'89 steering rack

[zzpza]

i'm going to have to replace the steering rack on my 1989 mk2 golf gti 8v fairly soon and was wondering how difficult a job it is? it's a rhd as i'm in the uk. can it be done with the engine in situ?

thanks!
jules.

[boschmann]

Both can be removed w/engine in, power steering racks are a bit harder as you need to remove the rear engine/trans mount & exhaust.

[zzpza]

yeah, forgot to mention it is a manual and not power. are there any special tools i'll need?

thanks!
jules.

[boschmann]

It's not too hard, you can usually get the tie rod to seperate from the steering knuckle w/o a special tool by striking the knuckle with a hammer right at the joint.