Installing power steering on an economy AAZ? - page 2 - IDI Engine - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• #15 by Tag-Along on 02 Dec, 2009 09:10
• OK...cool.  I will have to check into that.
  
  See I didn't realize that a manual steering setup was different then a power steering setup that's not working. I figured the amount of effort to steer both would be the same.  So, you guys are telling me that with a manual rack it should be easier then steering a power steering equipped vehicle with it not working? ...if that makes any sense 
• #16 by truckinwagen on 02 Dec, 2009 09:13
• yep, the manual rack takes more turns lock to lock.
  
  this difference in gearing makes it easier to turn without the help of the hydraulic pressure of the PS
• #17 by Tag-Along on 02 Dec, 2009 09:16
• Ok...now I feel stupid   
  
  I didn't realize that the steering racks were different. I always thought that both manual and power steering had the same set up minus the pump, accesories, etc.
  
  See NOW it's making more sense why people are telling me to just go w/o the power steering!
  
  Keep it coming guys...and gals
• #18 by truckinwagen on 02 Dec, 2009 09:19
• just make sure the rack you get has good bushings in it.
  
  the bushings are hard to get and very expensive, it is almost cheaper, and much easier to buy a brand new rack than locate and install new bushings.
  
  and a rock with bad bushings is a pain in the ass(ask me how I know)
  
  Of course this applies to both manual and power racks, but I thought I would pass it along.
• #19 by Tag-Along on 02 Dec, 2009 09:20
• Yea I would probably just get a new rack...just to be on the safe side.
  
  Thanks guys!
• #20 by GEE-BEE on 02 Dec, 2009 11:00
• Meyle is a oem Mfg
  
  Check your steering boot"s/ u-joint boot 
  
  Ben at MK1 Autohaus has them new in stock along with the boot's
  
  Rabbitparts.com
  
  rack 135.00
  boots 12.00 set
  Tie rod assy 25.00
  no u-joint boot on there site
  
  I did all new item's up front along with Weitec coilovers and addco sway bar set and nuespeed upper strut bar
  
  Hope this help's
  
  Gee-Bee
• #21 by burn_your_money on 02 Dec, 2009 12:08
• Quote from: truckinwagen on 02 Dec, 2009 09:13

  yep, the manual rack takes more turns lock to lock.
  

  
  
  The manual rack has a tighter turning radius though
• #22 by GEE-BEE on 02 Dec, 2009 13:04
• I love tight rack's , those loose ones are floopy and bounce on potholes when I drive...
  
  Gee-Bee
• #23 by spencebm on 02 Dec, 2009 14:13
• another one saved from power steering woes!  This made my day.
• #24 by jack's lack on 02 Dec, 2009 14:41
• The big snafu that no one has mentioned it that the U-joint shaft that connects the steering column to the rack is different between the power and manual versions. The manual is longer and the online parts houses rarely if ever have them. it is a junkyard or samba part. So figure out which one you have first. Don't ask me how I know
• #25 by Tag-Along on 03 Dec, 2009 10:00
• Thanks a ton guys! I am really getting some good info here. 
  
  I received my car as a shell, nearly bare bone. The only thing left on the car was the suspension, brake system, and windows.  But I was given a bunch of parts that came off of the car when I picked it up.  I was told it has manual steering, so I may have the correct column...in one of my boxes SOMEWHERE