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What can I do to prevent this happening to me?

Is this a common problem with the B6's???

a4rob

I dont think its common as in it happens to all B6's but it does happen and there isnt much you can do to prevent it.

cheeba

Actually, when the steering rack is leaking from the boot, it's usually because dirt or moisture (which causes oxidation and damages seals) got past the boot. Checking them regularly for damage is a form of prevention in that you might catch a torn boot before any damage is done to the actual rack.

My rack was destroyed by the tiniest kink that someone left in the steering boot clamp, which was still able to let in moisture and cause surface oxidation on the rack, eventually ruining the seals.