers 2013
All Rights Reserved
No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author.

Пікірлер: 196

@alexanderwinkler3639 Жыл бұрын

I know this is an old video. But I have to say that this was one of the best laid out and informative DIY videos I've ever seen. Really big thanks!

@4DIYers Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful, thank you!

@4DIYers 11 жыл бұрын

The engine is still supported by the upper motor mounts which are on the sides of the drive train. That bottom mount is more directed towards stopping the torsion movement of the engine rather than the actual weight of the whole drive train assembly.

@YULABEBE 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vid, the info is much appreciated. Please note that those hollow concrete blocks crush extremely easily in that orientation. Rotate 90 degrees, or use jackstands! Regards.

@JJ-IA64 9 жыл бұрын

Great video... Have to do this tomorrow, and this makes the process much less overwhelming.

@Marksmanbbs 9 жыл бұрын

Excellent!I love when a video is in full detail in what to expect,do and watch for along with tool sizes and explanations,I have not had the displeasure of doing a steering rack but now I have to do two of them for my 2002 passat sw, two because i can get 1 at a salvage yard for $30 if I pull it myself,and at least now I have a idea of what to bring with me for tools.the weather looks like my next battle to do this job in but like a mechanaddict,its one bolt at a time. :)

@bobbyjenkins3472 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. My buddy was able to replace the rack in my 2003 GTI in just under four hours without a hitch. Another 1.5 hrs to fine tune it. I found a reman on partsgeek for $187 and it was a reman VW replacement. Fast and free shipping.

@granbyone 8 жыл бұрын

Just finished with my '03 Jetta rack replacement and wanted to say thank you for posting this tutorial. It was a great help seeing it done before hand and you did a splendid job with the video and explanations.

@4DIYers 8 жыл бұрын

+Will Burr Thank you for the feedback and compliment!

@ThankGod4all 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks alot man. Very, very, helpful. Thanks for taking the time to make the tutorial instead of just quickly fixing your own car and leaving us in the dust.

@nealmont 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. I do this for a living, but I rarely work on European stuff, so this let me know what I was getting into.

@thebearmaster 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time out to do the video while your fixing you car. I have to replace my wacked sub frame and control arms but hope to leave the steering rack up in place. 13 1/2 minutes here helps out a lot.

@zorba2727 12 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, very complete. This video made it easier than I thought it would be!

@OldSkoolSP 8 жыл бұрын

Superb video. Glad to know I already have the tools to get this done.

@kuvuakoj 11 жыл бұрын

i did the rack swap this weeken on the 00 vw beetle. i cant belive is the easyies rack i did so far. it took me less than one hour to swap out the old one, another hours for you know vaccume out air, and clean up the mess. i think out of all it took me 2 and a half hour to swap out the rack and do a alignment........thank to your video..........

@javierlovesjazz 10 жыл бұрын

Thank You brother for uploading this great video. Im gonna fix my jetta this weekend. Here in mexico a New steering rock costs around 400 dls. Gretings from mexico

@Shakedown600 7 жыл бұрын

Great Video. I practically live under my MK4 Jetta, you hit all the important stuff right on the nose.

@4DIYers 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you and don't forget to subscribe :)

@4DIYers 13 жыл бұрын

@iLimet To drop the sub-frame, you just have to remove the 4 bolts that hold in the steering rack and that's it. It will just hang off the spline at the end of the steering column shaft.

@waderockstrom8672 10 жыл бұрын

This is one of the best DIY's I've seen, and that would be a lot ha. Had my rack replaced at a shop about 1000k miles ago, it is still driving so tight that I'm thinking somethings wrong in there. They used a rack from a TT and it went in an R32, they thought it would work, but I don't think so. Now I have the confidence to re-fix the problem, if they refuse to admit their guilt. Great video!

@4DIYers 10 жыл бұрын

I believe the TT and R32 racks are the same, both have a tighter turning radius than compared to the standard MK4 rack. Your rack might be rubbing on something causing it to turn hard, or the universal joints on the steering column could be seizing up as well. Definitely worth checking out before paying the full price for a replacement unit.

