Steering rack - buy from wrecker or a rebuilt one?

[MC Hammered]

I'm looking at upgrading my steering rack to a z3 close ratio unit.

From the digging I have done many people say an OEM unit from a wrecked car is better than a rebuilt one, and if one was to buy a rebuilt unit then to get it from rackdoctor or pay the $$$ and buy one from ZF.

Can anyone with experience comment between a used vs. rebuilt steering rack?

The used one is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than a rebuilt rack, but this saving is negated if I had to re&re the used rack if it fails so I rather do this right the first time around.

TIA for any information.

[jeffnhiscars]

I'm looking at upgrading my steering rack to a z3 close ratio unit.

From the digging I have done many people say an OEM unit from a wrecked car is better than a rebuilt one, and if one was to buy a rebuilt unit then to get it from rackdoctor or pay the $$$ and buy one from ZF.

Can anyone with experience comment between a used vs. rebuilt steering rack?

The used one is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than a rebuilt rack, but this saving is negated if I had to re&re the used rack if it fails so I rather do this right the first time around.

TIA for any information.

I've done the swap 4x. 2 were used and 2 were from rich the rackdoctor. One of the used ones leaked so I got a 3rd from rackdoctor so I've seen it from all sides. Bottom line for me is that after pulling a used one and then having to swap it out again I would never go that route again.

Throw in that rich's racks are smooth as silk, come with inner tie rods and boots and it's a no brainer IMHO

[MC Hammered]

Thanks for the feedback!

[MC Hammered]

After spending a couple of days reading up on steering rack options, then speaking to DS Rook about his z3 rack upgrade he did in his vert, I have ordered an e46 ZHP rack with e30 tie rods from rackdoctor.net for my vert.

Can't wait for this setup to arrive and looking forward to comparing it against the z3m rack in the touring.