RHD Steering Rack Parts - Where can you get RHD steering par

[johngreen11]

It seems MB UK has a policy of not supplying parts that fit around the Steering racks on 96+ E Class cars.

I need a Hydraulic pipe that attaches to the centre of the rack and fastens beneath the steering shaft input point.

MB will only supply a new rack £1200+vat.
I can get the LHD equivalent for £11.67+vat
MB says they have different parts supply policies for the UK to the rest of Europe.

Anyone know where I can get the item?
thanks

 

[David Halsey]

RHD Steering Rack Parts

It may sound obscure but try a fork lift truck servicing company, or there are specialist hydraulic pipe companys.
Both of these can make pipes to order (normally on the spot)

You will undoubtably have to take the old pipe with you

 

[johngreen11]

RHD Steering Rack Parts

Thanks David, That's one option that I am considering.
I do feel slightly annoyed that MB descriminate against people in the UK. It's believed to be illegal under European law.
Since having this problem other instances have come to light of special UK policies by MB. All revolve around full assemblies only for the Uk market whereas in the rest of Europe individual parts can be ordered.
I always fit MB parts to the car and having to fit third party items seems to go against the MB advertising of always use geniune parts but a rip off is a rip off in any language and the parts are not 100+ times better.

 

[David Halsey]

RHD Steering Rack Parts

You should realise that MB only make a small percentage of the parts. Look for OE parts from specialist suppliers (hint). They are the same, considerably cheaper, and we are much nicer than the dealers. Don't believe all you read from MB, you don't fit the box!

 

[johngreen11]

RHD Steering Rack Parts

Never had this problem with 12 years with my Volvo and I do use specialist suppliers for this.
Still goes, 253,000 miles and no power steering problems since 1 year old when I got it.
Does your company have this item David as none of the other specialists break down the rack to the external pipes level.

 

[Andy]

RHD Steering Rack Parts

Hi John,

Sorry to hear your plight, I will not bore you with my continual parts supply problems from MB. At one point in time, I would of said they were the bees knees. Now, its not unsual for them to run out of service items. I have known them run out of rear brake discs & front for 190's, brake pads, especially if there is a modified version. Then all of a sudden there is short supply. But this is not helping you with your situation.

I agree with David, a good engineering company will be able to make the pipe. If it is a hydraulic flexible pipe there are a number of companies which specialise in these repairs. Close to our workshops there is a company called Pirtek. I am sure they have a number of outlets. Either way you will have to remove the pipe to have it copied and manufactured.

What is more frustrating. Is if you went around the factory where they assemble the thing in the first place. You could pick up a handfull with out them even realising.

Regards
Andy @www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[johngreen11]

RHD Steering Rack Parts

Hi Andy,

When I first got this problem you faxed me the diagrams for the rack but because of the distance to get to you and after discussions with Stuart (Your service manager) we decided it was best if we had the problem fixed locally.
I went to Evans in Leicester, (Mercedesparts.co.uk) to order the pipe once my local non MB garage had removed the corroded item. Its item 6 on the complete rack drawing you sent labeled steering/steering gear and steering linkage.
Evans ordered it based on my chassis number and the left hand part arrive 2 days later. They then tried to order the righthand drive version but were told MB's UK policy was only the full rack can be delivered for RHD cars but a full parts breakdown can be ordered for LHD cars. Its a solid metal pipe that has corroded at one end for about 4 cms only the rest of the pipe is perfect. It looks like it wasn't galvanised properly in manu as the start of the corrosion is a clear line as you would get if you hadn't dipped something completely.
HonestJohn the Motoring journalist of the Daily Telegraph is handling the conversation with MB Uk over this but is getting nowhere at present. He also has a number of other people with different problems with MBs that are based on full assembly only policies for the UK but not for the rest of Europe.
He tells me some Audi similiar problems had started to appear that were similiar but the Head of their PR group phoned him at home immediately and corrected that situation.
Honestjohns opinion and certainly mine at the moment is that MB are ripping off the UK MB drivers for the sake of higher margins on spares. Spare parts which in the majority of cases are not needed.
It looks like I will have to get a third party part made, although I would have liked to have been treated by MB the same as any other European and not as a mug to be ripped off.

 

[David Halsey]

RHD Steering Rack Parts

In september the block exemption on the motor trade expires in the UK. At the moment they do not have to behave like other business' in the uk. It will be interesting to see the difference when this happens. Perhaps a radical shaking up of the uk policies of MB (Miserable Buggers!).
Exactly what the differences will be we can only guess at, but, international law should then apply.
I am waiting with baited breath!!