@fixitman1988 10 жыл бұрын

thanks took me two hours wouldve taken longer without ur video

@Chitownster 10 жыл бұрын

Add one more to the list! Thanks for the video, I was able to to this thanks to your instructions.

@brenderup06 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks, very good video. Helped me to change the steering gear on my Audi A3. Wbr TG-Norway

@JakeDakine_kutz 10 жыл бұрын

good vid man like how you explained everything one of the best DIY vids iv seen

@L3g4cyTT 11 жыл бұрын

Good video dude, I'm replacing a rack on a mk4 Golf tomorrow after watching this it doesn't look too bad.

@4DIYers 11 жыл бұрын

Yep I believe that is the one. They're located in a strip mall on the corner of Gore and Clark Road.

@quentincamp5576 2 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate the video, I bought a subframe, and it came with the power steering rack

@4DIYers 12 жыл бұрын

@Mauricestamps Thank you... You only have to unbolt the bottom dog bone motor mount which stops the twisting action of the motor. There is still 2 other mounts on the timing belt side and transmission side of the engine which holds the engine in place. If you unbolt the bottom dog bone mount, the engine may twist back an inch and you'll have to pull it back in place by hand when you bolt everything back up. I suppose you could use the bar for extra safety, but honestly I didn't use one.

@4DIYers 12 жыл бұрын

@Mauricestamps Nope. The system does fully drain out when you disconnect the lines though.

@reeco357 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. I took it off according to your video and it took me about 30 mins. Now I'm waiting for rack to come.

@4DIYers 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome to hear, thank you!

@4DIYers 13 жыл бұрын

@booboo1312 It actually took me a lot longer than it actually should have. I ran into a couple other parts that needed to be replaced that I had to order and I was also doing this while it was still cold outside. It took me about a week but if you don't run into any problems, it should only take 2 days at the very most.

@MayraGonzalez-youngboomer 5 жыл бұрын

I love this video! Well done! I was a bit nervous going into replacing the rack, but now I feel more confident about it. Thank you for taking the time and doing this.

@4DIYers 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the kind words and feedback :)

@GAMINGINMYCAR 4 жыл бұрын

@@4DIYers I have a question my friend is selling me his 05 jetta and says the steering is hard. Is is the rack and pinion that needs replacement?? I need answer please please

@witchboyt 8 жыл бұрын

NICE! very thorough explanation and thank you for the bolt layout with socket size needed BIG time saver.

@4DIYers 8 жыл бұрын

+Judy Steben Excellent to hear and thank you for the compliment!

@widelensmtb4952 6 жыл бұрын

I know his is an old topic but just want to say thank you. Great vid,very detailed,I'm no mechanic but this is making it quite easy. Weather permitting I should finish off tomorrow.

@4DIYers 6 жыл бұрын

I always read my comments :) Happy to help out and thank you for the feedback, I really appreciate it!

@4DIYers 8 жыл бұрын

@David Ladebush, yes it should be. Just be sure to double check the part numbers.

@4DIYers 12 жыл бұрын

@nivasyl Did your new rack come with the inner tie rods and boots like mine did?

@TCOmotors Жыл бұрын

Super organized and detailed video. Thank you!

@4DIYers Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@4DIYers 11 жыл бұрын

There is a lot of parts which are interchangeable with VW, so I would imagine it's probably the same steering rack and the procedures are very similar. You should be able to do with in a weekend no problem. Mine took longer because I was doing it in my spare time during the winter (so I was working in the cold), I also had to order parts during the tear down, and I did sub frame bushings, control arms bushings, and ball joints at the same time.

@2nsane2005 6 жыл бұрын

Literally did this today. Your video was fantastic man! It really helped me a lot :) Looked like a tough job but It really isn't bad at all. Thanks buddy

@4DIYers 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you and awesome to hear :)

@frazzledgrey 7 ай бұрын

Excellent Video ! I believe this will be very helpful !

@tomstragski1317 11 жыл бұрын

VERY VERY helpful, Thank you for the video

@yohanesmkamwa6566 11 жыл бұрын

Thank you for doing this. Very helpfull

@4DIYers 10 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I did the whole job in my spare time over a couple weeks. But I can't see it taking more than 10hrs to do the whole procedure for a first timer.

