>I will visit my mechanic in a week or so.  I am appealing to all listees
>with experience on this repair to send me your advice and recommendations.
>Feel free to P-Mail me if you don't think it will be of interest to the
>list.  Ron, Kyle and Jim, please feel free to quote any prices.

Hi kelly, I can sympathize and I'm even just a jump across the 'pond'
from you!  The first repair I had on my Westy after acquiring it in 4/93
was replacing the rack in 6/94 @ approx 85k.

I have a reputable mechanic here in Victoria that's always been fair to
me.  He rebuilt the rack himself with a kit I believe he got from
Bow-Wow.  It's never been a problem since and I coincidentally checked it
last weekend.  The charges are broken down below and in Can$.

4 hours labour = $200
Steering Rack Kit = $161
Hydraulic Oil = $20

Email me directly if you're in need of more info, Bruce

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Bruce Ralphs, Victoria, BC                 '85 Westy, auto, 142K
250-727-7617                               '91 Passat, 95K
250-727-7685 fax                           '83 GTI,  256K