Opinion on Rack and Pinion replacement
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
C32 AMG
Opinion on Rack and Pinion replacement
Hey guys,
im picking up a MAVAL complete rack and pinion assembly (SKU#: W0133-1913265)
is there anything else i should consider replacing at the same time???
-inner tie rods (i think there included)
also there's a note that says
Fit Note: without speed sensitive power steering
does that affect anything??
any responses will be helpful, i would like to order the part by the end of the week
thanks guys
im picking up a MAVAL complete rack and pinion assembly (SKU#: W0133-1913265)
is there anything else i should consider replacing at the same time???
-inner tie rods (i think there included)
also there's a note that says
Fit Note: without speed sensitive power steering
does that affect anything??
any responses will be helpful, i would like to order the part by the end of the week
thanks guys
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 6
From: Washington DC
1999 E320 4matic Wagon, 2005 C55 AMG - sold, 1998 VW Jetta TDI - sold, 2006 C230 Sport - Totaled :(
My first question would be: why are you replacing the steering rack?
Second concern is, I had my steering rack replaced recently because the speed sensitive valve failed (there's a thread on here somewhere about the issue). But all C55's have the speed sensitive steering (AKA variable assist steering) so you MUST get a speed sensitive steering rack. You CAN install a standard steering rack, but the steering will be really, really stiff. You could still drive it but there's no way you could drive the car like it's meant to be driven (hard cornering).
So I guess my advice is, make sure you don't have a speed sensitive steering system or you don't want to buy this part.
Second concern is, I had my steering rack replaced recently because the speed sensitive valve failed (there's a thread on here somewhere about the issue). But all C55's have the speed sensitive steering (AKA variable assist steering) so you MUST get a speed sensitive steering rack. You CAN install a standard steering rack, but the steering will be really, really stiff. You could still drive it but there's no way you could drive the car like it's meant to be driven (hard cornering).
So I guess my advice is, make sure you don't have a speed sensitive steering system or you don't want to buy this part.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 267
From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
You need to verify if your car has parametric steering or not. NOT all C55's have speed sensitive steering. If they did, I wouldn't have needed to retrofit it. It was suppose to be an option that was never offered on the USA cars. i notice that you are in Montreal - so it may be different for Canadian cars. The valve on the steering rack is sold separately - so if it fails you don't need to change the rack.
PML is option code 213. Look for that on your plate or VIN decode to determine if you have it. The other way is to look for the solenoid and wiring harness leading to the ESP/ABS ECU.
PML is option code 213. Look for that on your plate or VIN decode to determine if you have it. The other way is to look for the solenoid and wiring harness leading to the ESP/ABS ECU.
