Before ordering, it is wise to check the following details to avoid having to return the parts ordered.
Start With Your VIN or Registration
This can be confirmed from your VIN number or from your vehicle registration document. The manufacturer can change a part half way through a production run, sometimes within the same model year. This is why it is very important to confirm your vehicle details before ordering parts.
Check Rack Length and Tie-Rod Positions
Manual Steering Racks are supplied in a number of different lengths to suit the various models within a model family. Even a small difference in the position of the tie-rod ends will mean that the tracking geometry of your vehicle will not be correct. Therefore, when ordering a replacement part, it is very important to measure the length of the steering rack that you have removed from your vehicle.
Confirm the Steering Column Spline
Note the number of splines and their diameter. You can’t couple a rack with an incorrect spline count to your column or fit it with the aid of an adapter with an incorrect spline count even if the diameter of the column shaft and rack shaft are identical.
Check the Mounting Bracket Spacing
In addition to the length of the new steering rack, also check the spacing of the mounting points on the subframe of your car. Although the new rack is intended for your model, mounting points on the subframe can have been changed between model variants.
Confirm the Drive Side
Racks are designed as left hand drive or right hand drive. For Manual Steering Racks, see https://westernpowersteering.co.uk/steering-parts/manual-rack/.
Just check all the above points before you place your order and you should be okay for a smooth and painless fit!
