83 928S drives very loose
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Sebring,FL
83 928S drives very loose
Comming back from the PCA races last night from Daytona.The car was acting scary. There were times where i thouhgt i was going to loose control of it.It was all over the road,strugging to keep it strait.The steering felt very loose.First thing i did this morning was check out the front end on both sides and every thing checked out ok.No loose screws wheels where nice and tight and i dont think that if the rack bushings are bad it would behave so extreme.Now things i done to it the week before.New rubber,new tie rods,new boots and a wheel alignment on hunter DSP600 machine at my local sears.WTF is going on here?What else do i need to check.A lot of advice is appreciated
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,162
Likes: 383
From: Johnson City, TN
Check the steering rack shafts, left and right, for front back motion.
On stands, wheels full left, left shaft in its extended position, move fore aft, perp to its usual motion.
Repeat with right. Report back.
Did you counterhold steering shafts when replacing tie rods?
On stands, wheels full left, left shaft in its extended position, move fore aft, perp to its usual motion.
Repeat with right. Report back.
Did you counterhold steering shafts when replacing tie rods?
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,944
Likes: 364
From: K-town, Germany
I would have done the same thing and checked the lug nuts first. Sounds like maybe a bolt on the eccentric backed out; or maybe your tie rod lock down nut backed out. Essentially, your tire/car would track down every groove in the road. This web site has a quick reference to see if your alignment is out. If it is, I’d take it back to Sears. My $.02
http://members.rennlist.com/captearl...uickcheck.html
http://members.rennlist.com/captearl...uickcheck.html
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,210
Likes: 6
From: Y-Bridge City, Zanesville, Ohio
I wonder if your "rag joint," an All-American parlance for an in-line coupler in the steering column, has died? The 928 has a rag coupler right next to the exhaust manifold.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rag_joint>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rag_joint
The symptoms you describe match those I've experienced with the two coupler failures I've experienced. Mine were progressive as the coupler tore more and more. That is, the looseness got worse over time, without failing catastrophically.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rag_joint>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rag_joint
The symptoms you describe match those I've experienced with the two coupler failures I've experienced. Mine were progressive as the coupler tore more and more. That is, the looseness got worse over time, without failing catastrophically.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,743
Likes: 78
From: Minneapolis
Trending Topics
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,337
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX
My '84 is doing the same sort of thing and if I ever get a job again will go to the shop for sorting... or if you guys will buy enough calendars and DVD's for me to cover the costs of the repair! 
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Every Era of 911 Owner Explained in One Sentence
Verdad Gallardo
Thinking of Buying a Porsche? Do These 10 Things First
Joe Kucinski
Pixar Pals Turned Into 1-of-1 Porsches!
Michael S. Palmer
Theon Goes Full Carbon Fiber With Stunning New Build
Verdad Gallardo
Genius Porsche-Themed Gifts That'll Make Any Dad or Grad Smile
Joe Kucinski
10 Used Porsches Are Selling for Way Too Cheap
Joe Kucinski
Tuner Is Converting Porsche 911s Into Shooting Brakes
Verdad Gallardo
This Coachbuilt Creation Is A Modern Take on the Legendary Porsche 917
Verdad Gallardo