Refurbished rack - steering wheel out by 1/4???

[Chapron]

I know there are various posts here about the infamous leaking steering rack in C5s. I have a MkII (2009) and my garage got a refurbished one, but when they fitted it the steering wheel was out of alignment by a quarter.
They got another rack but side by side both look exactly the same so might produce the same problem.

Has anyone else encountered that? If so, any tips / solutions?

Many thanks.

[GiveMeABreak]

Are you talking about the MK III / X7? I suspect you are for 2009. We term them as the MK I for the original, the MK II for the Facelfted MK I and the MK III for the X7 which to all intents and purposes is a completely different vehicle. It makes it easier to identify.

That being said and assuming you have an X7, I suspect you may have the incorrect rack. There are several versions with different steering angles. If you’ve fitted the incorrect one, you will have issues.

They are typically 180 or 184 degrees and differ according to wheels size and / or engine type.

If you want help with the correct type / official parts numbers, then we do ask for a Forum donation to cover our costs - but this will entitle you to ask us for part numbers for up to 2 years. Details below if interested:

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[Chapron]

Thank you Marc,

I'll pass that on.

[xantia_v6]

It is also possible that the vehicle in question has previously had a replacement rack fitted and this was the wrong type...

[Chapron]

Thank you Xantia_V6, I'll pass that on.

Thank you Marc. I am sorry but for some reason the last part of your reply became only visible a few minutes ago. I will have to see what the garage come up with, but that is a great offer. I will be more than happy to make use of it if and when I will need it. it is good to have that as a fall-back.

[GiveMeABreak]

No problem - it was me adding this info on - as I was away from home at the time - at least you have this option should you need it.

[Sloppysod]

As Marc & Xantia_V6 have said you definately have the wrong rack, I know this from experience, if you try and 'track' it you will find one trackrod end is right to the extreme of the track rod!
I also agree with the garage, as I could see no visible difference when I lay the correct rack beside the incorrect rack.
Sorry to say, there is no easy (cheap) way out either, I was lucky my 2nd rack was correct and usable.
Does the garage still have your old one?, if so mark it (with paint) and make sure the reconditioners give you the same rack back.

[bobins]

It could be that the pinion shaft was put back in a quarter turn out when the rack was refurbished, the only difference would be where the indent on the shaft sits in relation to the 'straight ahead' position on the rack.

[white exec]

Tip: When marking your own components for refurb/rebuild, mark the item in a way that anyone else wouldn't spot - eg three centre-punch marks in a line triangle, or file a very small groove somewhere.