Variable p/s rack vs normal, any difference?

[Chris E]

Hey guys

(car is a vr v6)

The other night the left side of my power steering rack fell apart as I was leaving work, I had another steering rack sitting at home that dad got with his super sedan, both racks look identical except the new one has Variable stamped on the tag.

Is there any difference between a standard rack and the variable one? is it ok to be using the variable one in my car?

[greenacc]

Variable ratio rack should be OK, the variable one is nicer to drive thats all. If it fits its OK. You're not talking about speed variable are you ? I believe these have an electrical connection and can only be used on Hi series cars such as Calais.

[Chris E]

Theres no electrical connection and physically looks all the same so I'm guessing it will be sweet

[hako]

The standard poverty pack steering rack is the variable ratio rack and pinion unit.
Like greenacc says, the speed variable (Bosch Variotronic) has electrical connections and needs the higher BCM or whatever.

[STEALTHY™]

If it is infact a variable speed rack, you'll also need a different pump, so keep that in mind.

[NeilB]

The Variable will sit straighter so if you extractors it will not fit, also you need the whole Steering assembly or the lower steering shaft as they are different lengths.