Flott Leben

When a steering rack fails is it usually just a seal problem and the fluid leaks at an ever-increasing rate? Or are there other major sources of failure? What are the symptoms of rack failure?

In other words, are "remanufactured" racks merely used racks with new seals? If so, how difficult is it to replace all the seals using one of the rebuild kits, such as those Part Werks kits on e-bay?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

Thanks!

MikeN

From what I have heard and seen (no first hand knowledge) there are many other things to look at besides just the seals. Some wear measurements/inspections should be done, some clearances set, etc.....

So no, a "good" remanufactured rack does not just get new seals installed, a lot more goes into it.

Flott Leben

Thanks, Mike. Do you know if the S4 GT and GTS racks are the same or compatible? Is there any advantage to replacing my S4 rack with a GT or GTS rack? I know the pumps can vary but what about just the racks?

Any preferences on who performed the rebuild?

Thanks.

MikeN

Please verify, but I believe that starting in '91 both the rack AND the pump were changed to reduce the steering effort needed. I don't think that just a change of one or the other will do anything "good", in fact it may cause
problems. So unless you plan to replace both, I'd go with the factory issued part number for your year.

I think any of the big three can get you a well built replacment......or check out.........http://www.griffiths.com/porsche/steering/
for tons of good info and the racks themselves.

Seth W

The racks are different. The later ones are easier, and the pumps are upgraded too. It makes a nice difference. I liked dealing with Griffith.

Garth S

Regarding rebuilding your rack, check the posts by Lizard: He was reporting on his rebuild ~ 5 weeks ago IIRC, with links to procedures, tools, etc.

Nicole

I bought a '91 model BECAUSE of the difference in steering effort. It was a major factor in looking specifically for that year. Especially when you have the larger wheels, it makes a big difference when parking or driving at lower speed, while it does not take away any of the precision at higher speed.

I don't know, if Seth upgraded both rack and pump, but if I had to replace the rack on an older car I'd certainly consider it.

Seth W

I upgraded just pump on my 88. It was a nice change, but it did not make it as nice as my 89, which is much easier for some reason. I would change both again if I had an earlier car.

Robert_H

My car's steering effort is quite high. With 140K of miles on it, maybe I should think about replacing some items.

How much would all of this run? The pump, rack and everything to do it right.

Rob

Nicole

Robert:

I don't think the mileage has much to do with the steering efffort - unless there is a defect or dirt in the system. If you have no oil leaking, save your money until it happens - unless you want the lesser steering effort. Then consider upgrading the whole system.

SharkSkin

Have you checked that the PS belt isn't slipping?