shiners780

I just installed this manual rack recently. There is a threaded hole in the bottom on the driver's side, filled with grease. I can't remember if there was a bolt/plug in the hole before, but there isn't now. I can't imagine this should be left open, as it's threaded, and some grease has pushed it's way out. Anyone know what side bolt goes into this hole? Should I pump some grease into the hole prior to capping it off since I don't know how much has escaped? If so, what type of grease should be used?

TIA

Manning

Should be a plug. You can get a generic plastic plug at the hardware store. That hole is for the centering tool which threads into the hole and against a detent in the rack gear to keep it centered while doing an alignment

Stan944

Like Michael said.
I don't remember the size of the bolt, but of course it was metric, and available in a local store.
I don't think the rack should be packed with grease. I mean there should be grease at the rack and pinion, but not like in the wheel bearings.

shiners780

Thanks Manning,

That would explain how it became missing, as I had an alignment after the install.

You think I should pump some more grease in there? I've done 3 track days since the install and alignment, so I'm assuming the plug has been missing since then. I have no idea how much grease may have worked it's way out. There are 5-6 small (pea sized) blobs of grease on the plastic undertray, but more may have gotten blown away. What type of grease is used in the rack?

shiners780

Thanks Stan,

I'll utilize my tap and die set to figure out the size, then hunt something down at the store. Sounds like a little bit of grease getting squeezed out shouldn't be a huge deal then? Thanks.

Manning

I can't recall the size either, but I seem to recall it was a fine thread pitch like a lot of the fasteners on these cars

mavfan

on a power steering rack its... shoot 1X10 or 10X1 (whichever one makes sense) hope that helps

DER951

The original bolt is about 1/2 inch long, pointed on the end to set into a centering detent for alignment. For driving, it had to be backed out about half way, where there was nothing to hold it from loosening. I used a nut to tighten it against the rack housing. I can get you a picture tomorrow if you want.

shiners780

That's alright, but thanks for the offer. I'll just pick something up at the hardware or auto parts store.

You would think the alignment shop (that specializes in Porsches) would properly tighten it. It's probably sitting on their workbench.

Manning

Um, like I wrote before, a rubber plug, PN 477.419.115, is inserted in that hole when the tool is not in use. You don't drive around with the tool treaded into the hole. And like I also wrote before, you can find a suitable replacement for the rubber plug at any hardware store.

kwdrus

jim, once you get the proper sized bolt, use a grinding wheel to create a pointed end. That end will lock in place with the dimple on the rack shaft. Mine is in, loose enough to allow for steering and it hasn't fallen out since i put it in 5 years ago.

Mac 86 951

Ok sorry, guys a little off topic. Where can I find a manual steering rack?

shiners780

New? www.944online.com

Used? Just post a thread in the Wanted To Buy forum, and something will pop up. Keep in mind if you're changing from power to manual, you'll also need new tie rods and intermediate shaft, as the lengths are different between power and manual.

Mac 86 951

Aren't Tie rods adjustable? Or do the power ones not go far enough?

ryoji

A tie rod of PS has a male and a tie rod of MS has a female type of connector against a matched rack.