I'm currently helping a friend rebuild his steering rack.

Seal kits are affordable, and there is a good DIY video on You Tube.
I'm doing a Z3 1.9 rack at the same time.

Curious if anyone else has tackled this, and if so, did they replace only the common, easy to find in many specifications 6001 bearing?

The INA one that is at the top of the Pinion is uncommon, and at least branded as INA pretty expensive in the USA. The one in the middle of the pinion seems to be under minimal stress, I'm inclined to leave it there. On the 1.9 its a very small needle bearing, still stuck in the case, that one will stay. On my friends, I'm not sure if its worth swapping out. The You Tube video says its NLA, but i haven't seen a part number on it.

Curious if anyone has gone down this road on the Purple Tag.