[Tom in Austin]

Any recommendations on what make of rebuilt rack to buy? Griffiths in NJ has apparently quit doing 944/968 racks. I see ZF on many web sites, and they are the premium name, getting anywhere from $700 and up for a rack.



How about Cardone and all the rest ... any good (or bad) experiences with replacement racks?

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[Anchorman]

When my rack started leaking, I purchased a rebuilt rack from Zims. I don't know who the rebuilder was, but the rack started leaking within a day or two. Zims promptly provided a replacement rack - which also leaked. The third rack was fine - but you can imagine the aggravation involved in getting to that point. I was told that the reservoir also should be replaced as it has a non-replaceable filter in it.



I don't know if the price you pay will reflect the quality of what you're getting, but since this is not an item you're likely to replace again, I'd go in whatever direction provided the most comfort - and ZF could qualify. Any savings can be eaten up pretty quickly if you have to replace the replacement.

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[banditsc]

All rebuilders are using ZF racks so don't worry about the brand. Your best bet is to run down to Autozone and pick up the rack there. They offer the rack with a lifetime replacement policy for $180. They are ZF racks rebuilt by Atsco in Arizona.

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[Ryan]

I wonder where they are hiding that non-replaceable filter ?

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[Tom in Austin]

The filter is in the base of the fluid bottle. Basically as the fluid moves down into the hose supplying the pump, it passes through the filter.



The OE supplier to Porsche was ZF, so yes, all racks are ZF. I do like the Autozone liftetime warranty solution, although Anchorman's experience of repeated replacements is something I would want to avoid.



Part of my uncertainty about this is not knowing the extent of the 'rebuild' operation. On the Griffith's site, they detail all the steps they do and how their process is more thorough and complete. Since most racks are replaced for leaing seals, a person could just replace those seals and claim it was 'rebuilt'. I suspect there are other parts and tolerances that matter and would like to find a rack that's truly been brought up to spec.



BTW, as I understand it, the slightest nick or scratch to the shaft will cut the seal and cause a leak. I think it's possible that immediate failures of rack seals may in fact be from damaging the shaft finish while re-installing and torquing the tie rods.

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[banditsc]

Here is the Atsco page if your interested, http://www.atscoreman.com/Racks.htm. I think there is a possibility of hit or miss with anyone you go to. And there is a possibility that something else in your system caused the failure and will cause failure of the next rack, such as to high pressure at full lock coming out of your pump. I went the Atsco route and Autozone honors the warranty without question and you can't beat the price.

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