Looks like I might be needing a new steering rack...

928intl has these for $395. When I got home I received my very first copy of Panorama, and in it is an ad from a company called Zims Autotechnik, with a rack for $259.

Anyone have experience with this company?

http://www.allzim.com/cgi/sh000001.p...347_2e010_2eDX

 

I've bought TONS of stuff from Zims, mostly for 356/912 and some boxster. The guys there are awesome for early aircooled parts and are very knowledgeable. I have not used them for 928 parts yet except a fuel filter and check valve. I'd like to see some other guys chime in if they've had good experiences with their watercooled cars.

 

I got quite a bit from them when i redid my 951 two years ago. They had the complete front seal kit w/races for what everybodyelse wanted for just the seals alone. Good people.

 

We've bought from them on occasion as well. Good service and friendly people.

 

I bought a few things for the 944 from them, nothing yet for the 928. I think they are reputable and friendly people. In my mind (which is a confused landscape) they specialize in early air-cooled cars, but not limited to that.

 

Zims can be trusted.

 

I'm not trashing Zims as I have purchased parts from them in the past and have found their customer service to be adequate. However, I have purchased power steering racks from them and had a few problems:

Rack 1 12/98 - Porsche dealer replaced rack with Zims supplied rack
Rack 2 3/99 - Rack was leaking...Porsche dealer replaced with another Zims rack (Zims replaced under warranty)
Rack 3 3/02 - Rack leaking again...bought replacement from 928 Intl and has not leaked since

Maybe Zims has a better rebuilder now I don't know but it wasn't worth the $150 I saved by going through Zims. I have no affiliation with any of the parts suppliers but have had pretty good luck with 928srus, Specialists, and International.

 

Considering that most 'common' rack rebuilds don't always include new end bushings, My nickel suggests that you should invest in the one from 928 Int'l. It's a chore to replace the rack, a double chore to do it again prematurely when the seals crap out due to excess radial play in the 'inspected' bushings. Do it once, do it right, do it like you mean it.

 

I've done business with Zims since 1994 when I got my first 928. For many years they did all the maintenance I felt beyound my time limits or capability. I have never been disappointed with their service or knowledge of the cars. They still do service on the wife's BMW (Now that I'm retired I do all the 928 wrenching). Roger is a friend since before his 928s-r-us business so he gets all my parts business now. Zims is knowledgable, reputable and trustworthy and I can highly recommend them. But when I needed a new rack (before Roger) I specifically wanted and got a Griffiths unit. They are a re-builder that doesn't cut corners IMHO.

 

yep its funny how some people can go 200,000 miles on an original rack and others seem to fail in 50 thousand miles,

There are a few things that can be done to extend the rack life, the biggest is of course is to keep fresh fluid in the resivour,
from an operational stand point the next thing is to back off from full lock about an inch or so so max pressure isnt being fed to the rack seals, just think about how many times you might turn the wheel to full lock and hold it there, this will over time destroy your rack seals.

The next thing is to inspect the resivour lines ( repair leaking hoses)and the boots if a boot is cracked then it should be replaced ASAP so to keep out dirt from scoring the inner rack.
If the fluid in the resivour is a silvery color it would be wise to replace the pump as its making metal and will over time destroy you rack

 

Then there's the brand new 1987 I had delivered to me with an empty rack. Poured in a can of fluid and it went right to the ground.

 

I installed one of their rebuilt racks in my car a year or so ago, no problems yet.

 

My '87 has a Zims rack in it. Was installed by PO. I have had the car since April 2004 and no problems.

 

Are there any "while I'm in there" items, or is this an easy swap?

 

Check the tie-rods and plan on using new dust boots get new crush rings for the banjo bolts which attach the PS line to the rack.