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I had this installed yesterday. See the link for the original thread for source, costs and background etc.
There are four components to the kit. The steering rack brace was not installed, as I recieved the incorrect one. There was a change in steering racks part way through 1995 production, I needed the larger one, the same that was used with the 1994 introduction. I will attempt to install the rack brace myself, but crawling under a car in the winter time is not my favorite activity.
The change to the steering is very significant. The steering had really started to feel rubbery, and the response to rapid manouvers sucked.
Now I can make very sharp lane changes and the response is fantastic. When cutting a hard corner, the vehicle carves the line with a precision and willingness that I can't seem to find techical words for. When into a curve, the backend after a brief pause starts to follow along in a cooperative fashion, instead of feeling like it was being dragged around the curve against its will.
So my vehicle is transformed. I am very happy with this work, and my concerns about the costs are somewhat deminished.
I have the old rubber bushings, four of them. They don't seem to be visably deteriorated. But they obviously were the source of the vagueness that crept into the steering this year. You cannot install this yourselve unless you have a hydraulic press. The large bushings were pressed out, and then the outer steel bushing sleeves had to be removed with a cold chisel and some sustained brute force. The lower control arm rear spherical bearings also are a press fit. The 94's and soem early 95 procduction cannot use these sperical bearings.
Anyone have any suggestions/comments on the rack brace installation?
Torque/bump steer: It is greatly improved. However, heavy acceleration in 1st gear (not torque limited on my vehicle) still can be challenging on rutted pavement. This I believe is the way things are. This also is a problem with the Passat diesel, which is very strong in 1st gear.
95SET, 115000 miles, Michelin Pilot Sports, TurboXS HP boost control (not fully dialed in yet).
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