This episode of CRP Automotive’s Inside the Brands features David Hirschhorn discussing a NEW AAE steering rack for popular VW models.While you probably think of AAE as a leading name in remanufactured steering racks, you might NOT know that AAE’s extensive experience in reman helps the brand develop class-leading new parts as well.Part Number 3184N, a hydraulic steering rack for recent Beetles, Golfs, and Jettas, is one of the latest examples.Like all steering racks, this rack is subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Not just in terms of back-and-forth operation — but also due to constant exposure to the elements, road debris, moisture, oil, salt, and other chemicals. All of this takes its toll.The factory racks from VW take it particularly hard, and their housings are prone to rusting. This makes finding quality cores for remanufacturing difficult. So AAE developed its own brand-new rack, finishing the steel housing with a zinc coating that makes it much more rust-resistant than the factory units.And while the difference in the housings is easy to see, what you can’t see is that AAE also upgraded the pinion gears and bars inside the rack — heat-treating them to make them more durable.Remember, this is a completely new unit. In our opinion, it’s much better than the OE rack.