Replacing a steering rack - will a left hand drive part work?

[a150dunebeige]

Hello,

I have a 1999 A-class (W168) with really low mileage. Runs great but recently the steering has started to experience problems. The power steering pump failed and that was replaced, and now the steering rack needs replacing.

My MB dealer says they can't source a replacement rack and suggested sourcing a reconditioned rack online.

I can see parts on various online sellers but all seem to indicate left-hand drive compatibility. My A140 is a right-hand drive.

Will the left-hand drive part work work in my right-hand drive car?

If not, can anyone point me in the direction of a supplier of reconditioned Mercedes parts for the UK market?

Thanks
Justin.

 

[Teego]

I've used Steering Specialists Ltd in Wakefield. You can either buy a rack on exchange or they can rebuild your own. Here you go SSL

 

[Flyinspanner]

No a Left hand drive rack won’t fit.

 

[a150dunebeige]

I've used Steering Specialists Ltd in Wakefield. You can either buy a rack on exchange or they can rebuild your own. Here you go SSL

Thanks very much. Appreciate you sharing a recommendation.

 

[a150dunebeige]

No a Left hand drive rack won’t fit.

Thanks for clearing that up for me. Much appreciated.

 

[jasonh]

A left hand rack will not fit.

Most local garages will have someone they get racks rebuilt with. Rebuilding racks is pretty common, starter motors, alternators are widely rebuilt too.

Alternatively buy a secondhand rack - if the labour to fit it is not excessive. It's a gamble but steering racks are not an item that always fail so a lot of cars will be scrapped with good racks. You can check for leaks, and the condition of the rack teeth, before fitting.

 

[a150dunebeige]

A left hand rack will not fit.

Most local garages will have someone they get racks rebuilt with. Rebuilding racks is pretty common, starter motors, alternators are widely rebuilt too.

Alternatively buy a secondhand rack - if the labour to fit it is not excessive. It's a gamble but steering racks are not an item that always fail so a lot of cars will be scrapped with good racks. You can check for leaks, and the condition of the rack teeth, before fitting.

Thanks very much. I think I may have found a used rack in good condition so I'm going to check that out later today. Thanks for the advice. J

 

[BfgSLKMan]

No, a LHD rack will not work (although the motor/pump might be swapable to your RHD rack) as the connection for the steering arm is on the left and not the right.