carrerachas

hello. hope someone has some thoughts/help. i have an 88 cab. there is a little play/slop in the steering, a little to the left and right from top dead center. When you turn the wheel left or right, there is a knock sound when the play or slop is taken out. the car steers/drives well, tracks straight, and the front tire wear is fairly even. I had a porsche tech look at it, and he said the tie rods are shot, but not quite sure if this is the problem. any thoughts before I change out the tie rods, and should i upgrade to turbo tie rods? Thanks <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

JDaniel

If you do decide to replace the tie rods, definately go with the turbo upgrade. They aren't that expensive and the general consensus is that it's a major improvement.

Bill Gregory

If the play in the steering is evident just sitting still, ie, you wonder if it's going to come off in your hands because the steering wheel moves up/down or left/right. it could be that the plastic steering column bushing is shot - not terribly unusual. Solution is to install either another plastic bearing, or a metal 928 bearing, or some 3rd parties offer metal bearing also. Not expensive, and easy to fix: Pull off the steering wheel, push the failing plastic pieces into the steering column and tap in the new bearing.

As JDaniel mentioned, if you do decide to change tie rods, I would also recommend going to the Turbo tie rods. Steering is much more precise, something you'll notice and appreciate every time you turn the wheel.

carrerachas

thanks for the tips. the wheel does not seem to be loose, but sitting still and when the car is moving, i can turn it left and right and get a knock from the front of the car when the steering resistance comes into play, i.e. slop taken out? the wheel doesn't move up or down. i'll need to call the tech, but i think he said something about a "U" joint or yoke in the steering box or something that may need to be looked at if the tie rod replacement doesen't fix it. i will definately upgrade to the turbo tie rods. some of the prices i have seen are the same as stock. how difficult is it to replace the tie rods? i know i'll need to get the car aligned afterwards.

Thanks charles <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />