I have a 2002 ml last 8 of vin is a324XXX. I need a new steering rack. Since I am after the VIn split (a289XXXX) the part number I was given by the dealer is 163 460 07 25 80.

Is anyone able to describe the differences in the steering racks before the vin split and after?

Bob

 

I'd call the parts dept of Mercedes Benz and ask that question. They would know.

 

Mine didn’t. AFAIK, the change is from banjo fittings on the rack to normal compression fittings. Or vice versa. If you can get underneath and look what you have, then verify the new rack is the same. Or, replace all your hoses at the same time. If someone knows different, please correct me but AFAIK, both types are compatible with everything else in the system.

Personally, I think it’s false economy to change the rack and leave the 20 year old hoses in place. There’s a lot of shared labor on that job.
Banjo fitting on rack:

Compression fitting on rack:

 

To update this: I’m pretty sure the later one is the banjo fitting. I got my new rack from CarSteering.com today and I was a little worried that I couldn’t tell whether it had the banjo fittings or not, so I looked them up. This is the early rack:


This is the later rack with banjo fittings, the one I received.