@noraayrrek 13 жыл бұрын

thanks for the great vid ProStreetDriver :)

@4DIYers 11 жыл бұрын

Does it have a tighter turning radius??? If you're looking for an upgraded bolt in rack, apparently the Audi TT or Golf R32 racks are a great upgrade. Although I'm not sure what the best prices would be because I'm in Canada and I know there is a large variation between prices in different countries.

@4DIYers 13 жыл бұрын

@booboo1312 Unfortunately I don't have any torque specs on the bolts. There is charts online though for the size of the bolt what it should be roughly the correct torque.

@4DIYers 12 жыл бұрын

@nivasyl Possible it could have been the wrong rack. I know between some VW and Audi models, the parts are interchangeable. If you still have the old rack, your probably best to measure the tie rod distance to see if there is any difference.

@fordinlinestraight 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Im in the process of doing a beetle this helps alot cheers

@4DIYers 4 жыл бұрын

No problem, happy I could help :)

@suebeawai7928 7 жыл бұрын

very good and informative video. thank you!

@4DIYers 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you, don't forget to subscribe!

@alan2804 Жыл бұрын

Wxcellent video, clearly explained process thanks for posting.

@4DIYers Жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

@WW2Adinfinitum 9 жыл бұрын

great vid - found this usueful for how to get the subframe off and what to expect ( rusted through at mountings :/ thanks :)

@benjaminbills1998 8 жыл бұрын

thanks for sharing. I am gonna be doing this soon.

@4DIYers 8 жыл бұрын

+Benjamin Bills Glad to help out!

@zanaali7210 11 жыл бұрын

thank you so much i know what to do tomorrow :)

@Jbeae3838 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video can you tell do you have a video changing the supply line from the reservoir to the rack mine is leaking and I don't know if I need to drop the subframe or if I can do it just on bolting The drivers side

@YULABEBE 7 жыл бұрын

Great vid. Thanks.

@4DIYers 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you, don't forget to subscribe!

@paulbrookes5402 5 жыл бұрын

Great video !

@4DIYers 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@SyncroMotoring 11 жыл бұрын

How did you support the engine after removing te engine mount? Ill be changing my steering rack next week. Thanks

@beverlyschell6248 10 жыл бұрын

very well explained but how long did the job take ?

@farid7968 5 жыл бұрын

the explainations are terrific, well done. I did love your approach on how to explain things. i give you 95 points out of 100. and i would give you 100 if you had filmed all your work. :-))

@4DIYers 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Haha, this was one of my first videos, I've came a long ways since them.

@4DIYers 11 жыл бұрын

There is no filter for the power steering on this particular vehicle. It could be overfull or the relief valve for the pump on the high pressure side of the hydraulic system is stuck.

@4DIYers 13 жыл бұрын

@nate862554 lol, I actually bought the car like that. Someone was pretty hard on the car, so I bought it for school and I'm trying to clean it up. Quite the little project I got myself into haha.

@CapnCrunchESO 8 жыл бұрын

I found I had to really get they high pressure line on tight even with new crush washers, it just kept leaking! How tight did you have to do yours?

@SMCca 11 жыл бұрын

Holy smokes look at that rust!! You must be from eastern Canada lol.

@4DIYers 13 жыл бұрын

@noraayrrek Thank you!

@kevinb.3656 8 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know of a video where it helps you replace the power steering rack and pinion from a 99 Passat 1.8t ?

@Mauricestamps 12 жыл бұрын

Nice video, I noticed that you didnt say anything about supporting the engine, I have plans on changing mines this week and the bentley tells me to support the engine so I got a engine support bar, any advice? It would be greatly appreciated.

@Djatrak03 11 жыл бұрын

Question you think itd be the same process to change the rack on my cabrio?

@exoduslnx 8 жыл бұрын

Great video thanks :D, just a FYI not to troll, but cinderblocks can break and crush you. better to go all wood. thanks again

@4DIYers 11 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately you can't use a seal kit if most situations because the chrome coating on the shafts is what deteriorate rather than the seal itself. So after replacing the seals, you would still have the exactly same problem shortly down the road unless the shafts got re-plated.

