Steering Rack rebuild / reconditioned rack ?

[MarkyG]

I have a low mileage c203 350 with a steering rack problem. Noisey when going over uneven road surface, banging and clunking sounds from the drivers side. Arms, inner/outer tie rods, ball joints all good.
Can anyone recommend a reconditioner or where I can get hold of one.
Or does anyone have a good used one for sale ?
ECP and CP4less used to have them but no more

A2034603600 with option 213-Speed-sensitive power steering/Vario steering

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Highly unusual for a rack to fail, are you sure the torsion control arm bushes haven't failed? Top suspension mounts are also usually the issue.

Worked on thousands of 203s, I've never replaced a rack on one.

 

[MarkyG]

Highly unusual for a rack to fail, are you sure the torsion control arm bushes haven't failed? Top suspension mounts are also usually the issue.

Worked on thousands of 203s, I've never replaced a rack on one.

Thats what https://www.hampshireservicecentre.co.uk/ tell me

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Fair enough. I can't cast any dispersions on someones opinion without seeing the car, I just can't say I've ever had a problem with a steering rack on a 203 but I have had plenty of issues with arms, bushes and mounts that cause all manner of steering issues...

 

[bertb1]

I’m have a similar problem
Had a slight knock on the passenger side
Took the car in and was told both arms need replacing
Had the arms changed on both front wheels
Now I’ve got a worst knock on the drivers side but the garage is saying nothing wrong
I think something not been tightened enough
I’m back a the garage later


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[MarkyG]

Fair enough. I can't cast any dispersions on someones opinion without seeing the car, I just can't say I've ever had a problem with a steering rack on a 203 but I have had plenty of issues with arms, bushes and mounts that cause all manner of steering issues...

I was just looking at your website to see whereabouts you're located as a possible 2nd opinion.
Happened to look at your price list for SLR McLaren spark plug change £10k !
Is that an engine out job ?

 

[V6Matty]

Could by the top mount for the shock absorber or the shock on its way out

 

[bertb1]

I’m have a similar problem
Had a slight knock on the passenger side
Took the car in and was told both arms need replacing
Had the arms changed on both front wheels
Now I’ve got a worst knock on the drivers side but the garage is saying nothing wrong
I think something not been tightened enough
I’m back a the garage later


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Well I had no luck
The garage are still saying nothings wrong
Getting a second opinion on Saturday


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[bertb1]

Update
Second option still can’t find anything wrong
He says he can hear the noise / clunking but all appears tights and correct but he assured me it’s not the steering rack
He say could be e drop link but not sure
Basically wait until it gets worse


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[malcolm E53 AMG]

Drop links are notorious for knocking when worn easy to change and cheap to purchase so well worth considering doing

I remember a knock on a car I couldn’t find it was driving me mad, wasn’t the rack or any part of the suspension turned out to be an engine mount in the end

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

I was just looking at your website to see whereabouts you're located as a possible 2nd opinion.
Happened to look at your price list for SLR McLaren spark plug change £10k !
Is that an engine out job ?

Im in Clevedon, J20 of the M5 just outside Bristol.

Yes its engine out to change the plugs!

 

[Frontstep]

£10,000 hmm I know someone with one of those who isn't the nicest person in the world

 

[Blobcat]

£10,000 hmm I know someone with one of those who isn't the nicest person in the world

That doesn't narrow it down much...