Steering Rack

I'm a happy driver of a 156 until recently when my steering rack has started to leak from the seals and i'm topping up the reservoir every few days. Could anyone tell me if purchasing a recon steering rack is wise or a new one? I've been told it'll cost £200 to fit as it takes several hours and requires removal of the gearbox to extract the faulty one. Also do all steering racks fit all models? Many thanks

One thing I would say it to make sure it is an official Alfa part, whether it is recon or not. I had mine replaced with a non-official rack by a local garage twice (it always started leaking) before I finally switched to an official alfa service station and part (no more problems).

Not sure about the gearbox being removed but it definitely requires the subframe to be dropped, which ups the labour a little.

Hello & welcome to AO

Hello and welcome

Moved to 156 Tech Lounge

Nope the gearbox doesnt have to be removed well not on 2.0L models, Imnot sure about the V6. The subframe does have to be dropped and engine mounts undone though. I would say use original part to make sure.