major

I have some slight play in the right front of my 1987 944S. If I hold my hands at the 3:00 and 9:00 positions on the tire I can feel movement side to side. I can see the strut move and the steering rod move slightly in and out of the rack. The movement does not see to be coming from the wheel bearing area. The control arms with new ball joints were installed recently so I can't see having any ball joint issues. Any ideas where the play is coming from and what the fix is? I would like to have some idea before I get it to the front end shop.

Thanks

xsboost90

outer tie rod ends?

austin944

Slide the steering rack boots out of the way and check the inner tie rods for play where they connect to the steering rack ends. I think you may have to turn the steering wheel around a bit to see the rack end at each side.

major

Can an inner tie rod be repaired? There does seem to be play in the rod. I can see the rod move in and out slightly as I move the tire and wheel back and forth with my hands at the 3:00 O'clock and 9:00 O'clock positions.
Thanks

ButtSled

Ball joints could cause that feeling too. Replace them every 50K. Double check the tightness of your intermediate shaft pinch bolts too. Even the Ujoints in the intermediate shaft could cause some play.

Deano

austin944

There's no way to repair them, AFAIK. They need to be replaced.

major

Does this mean the steering rack would have to be replaced? The control arms and ball joints are new.

austin944

Not necessarily. I believe you have to remove the PS rack to replace the inner tie rods (that's what I did, anyways), so you can inspect the rack at that time and make a decision at that point. I'm not really sure of the usual failure mechanism of the rack, but I thought it generally leaked first before mechanical play set in. I think you should be able to check for any end play with the rack on a bench.

The rack is probably not a "while you're in there" type of replacement decision like you have with the water pump for a timing belt job. The rack is more expensive than a pump and it's easier to get to. Of course you will need another alignment if you have to replace the rack in the future, and that can be somewhat expensive depending on where you go.

xsboost90

did you look to see if the part that attaches to the spindle has play IE the outer tie rod end??? If your holding onto the wheel you cannot see it. - Inner tie rod can be replaced w/o pulling the rack- you will need an alignment either way.

Mike C.

I had to replace the inner tie rods at around 150K miles. You might as well replace the outers while your at it. Rack doesn't need to be removed and as long as it isn't leaking there is no reason to. If it is leaking, this would be a good time to replace it with a rebuilt unit. Another possibility for the play you describe could be the upper strut bearings. If these are original they might be a bit sloppy.

major

I really appreciate all the replies. This helps a lot. I don't post much here but I read and learn a lot from this forum. Thanks again.