Waterguy

When I was under the car looking for sources of oil on the exhaust manifold, I found that both the pan gasket and steering rack were leaking. Neither of these were a great surprise, since I knew that each was "weeping" fluid when I bought the car in September. The rate they went bad was definitely faster than expected.

I will pull the car off the road next month and do the steering rack and pan gasket. (I have a garage, some mechanical experience and the shop manuals, but no previous Porsche experience.) I was able to get in on the group purchase and order a Meridian rebuilt long rack (great timing, thanks all!) Based on my research here, I will also do rod bearings with new rod nuts.

The car has 103,xxx miles and is being brought back to shape after a chequered maintenance history. It generally feels tight, but "floats" a bit at 100 mph. Right control arm bushing and sway bar bushing were done after previous PS hose leaks. My questions are, what else should I do while I have it apart, and what other parts do I need to order?

1. Outer tie rod ends? The ones I have seem good but are likely original, and I want to avoid more than one additional wheel alignment.

2. Ball joints? Mechanic (PPI) says they are "serviceable but showing wear." No movement when I pry them.

3. Other control arm/sway bar bushings?

4. Motor mounts? Car seems smooth, do late model turbo mounts go bad like the earlier ones?

5. What other gaskets/bolts/seals will I need? (e.g. exhaust gaskets.)

Anything else?

I would like to defer anything that doesn't need work for a couple of years to keep to a reasonable maintenance budget. Having said that, if it makes sense to do it now because of access or to prevent additional wheel alignments, I will do it now. TIA! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Deepice

ROD BEARINGS, ROD BEARINGS, ROD BEARINGS

Peckster

The man speaks the truth.

Waterguy

Thanks, guys, I am doing rod bearings (See Post!) The question is, what else?

Edit:
I see from your post number, Peckster, that you hve gone over to the Dark Side. I trust this is temporary?

tdatk944+S4

Your going to pull the motor right??
Well then take the time and expense to do the mains, clutch (all parts) motor mts,oil pump if it worn, water pump, upgraded PRV,belts, rollers,tensioners,rings,and anything else that has issues. It will be expensive, but, "while your in there"
Just my .02
<img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />
Also,
Paragon has all the gasket kits you need!

951Tom

The oil suction & drainage tubes have o-rings where they mount to the block.

cheetah chrome

if your planning on doing some aggressive cornering get the oil pan baffled. it claims to prevent/help prevent the dreaded #2 failure, besides you have the pan out and i dont think its to hard on the wallet

Waterguy

[quote] Your going to pull the motor right??
<hr></blockquote>

No, I plan to do the pan gaskets and rod bearings from beneath with the engine in the car. Motor is in good shape and all rollers, belts, etc. are new. Its just that the pan gasket is leaking badly.

[quote] The oil suction & drainage tubes have o-rings where they mount to the block. <hr></blockquote>

Can these be done from beneath? If so, I will do them.

[quote] get the oil pan baffled. <hr></blockquote>

It is my understanding that an '89 should already be baffled. Are there later upgrades?