Steering rack question

[Mazdo]

Is there a way to tell which steering rack (Koyo/ZF) is in my Passat without removing it? I will need to replace the rack soon, and the local dealer wants $1,400 to do the job. They also told me that the rack would have to be removed to determine who manufactured it. I would like to get the rack replaced somewhere else, but I will need to "bring my own" parts.

2001 Passat 1.8t Tiptronic

Thanks

[veedubmechanic]

Unfortunately the spot that the manuf. is posted on the rack is unable to be seen untill it is removed ( on the firewall side...)

[Mazdo]

Originally Posted by veedubmechanic

Unfortunately the spot that the manuf. is posted on the rack is unable to be seen untill it is removed ( on the firewall side...)

That's what I was afraid of.... Thanks for confirming what the dealer said I figure I have a 50/50 chance of getting the right replacement without looking, so do you know if one brand of rack was more popular in production than the other? Also, just out of curiosity, could you tell me why they are not compatible with each other? It seems that each part that comes from multiple vendors would be built to the same specs.

[veedubmechanic]

I think one was for german built passats and the other for brazilian/ mexcan built passats. I dont know which one is for which one.

[lodownlv]

mine is a german one anyone know what cind of rack to replace mine is making a creaking noise from the connection to the collum help please!

[lodownlv]

I Dont Know Why People Cant See Who Is The Manucfactior Of The Rack Unless You Remove It. Look Under Your Car On The Drivers Side It Has A Sticker On The Rack That Tells You Who Manfucactors It

[Jerz3455]

Does anyone know a simple procedure to accessing the rack. This thing is almost impossible to reach. I have to replace the return line power steering hose, and I can barely even see it, let alone replace it. Any hidden passageways or something?