Labour on replacing a MK5 Golf steering rack

[md.]

Could anybody tell me roughly how long it should take to replace a steering rack on a mk5 Golf TDI please?
Fearing the worst as the power steering light is orange on the dash, car is pulling to the left when driving and I've been hearing a very slight clunking for a few weeks now.... The car has been into an indie today for various electrical niggles, and he has advised to get an auto electrician onto it first as no codes are being thrown up even though the light is on (just been reading that the rack has its own ecu and cannot be read normally?). I have priced them up on the likes of ECP and GSF and I'm looking at roughly 500 quid just for the part!

[SuperchargedVR6]

I think the most common failing on these (if it's the same electric rack as the petrol cars) is the 'torque sensor', which means a new rack. It does fault code it though. Maybe the indie wasn't looking in the right module?

New rack from VW is £1200+VAT but a company called BBA Reman (as seen on Wheeler Dealers) can refurb them for £350. I wouldn't trust a GSF or EuroCarParts one personally.

[md.]

SuperchargedVR6 said:

I think the most common failing on these (if it's the same electric rack as the petrol cars) is the 'torque sensor', which means a new rack. It does fault code it though. Maybe the indie wasn't looking in the right module?

New rack from VW is £1200+VAT but a company called BBA Reman (as seen on Wheeler Dealers) can refurb them for £350. I wouldn't trust a GSF or EuroCarParts one personally.

Nice one thanks, I'll have a look at their website and see what they do.

[Cloggie]

I think book time is about 2.5 hours. Remember geometry will need to be done afterwards.

[SuperchargedVR6]

Providing the smaller diameter subframe bolts don't shear off ;-) I would advise the mechanic doing it to heat them with an oxyacetylene torch first.