How to replace PAS/powersteering Rack on a golf mk2 8v

[jase555]

In 2005 I bought a 3 door golf gti 8v (f reg) for my wife but after driving it I wanted it but she wouldn't let me drive it so I went and swapped my 1.4 polo for a 5 door (g reg) with full electrics and pas and did her a swap.
It was on the road for only 3 days when i found the rack was leaking so i though not only would i share my misfortune with you guys but also thought i would offer my experience. so here goes

jack car up as high as Poss and remove the wheels
unscrew the track rods from the t/r ends
remove return pipe from pump and drain the fluid then plug it (siv some of the oil through kitchen towel and inspect for metal fragments) if you find them you need a pump as well.
take out the three m10 pins from the gear linkage bracket and tie it as high as Poss so not to impede the rack.
remove both hydraulic hoses from the rack at the end of the drivers side and plug them (if they are seized like one of mine and there is no other way than to cut it you will need to cut it approx 15mm from the 18mm nut at the rack, anymore than this and you wont have the room to maneuver the rack out, any less and you will need a new hose £5-£10 from scrappy if you can find one or £160+ vat from main dealers).
support engine and remove rear drivers side engine mount
lift the gaiter from the top of the rack to reveal the steering gear and using 10mm spanner disconnect the steering linkage
undo the 4 nuts holding the rack then using a pinch bar or large screw driver prize out the for splined pins(make sure you've had your wheatabix)
take off the 'u' bracket and the rubber mount holding the rack on the passenger side and push the rack over as far as it will go so it track rod comes out of the opening in the wheel arch
undo the track rod from the rack(32mm spanner) standard r/h thread
providing you can remove them, undo the subframe bolts(mine would release as the captive nut turned inside the chassis)
drop the frame then maneuver the rack out OR
if like me you have probs I'm afraid its bar the rack out over the sub frame (it will go just perceiver) the over the anti roll bar
now take the seized hose end out and find a good hydraulics shop who will supply a coupling for around £3.
nice thing to have to do with a car you bought 3 days earlier hey!!!!
thanks for your time

[jase555]

hey hey,
just modified this 'how to' a little and was wondering if you guys in the know (Ben., Slammedmk2, Gambit, Martz, Slick#13) would like to sticky this. sorry theres no pics as i was new to this site at the time and didnt know how to put em up.
thanks dudes.
regards
jase