Steering rack OEM Mazda or ZF

Proper depowered rack in my NB, I love it. You don't really notice it when you're moving.

I bought a used manual steering rack instead, and absolutely love it! Moderate low speed effort with precise high-speed inputs and feedback. I think a manual rack from the factory is the way to go, if you can swing it.

Mazda 3 Stick shift are very fun to drive. They have the same steering rack out of the Miata with added practicality.

So the ZF steering rack finally got through customs and arrived safe and sound - thanks UPS. The rack is originally from a VR6 Passat so in theory should be up to the task. Got it installed and hooked up and so far no leaks. Immediately I noticed the pump is a lot quieter connected to this rack than it was when connected to the TRW rack which makes me think the TRW rack couldn't handle the pressure coming from the pump? Or maybe there was just something wrong with it internally. So far no leaks from the ZF rack so fingers crossed it'll hold up well when I get it back on the ground and go for a test drive.

I can confirm, I had to change the rack on my 2001.5 Passat because the steering wheel was loose and they are in fact interchangeable.

I did the depower and its hard to turn standing still but once you get moving I can one hand it even in a parking lot but I still use the factory wheels and steering wheel.

Feels like my CX90 steering rack has a bunch of these in it when I turn the wheel.

The sticky steering became such a problem (despite the worm gear recall and greasing), that they now have to replace the rack/pinion.

I just went back to power steering. I depowered it proper, cut the plunger off and welded the pinion but no matter what the adjustment I did I still had this really odd play. Other than that the steering was great, driving felt smooth the feedback felt great

Had mine replaced, took about a week. Loaded up the miles on an even nicer loaner, so I wasn’t too bothered…other than the unsafe feeling around corners at speed.