2017 T6 Steering rack failure

[lune1178]

Friday just gone I had my T6 all packed up with 3 mates, their bikes and luggage heading on a road trip to the Alps.
I got only an hour down the road and had to pull over as steering went heavy, sure enough loud groaning too which as I pulled over I knew could only be one thing…
AA arrived an hour later, topped up fluid and escorted me home. It had dropped a bottle full of fluid again by the time I was back at my door.
The AA guy stated the rack was kaput and it wasn‘t something he’d recalled seeing on a T6.

A search on the forum suggests it isn‘t a common failure and therefore I’m after suggestions on what people think in terms of replacement, as in fork out for Genuine, or is there a comparable alternative at a more reasonable price?
I have my mechanic on the case however, realise we have a wealth of knowledge here, so thought I‘d pose the question ‘What would you do?’

Any insight greatly appreciated

 

[Spaghetti]

I’d double check it’s the rack. is the fluid definitely coming from there? I had the shaft seal go on a pump once and that used to dump fluid fairly quickly. The pump is cheaper/easier to replace than the rack, same for the hoses.

 

[lune1178]

I’d double check it’s the rack. is the fluid definitely coming from there? I had the shaft seal go on a pump once and that used to dump fluid fairly quickly. The pump is cheaper/easier to replace than the rack, same for the hoses.

Thanks for this, I’ll see if I can find anything more conclusive on source of the leak.
The AA guy had me turning the steering repeatedly and was watching the nearside, whilst suggesting fluid weaping from the gaitor…
The best picture I could get at the time below

 

[DXX]

Help, steering problem - Diagnosed, steering rack goosed!

Oh font of all knowledge, van drove faultless on the way to Cornwall, been parked up for 2 days and decided to go for a drive, noticed that the steering was heavier than normal and a horrible whining sound when turning the wheel, (video won't upload) Can send via Watts app if anyone is intrigued...

www.t6forum.com

@Cuffy might be able to give you some prices

 

[Cuffy]

My local garage carried out the work, got a Genuine VW replacement rather than a reconditioned unit.
Rack, with gators and clips was approx £1400, fitting and wheel alignment saw me part with just shy of £1800.

 

[lune1178]

My local garage carried out the work, got a Genuine VW replacement rather than a reconditioned unit.
Rack, with gators and clips was approx £1400, fitting and wheel alignment saw me part with just shy of £1800.

Thanks for this, it’s the ballpark I was expecting. Hopefully my mechanic has a good relationship with his VW parts dept as I think I’d seen they’re a few hundred more at the minute.

 

[lune1178]

Mechanic managed to take a look at van yesterday and confirmed rack failure. Was nearly leaking fluid as quickly as he was pouring it in.
Booked in for VW replacement rack next week - turns out VW do an exchange option which saves a few hundred quid.

 

[Dellmassive]

Interesting..

Keeps us posted

 

[Crazymind]

Good luck. It seems our 2016-2017 MY are more prone to brakedown…steering rack being a major safety component should not fail after just a few years.

 

[DXX]

Good luck. It seems our 2016-2017 MY are more prone to brakedown…steering rack being a major safety component should not fail after just a few years.

Is the van on standard running gear?

 

[lune1178]

Van back from garage after work carried out to replace rack, and all alignment, tracking etc carried out.
All genuine VW parts used and although a tragedy it missed out on its Alps trip this year at least it’s back on the road.
Thanks for all the comments and insights.