rack and pinion

My '87 Golf has been diagnosed as having R&P damage (sticks on turns
and clunks when steering wheel is turned while stationary) I have told
this is not worth fixing as it is too expensive ...Iam wondering just
how difficult it is to exchange the R&P ...

thanks

Michael

For an experienced shop I would guess a few hours. On my 84 with
manual steering I think it was 4 bolts on the rack to get it loose
from the body. A bolt at the U-joint which is the steering input.
Measure the tie rods, unbolt. I happened to do new tie rods.
reassemble and align. With power steering I would guess two more lines
so you have to add fluid and purge of air to the task. I had already
replaced the rack boots a few years prior so I re-used them.

Note that the Rabbit has a different frame assembly so the 87 may be a
bit more challenging. I see a picture of the rack in this web article.
It does not look all that different from the Rabbit rack. Mounts in a
different place but otherwise the same concept. If you have already
pressure cleaned all around the rack it is not such a horrid job. Just
lots of words said trying to contort to reach bolts.
http://www.vwclub.co.za/vwforum/viewtopic.php?t=33085&sid=030de393e606...326ed25

On Sat, 2 Feb 2008 21:35:33 -0800 (PST), limehand <MKLough.DeleteThis@gmail.com>
wrote:

>My '87 Golf has been diagnosed as having R&P damage (sticks on turns
>and clunks when steering wheel is turned while stationary) I have told
>this is not worth fixing as it is too expensive ...Iam wondering just
>how difficult it is to exchange the R&P ...
>
>thanks
>
>Michael