@kuvuakoj 11 жыл бұрын

i was wondring it'z the same procedure goes for the 00 vw beetle? gonna have to do one this weeken for my-inlaw. how long does it take you to do this one?

@jasonwest3535 3 жыл бұрын

good video pal,my step son polo 1.4 s model, he use is car every day,so i would only have 5 hours to do it, dont think i would have time,cheers for the video pal

@4DIYers 3 жыл бұрын

No problem and thank you for the feedback!

@johnmalmeida3668 8 жыл бұрын

Thank. for video ,help. me good

@4DIYers 8 жыл бұрын

+john m almeida Glad to help out and thank you for the compliment!

@TheMrKalleklev 6 жыл бұрын

Greetings from Norway 😁, dont know if im too late for coments 😂 but when lowering the subframe, will the engine hang by itself? Is the engine resting on the subframe? Doing this tomorrow.

@internet6942 Жыл бұрын

are the steering rails on all Volkswagen Golf 4 models the same?

@engsabrialjawi 7 жыл бұрын

Hi, is noking noise during turning the steering left/right or when i accelerate/decelrate the car indicating for bad rack? the noise comes from under the steering.. sorry if my question is repeated before..

@JeremyredlinuxRoberts 7 жыл бұрын

I know I'm WAY late to the game here, but I found out today that if you remove the air box, you have a straight shot at that top banjo and you can get it with just a spanner.

@4DIYers 7 жыл бұрын

Nope, there is still plenty of people who use this tutorial. Excellent tip, thank you for sharing! Don't forget to subscribe :)

@jeanpierregrose1863 7 жыл бұрын

Hey man, Im considering to buy a 04 VW Jetta that the owner says is having problems steering and is basically needing the wheel turned more than normal for a turn. Do you think that is safe to daily drive and is this the fix I will most likely need to fix the car ?

@ericwhetzel7269 11 жыл бұрын

how much power steering fluid did you need? I probably going to need to replace the pump as well as the rack...was wondering?

@nike9769 6 жыл бұрын

Great vid, you mentioned that a sealing fluid won't work, I have a 1998 polo, would that be the case for mine too and could you tell me why? Thanks in advance.

@4DIYers 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! In this case, it's very common for the sealing surface to become damaged with these steering racks. The chrome plating eventually rusts and causes a rough surface. So a stop leak would eventually wear away and even the seal on the shaft would become worn too.

@DanTheManIOM 3 жыл бұрын

Got an 06 beetle, it has power steering and they put a cooler on it that goes through the front bumper and zig zags under the engine... FYI and a special mineral oil (23 dollars a quart from the dealer)...someone took the power steering coolant line off and doesn't quite remember how it goes on....but he'll get it....

@nigelkavanagh2048 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful vid sir,, can you tell me the part number and who you bought it from please. And is it the same for a 2lt mk4 gti please. 👍

@Trost25 9 жыл бұрын

How different is the 05 Passat from this? I see it is not in your description. Very good video by the way. One of the best I've seen as far as detail.

@4DIYers 9 жыл бұрын

Trost25 Thank you. It should be similar, but their will be differences in the suspension as I believe the 05 Passat is based on an Audi A4 unibody.

@mrteyssere 11 жыл бұрын

How long time did you use on this replacement?

@maveric0738 6 жыл бұрын

Great job. But. I wouldn’t just use those cement blocks. I’d definitely use jack stands as well.

@bluebear2kblue 12 жыл бұрын

isn't the engine mounted to the front subframe? what's preventing the engine from dropping out if you dropped the subframe aka k-frame?

@BOHICA_ 2 жыл бұрын

The cinder block should be rotated 90 degrees. It's the strongest in that position.

@Mauricestamps 12 жыл бұрын

Did you flush the system before you put new fluid in there?

@danieloduetse4367 6 жыл бұрын

i just replaced my steerin rack but it still stiff wat must i do does it need 2 b blewed

@patrickfitzwater5511 3 жыл бұрын

i am stressing about dropping the subframe. its a 2002 golf in central Indiana in the year 2021...

@Psychafunkadelic 6 жыл бұрын

Hey man great video I have a leak on my 05 jetta tdi, Just the pressure hose return, not the rack. Mechanic is saying it's gonna be a nightmare lol. Is lowering the sub frame my best way to go? or is it a less extensive process then doing the whole rack?

