Advice - Mk2 GTI Steering rack replacement

[Sykopaf]

Evening all. I'm a complete novice, happy to admit to it, but I'm enthusiastic.

My Mk 2 GTI 8v needs a bit of work to get it back on the road and if I can I'd like to do it myself. One of the jobs is the power steering. I've replaced the power steering pump and the belt that drives the pump. Topped up the fluid and made sure the belt is as tight as it should be. It's still squealing like an unsettled guinea pig when I turn the wheel and the PAS is on off on off. I think the steering rack is shot.

Is this something I should attempt to replace myself or should I pay the £120 + VAT for a professional to do it?

Cheers

[Ben Lessani]

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=49436.msg624991#msg624991

If its squealing, it sounds more likely that the belt is slack, especially if its hard to turn an feels like its on/off/on/off.

However, for a job that's going to take you about 4/5 hours on a driveway, it might be worth paying someone else to do it - just depends on how capable you are and what tools you have.

[Sykopaf]

OK cheers.

It's been into the garage about 3 times to sort it - like I say they've changed and tightened the belt, topped up the fluid and changed the pump. Because of the overheating problem (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=112776.0) it's squirted out quite a lot of steam and water so I think the steering rack might be more rust than metal. I'll try tightening the belt again and go from there.

[filthy]

I've got a rack if you need one- £100 plus delivery and your old unit....