New rebuilt rack - pinion units with problems ? Please list here

[Tvättbjörn]

Have to buy a rebuilt rack - pinon unit, but not sure what brand to buy. There are just too many aftermarket rebuilder out there.

If you did buy a rebuilt unit and had problems with it in a short time or just out of the box already please list manufacture and problems with it . Like leaks or excessive play on the shaft where the tie rods attaching too , damaged threads ...( even if it was for a non-vw ).

Thanks

[markswagen]

i bought 6 mavel racks for customers, one had issues, if filled the boots with fluid, at a week after installation, not due to installation error.
the rest have been 100%
i have another sat in it's box, ready for it's new owner.
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markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.

619 201 0310

[kourt]

Why not buy a new (not rebuilt) one? They are available.

https://www.vancafe.com/Vanagon-Steering-Rack-s/3468.htm

I bought one of these new racks last year. Nice install, and no problems. The price difference is just $100 more for a new rack.

kourt

[4Gears4Tires]

Odd that the individual rack is out of stock, but the kit is in stock.
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'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition

[candyman]

I bought new from burley and zero issues. For a $150 more than a rebuilt, you get brand new and dont have to deal with shipping a core back. Every rebuilt I have installed, all started leaking within a few years of service

[AceTaylor]

First rebuilt rack leaked, sent it back. Replacement worked part time. It would generally not work when turning, then suddenly assist would come in the middle of the turn. Exciting, but not pleasant. Those were from Rock Auto. Both went back. 3rd rebuilt rack from BD worked fine for 2 years, then a seal blew out and pumped all the oil out. Luckily just 100 feet from the house. Replaced that with a new rack from BD. Works great. Much more power assist quiet and dry. Worth every cent.

What ever you do, take great care with the soft aluminum hydraulic line adapters on the rack. Bugger them up and they will leak and nearly impossible to find.

[jimf909]

[Butcher]

I've not had good luck with Maval racks. One client I put in 3 and it finally got fixed when the car was totaled.

[Tvättbjörn]

[SCM]

I bought a Mavel rack about 6-7 years ago, installed it and a rebuilt PS pump a year or two later. No problems so far.
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'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine