handling issues
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14,881
Likes: 2,802
From: Pittsburgh, PA
handling issues
Ok, so I am loving my red 85. Truly the best color for a 928
. It runs like a rocket, now that all work is done under the hood, and I've sorted out a lot of niggly issues. I've been driving it most days to work, and I love it. One thing that is driving me crazy though is the handling. It handles like a 1970 Chevelle with leaf springs! One thing done was to replace the steering rack with a rebuilt unit, and the tie rod ends too.
Those that have driven with me know I like to cruise at the higher end of the spectrum. Going through the twisties has become a palm sweating challenge. At 80 mph plus, it does not feel very Porsche-like. I bought new shocks, and they are not installed yet. The shocks and springs are original, and the car has 76K miles on it. But here's the rub - I don't recall it handling like this before replacing the steering rack with the rebuilt unit. Could it be a simple tie rod end adjustment out of whack? The steering feels floaty and uncertain.
. It runs like a rocket, now that all work is done under the hood, and I've sorted out a lot of niggly issues. I've been driving it most days to work, and I love it. One thing that is driving me crazy though is the handling. It handles like a 1970 Chevelle with leaf springs! One thing done was to replace the steering rack with a rebuilt unit, and the tie rod ends too.Those that have driven with me know I like to cruise at the higher end of the spectrum. Going through the twisties has become a palm sweating challenge. At 80 mph plus, it does not feel very Porsche-like. I bought new shocks, and they are not installed yet. The shocks and springs are original, and the car has 76K miles on it. But here's the rub - I don't recall it handling like this before replacing the steering rack with the rebuilt unit. Could it be a simple tie rod end adjustment out of whack? The steering feels floaty and uncertain.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 752
From: Saco, Maine/ Scarborough, Maine
Ed, my GT when I got it with only 25000 miles had the rear shocks bouncing me up and down. Replaced them and all was good. After shock replacement see if that helped. Mileage and time takes its toll on shocks.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,574
Likes: 1,027
From: Oman
Ed,
If you have had the rack out and fitted a rebuilt unit hopefully you fitted new tie rod assemblies [inner and out] and then had the alignment checked- if not just do it- Roger offers a good deal on such. To get the car handling as you describe takes some doing but...? Too little toe-in makes the car feel twitchy.
Get the car on a Hunter laser alignment rig and get a sensible alignment. If there is anything out in the steering components the Hunter should expose it other than duff dampers of course. Tyres play a role as do tyre pressures but then I am sure you are fully aware of the possibilities. Your dampers owe you nothing and if you have new units why not fit them before forking out for the cost of the alignment? Your springs may have sagged a little but I doubt that would explain your "condition".
Measurement is your friend!
If you have had the rack out and fitted a rebuilt unit hopefully you fitted new tie rod assemblies [inner and out] and then had the alignment checked- if not just do it- Roger offers a good deal on such. To get the car handling as you describe takes some doing but...? Too little toe-in makes the car feel twitchy.
Get the car on a Hunter laser alignment rig and get a sensible alignment. If there is anything out in the steering components the Hunter should expose it other than duff dampers of course. Tyres play a role as do tyre pressures but then I am sure you are fully aware of the possibilities. Your dampers owe you nothing and if you have new units why not fit them before forking out for the cost of the alignment? Your springs may have sagged a little but I doubt that would explain your "condition".
Measurement is your friend!
Basic Sponsor
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Rennlist
Site Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 1,053
From: Double Oak, TX
^^^^^^^^^^^
Ed have the shocks fitted and a "good" alignment done.
How did they align the tie rods to the rack - marked the number of threads?
Ed have the shocks fitted and a "good" alignment done.
How did they align the tie rods to the rack - marked the number of threads?
__________________
Does it have the "Do It Yourself" manual transmission, or the superior "Fully Equipped by Porsche" Automatic Transmission?
