Coilovers causing rack and pinion to repeatedly fail?

[nurve]

Previously owner who I purchased this car from installed a set of NEX SS coilovers on it. The front end rattles, and the car has been through 3 racks within the last 4 months or so. The rack seems to be having extreme stress put on the tie rods as it continues to fail at the same points. I know these coilovers are shit, have done plenty of research and the car has been raised to prevent this rack failing again. Are there any modifications that need to be done to the rack to ensure that lowering the car will not effect it? The boot had a nice size rip in it, and when sitting on the ground you can see how much the tie rods are flexing. They will be changed out for a set of StaSiS, but for now this is what I'm forced to ride on. Could the shock rebound the NEX's are configured with be causing this? Like, if I were to install a coilover setup that allows dampening would it do away with the issue? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-Jared

[EBG 18T]

many people have been running coilovers for a long time and never had rack failures like you. Beyond the fact that those coilovers are junk, i think there may be other issues.

[AudiA4Turbo22]

^^I agree unless your ride height is literally less than an inch from the ground. Steering racks fail due to either leaks in the rack itself or leaks in the hoses causing the rack to starve for fluid. I mean age can cause rack failure, but for them to fail every 4 months does not make sense.

Either:

A. shop never replaced the rack but charged u and just greased it

or

B. there is an obstruction of fluid to the rack usually by a failed PS pump or a leak.

[nurve]

^^I agree unless your ride height is literally less than an inch from the ground. Steering racks fail due to either leaks in the rack itself or leaks in the hoses causing the rack to starve for fluid. I mean age can cause rack failure, but for them to fail every 4 months does not make sense.

Either:

A. shop never replaced the rack but charged u and just greased it

or

B. there is an obstruction of fluid to the rack usually by a failed PS pump or a leak.

PS pump is brand new, OE audi. Replaced that and the rack the last time it failed. Ride height right now is fairly low. Will post pick to show. A shop never touched the car. After the 2nd reman rack had failed. I went yesterday and bought an OE Audi rack. After I drove it home, I looked in the wheel well and I can see that it may be rubbing on the bottom portion of the boot as it already has fluid on it. (There is fluid in the spot where the old rack leaked). Not saying the ride height has anything to do with it, that's why I'm thinking the horrible shock travel is causing the boot to rub against something.

This is how it currently sits.

[nurve]

Any other ideas? Hoses are all fine, boot keeps riping.

[nurve]

Not any other input on the suspension travel causing the boot to rub against something causing repeated failure?

[A4SoftWalker]

Has the OP taken the suspension apart b4?

The height of the car will not affect the rack. The tie rod has enough flex to accommodate. I would dissemble the suspension and reassemble according to spec paying attention to the Bentley instructions for the upper suspension mounts and the upper control arms

[JEENYUS]

how is the alignment on the car? perfect to spec?

[B6JoeS4]

That car isnt that low. therea re many other people running that low or lower and they have enver had a ps rack fail because of being lowered. if anything, it would be yout tie rods that go bad.

I would check you lines and see if anything is obstructing the flow. mayb your oem ps cooler is not cooling the fluid enough. Many people have installed this kit by Hayden. dont bother selecting what car you have. they dont actually make it for our cars but it still works.
http://www.autoshepherd.com/index.ph...ering%20Cooler

[A4SoftWalker]

^^^ yeah car is not that low approx 25-inch

OP go here and check out my post for CORRECTLY installing upper ctrl arms

[nurve]

Upper control arms are installed correctly. Previous owner had installed a remanufactured rack, so naturally since it was under warranty I went and got another for free. During installation, we had to extend the tie rods almost all the way to get them to connect. The boots were twisted, lines crushed and bent, and when the alignment was done that particular time, the adjustments they made only created more of an issue. OE Audi rack is now installed, tie rods sit perfect, and going for an all around alignment tomorrow. It just appeared at first glance suspension travel might have been an issue but as stated it's clearly not. I hate inheriting others issues, but one by one they will replaced accordingly with OE parts. I appreciated everyones input.

[A4SoftWalker]

Good to hear - know exactly what u mean about inheriting issues. Hope all goes well.

[EBG 18T]

I hate inheriting others issues, but one by one they will replaced accordingly with OE parts. I appreciated everyones input.

this is the main reason i don't by used cars. You just never know what the previous owner did to them. Good luck and it sounds like you might have it worked out now.