pete944

My next item on my "Repair over the winter" list is to stop my power steering leak. It doesn't appear to be the rack, it seems to be coming from a line somewhere. I replaced all the crush washers and that helped for a week or two but leaking real good now. I priced new lines and hoses and almost had cardiac arrest! $200 each for pressure and return lines? WTF!!
I thought about getting some lines from a parts car but how would I know they're ok? I don't want to spend $$$ on it and still have leaks.
If I locate a good manual rack what else needs to be changed? Will the inner or outer tie rods work or do I need to replace them? How about the control arms? Steering u-joint?
Sorry for all the questions but I need to get this done. I know someone here has done it but I can't remember who.

Matt O.

I have, but not purposefully.

I'm still waiting on one bolt to get my PS pump mounted back up there and working.

No power steering isn't exactly fun at slow speeds.

-Matt

pete944

From what I've heard there is a big difference between a manual rack and a power rack with the pump disconnected. I know there will be more effort at low speeds but who drives these cars at 10mph anyway? There's too much power assist now for my taste. I drove an '83 years ago with manual steering and it didn't seem bad at all.

Matt Sheppard

I have an '83 that I drove for a weekend before parting it out. Manual racks are nice on the twistys, but kinda lame in the Stater Bros. parking lot. It's a trade off, but still manageable.

pete944

I just checked the archives (lots of posts) and I figure I will need the rack, inner and outer tie rods, and boots. Prices I've come up with so far:

1. Tie rod assembly (complete) $80.75 each at Paragon
2. Left steering boot-$6.75 at Paragon
3. Right steering boot-$3.95 at Paragon
4. Manual Rack- Perfomance Products shows one in their catalog for $199.95 but their website shows it at $499.00 (ouch)
I e-mailed Meridian<a href="http://www.meridianautoparts.com/parts/Porsche.htm" target="_blank">(Link)</a> for a price on the rack. I'll post that when I get it.

If anyone knows of any good deals out there, please post to this thread.
Thanks.

FSTPRSH

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...love my manual rack. Steering at a dead stop is a little difficult, but at only two or three MPH it is considerably easier. I think it's a good swap for any 944...takes weight off, and increases driver feel of the road, IMO. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Geo

[quote]Originally posted by Matt Sheppard:
<strong>I have an '83 that I drove for a weekend before parting it out. Manual racks are nice on the twistys, but kinda lame in the Stater Bros. parking lot. It's a trade off, but still manageable.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Was there a noticable difference in feel/feedback? How much increase in effort was there? I've been debating this for my race car. My real concern is whether it will get tiring during a 1-2 hours stint during an enduro.

Micah

Geo,

I have both. Above ~20 MPH, I don't think anyone could really tell a difference in either once the steering wheel has been turned. There is a little bit more resistance initially at any speed I would venture to say (with the manual) but it's pretty negligible. The only time this is apparent is during transitions, and the non-PS car doesn't feel quite as "snappy."
I drove the manual for 4 years before getting the PS car as well. A tight, aligned, manual steering 944 is a wonderful thing. Just watch those tight parking lots

Micah

Luis de Prat

Like Micah, I drove the 83 with a manual rack for 5 years before getting the S2. I'm not sure about the S2, but the 951S definitely has what the factory calls "progressive" PS, meaning that it should feel harder at first and progressively become softer as you steer.

The manual steering gives a great feel of the road, but if your wife or gf drives your car, it's likely that she won't like it because it requires significantly more effort to maneuver at a standstill. It makes parallel parking in tight spaces considerably more challenging, to say the least.

M758

I removed my power steering on my race car after my pump adjuster failed at the track. Been off ever since still running with a fuild filled power rack. Not that good in the paddock area, but I prefer it on the track since there is one less thing to break and I feel like I get better feed back.

GeoffD

I took my power steering belt off the day my pump failed entering turn 8 at Mosport at 100+ mph. I was so suprised I barely made the corner. Once is enough!

I did have a bit of trouble at first as I had one of the small diameter Momo wheels on the car and the steering effort was pretty high. Once I replaced it with a larger (340 mm I think) wheel, the steering effort was OK.

I've since done three enduros and a 250 mile testing day and other than slightly achy upper arms have had no problem.

I agree with M758, it is one less thing to worry about when you go manual. For PCA racing, you still have to leave all the power steering stuff on the car though.

pete944

Meridian e-mailed a response on a manual rack. Here it is:

Hello,
I do not regularly stock this manual racks, they were very rare. I can build them, but they get very expensive. Estimated cost on a manual rack is about $450.

We recommend staying with power if at all possible. Its cheaper and of course easier to drive.

Feel free to call or email with further questions or to order.

Best,
Dara


Dara Greaney
Meridian Auto Parts
1-888-275-2525
dara@meridianautoparts.com
<a href="http://www.meridianautoparts.com" target="_blank">www.meridianautoparts.com</a>

I guess I'll keep looking.