George Layton March 2014
928 Owners are ".....a secret sect of quietly assured Porsche pragmatists who in near anonymity appreciate the prodigious, easy going prowess of the 928."
Does it have the "Do It Yourself" manual transmission, or the superior "Fully Equipped by Porsche" Automatic Transmission?
George Layton March 2014928 Owners are ".....a secret sect of quietly assured Porsche pragmatists who in near anonymity appreciate the prodigious, easy going prowess of the 928."
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14,881
Likes: 2,802
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Rebuilt rack and tie rod ends courtesy of Roger already installed with proper alignment. So alignment not the issue. Wondering if adjustment of the tie rod ends was off? New shocks front and rear, with bump stops, will go in soon.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5,946
Likes: 322
From: Kaukauna Wisconsin
Ok, absolutely 'Captain Obvious' question, but I've learned the hard way that these can be necessary.
Rack bushings? Are they new? I would think you are smart enough to do that, but it isn't mentioned.
Is the rack tight? Again, you I'm pretty sure you are smart enough to double check that, but...
Rack bushings? Are they new? I would think you are smart enough to do that, but it isn't mentioned.
Is the rack tight? Again, you I'm pretty sure you are smart enough to double check that, but...
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14,881
Likes: 2,802
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Thanks Joe and a good question. I didn't do the install, but my indy did. I plan to get it back in there, with the new shocks to be added too. I did not buy rack bushings separately from Roger. I just got a rebiult rack, new boots and tie rod ends. Are the bushings part of the rebuilt rack? (Also, I am not that smart - still learning every day on these cars and this forum).
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People
Verdad Gallardo
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod
Verdad Gallardo
10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)
Joe Kucinski
Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again
Verdad Gallardo
6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance
Joe Kucinski
10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold
Verdad Gallardo
Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight
Joe Kucinski
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 13,583
Likes: 1,045
From: Boulder Creek, CA
If you center the rack no need to do it the hard way and count threads. Ground down a bolt to a soft point and keep it in your glovebox.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5,946
Likes: 322
From: Kaukauna Wisconsin
Thanks Joe and a good question. I didn't do the install, but my indy did. I plan to get it back in there, with the new shocks to be added too. I did not buy rack bushings separately from Roger. I just got a rebiult rack, new boots and tie rod ends. Are the bushings part of the rebuilt rack? (Also, I am not that smart - still learning every day on these cars and this forum).
No clue if new bushings come with the new rack.
I would think the easiest way to see if the rack is not tight is to look under the car while someone else cranks the wheel back & forth. (car not moving, of course).
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 728
Likes: 38
From: Portland, Oregon
Was the alignment done by a shop that understood 928"s ??
If the car was lifted, then it is necessary to "settle it" back to the original ride height before doing alignment settings.
If the alignment was done at incorrect ride height, then you will have much toe-out.
Easy to ballpark check in your driveway with a tape measure.
If the car was lifted, then it is necessary to "settle it" back to the original ride height before doing alignment settings.
If the alignment was done at incorrect ride height, then you will have much toe-out.
Easy to ballpark check in your driveway with a tape measure.
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14,881
Likes: 2,802
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 309
Likes: 93
From: SF Bay Area
Hi Ed - racks from Mark have new bushings, but dont know about Roger's. Definitely a must if you are putting in a new rack. Worn bushings will allow the rack to move around/up and down, causing the toe to float and thats what your description sounds like. Easy for you or your indy to see if the rack has new bushings. Another thing that I just experienced was a problem with a rebuilt rack that had a spool valve problem, causing variable turning effort (high in one direction, rapid increase in effort when turning), no center feel and some other weird ****. You can probably rule this out if the steering feel seems right as compared to your other 928s from your present and past. And finally, could the toe be off a bit or has the inner tie rod end loosened (assume you replaced inners and outers - if not, check your inners)? And finally, as mentioned, make sure the rack was centered when it was aligned. Let us know what you find when you figure it out.