@4DIYers 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I can't see the pressure return hose being more than $100 and I believe you should be able to replace it without dropping the subframe. Worst case scenario you'll have to lower the subframe, but there is no need for removing the rack.

@ernestroso6658 3 жыл бұрын

How long did it take, and much approximate to have installed,.

@4DIYers 11 жыл бұрын

0.7L - 0.9L of power steering fluid.

@Cravin1984 11 жыл бұрын

Is that good or bad??

@petrezw2349 10 жыл бұрын

hi 4diyers , installed steering rack ona polo 6n 1999 with help from your video , thanks for the upload , i am currently having trouble with the tracking steering wheel wasnt quite central when all finished (1 oclock ish + no pulling) thinking thats fine as when i take it to a garage to do the tracking they can set it all straight but i been to the same garage 3 times now and they still cant get it right first time the tracking was done steering wheel was at 11 clock + no pulling second time steering wheel straight but pulling to left thirdly steering wheel straight but still puilling to left + steering feels heavy is this due to the garages incompetence or could the assembly affect this any ideas thoughts appreciated ,

@4DIYers 10 жыл бұрын

Sounds like the spline was incorrectly lined up and the garage seems to be trying to fix it by adjusting the tie rods which would explain why it's pulling. If I remember correctly, I don't believe there is enough movement in the steering column to adjust the spline so the rack may have to be dropped down slightly. Just one tooth too far in the spline each way would kick the steering wheel to the 11 or 1 o'clock position. If you are finding the vehicle is pulling as well, that will increase the wear on the tires significantly.

@MaxSachs 11 жыл бұрын

Is that what happened to your steering rack? Mine started gushing fluid a few weeks ago symptomatic of a busted seal as opposed to worn chrome on the shaft which should have leaked very very slowly. Too late for me as I already bought the stupid seal kit from RockAuto I'll try installing it and if the leak comes back I'll get a new rack. Where did you get your rack for under $300?

@Eurospec73 Жыл бұрын

I currently have my VR6 engine out of my Corrado is it possible to remove the swivel adapter off of the steering rack in the engine bay from the steering column without dropping the subframe? Because I removed the bolt connecting to the steering Rack shaft and it will not separate it seems like the subframe needs to be dropped in order to do this nightmare job! 😵😩😖

@marttijee 9 жыл бұрын

Would you say it's possible to disconnect the hydraulic lines from the steering rack without lowering the subframe?

@4DIYers 9 жыл бұрын

***** I didn't try to attempt that unfortunately, but I would imagine you should be able to gain access with a wrench at least.

@MaxSachs 11 жыл бұрын

Edelman 8917 is a seal kit you could have used.

@pktopone 8 жыл бұрын

im lookin at an 04 vw jetta beautiful condition the guys wanting 1200 but the rack is gone in her, do you think its still worth getting my father is a mechanic but wondering if its worth the deal. thanks and nice videos.

@4DIYers 8 жыл бұрын

+WhatThyGaming Hard to say if it's a deal because it's depends on your location, what current cars are going for, mileage, and engine. You would have to see what vehicles are selling for locally and compare it.

@1000sofusernames 6 жыл бұрын

Good video but man that's one grotty golf!

@4DIYers 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Should have seen the interior lol.

@tdvids3557 2 жыл бұрын

What is the name of the line on the passenger side I need to replace that one line

@Niko-iw1sr 3 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know the torque specs of the bolts?

@alexanderjohansen198 10 жыл бұрын

Very good informal video :-). I have a vw polo 6n/mark III. Do you now if it's almost the same procedure? Something else I should have in mind with a polo, instead of a golf? Best regards from a VAG-enthusiast from Normay

@4DIYers 10 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately I haven't had any experience with a VW Polo, but I would think it's a similar procedure. I have been looking online from photos and it does look very similar, all the mounting locations seems to be almost the same. The subframe does seems to be smaller though, so there may not be enough to tip it down. Therefore it may need to be fully dropped down.

@alexanderjohansen198 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for fast response. I let you know how it went, and if I had to completely drop down the subframe. Alex.