Brad

Apologies to all who also are on Smartgroups for the double post..

Have been advised by my specialist, GT-One, that I need a new steering rack because of wandering and poor response to steering.

They can get a rack for my LHD 1991 C4 for:

QUOTE: (all prices in GBP).

Exchange ZF steering rack 450+vat
Delivery and return costs 50+vat estimated
Labour to install 150+vat
Sundry parts/oil 10+vat
Geometry set up 155+vat (this cost will fall to approx. 75 if we do a simple front end set up bearing in mind that you had a fullset up not thatlong ago.)

Just wondered on other owner's experience and what you thought of these costs. I cannot say that I have noticed the symptoms they have identified (apart from wandering and a very lively steering wheel, even in a straight line) but I have only ever driven my own car so have nothing to compare it to!

Eric in Chicago

Brad,
That sounds like a pretty good deal. I put a 964 rack in my 993 as the 964 part # came in the ROW 993 RS. I paid 500.00 US for the rack with core exchange. I will tell you 150.00 (190.00 GBP) is a pretty good deal for labor! I did the installation myself and if someone would do it for 190.00, I would have paid them!!! A very messy, tight job.
If you have the tools and time check out <a href="http://www.p-car.com" target="_blank">www.p-car.com</a> under DYI to see if you want to try it yourself. I would ask the shop to flush your power steering system as well. The rebulit racks in the states come with a limited lifetime warranty

DaveK

Hi,
I had to have mine replaced - also by GT-One - but at the time, they could not get one from ZF. As a result, mine came from Porsche and was a LOT of money. I can't remember exactly (I try to forget...) but I think it was about £1500 by the time it was fitted.

I've never heard of it being changed for the reasons you give though - mine leaked. It sounds to me like it's a pretty good deal but I'd be interesting in what the actual cause is if nothing is leaking.

Dave
90 C4

GaryN

Hi Brad,

I would get a second opinion (seen that you are in London maybe take it down to JZMachtech - as they quoted me £440 all inclusive except Geometry)
The symtoms you have described could also be wishbones that have gone (you would also have to redo geometry after this) that's what cured my "tramlinning" which sounds like the problem you have.

Cheers
Gary '91 C2

Christer

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Eric in Chicago:
<strong>The rebulit racks in the states come with a limited lifetime warranty</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">LOL!

Can you please explain how this works? Limited to what - 2 years? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Brad

Just had the wishbones replaced, and the wandering is still there. £440 seems really good - was this for a ZF rack?

GaryN

Hi Brad,
Not sure, but give JZmach a call 07000 100 911 the price quoted was just less than a year ago. When speaking to Jonas describe your symptoms because this sounds strange to be changing a rack (unless it's leaking or got excessive play).
On the subject of all things "steering" mines just been dropped off today at Lancaster OPC for a new steering column due to a re-call on my model... Hopefully this is the same as your problem (free parts and labour...what a pleasure )
Cheers
Gary '91 C2

Brad

Gary, what's the recall - would be really useful if you could post it!

Brad

Someone has suggested that I might want to replace the track rods with the turbo-type, before I splash out and replace the rack.

Any thoughts on this?

JasonAndreas

Was/Is this the recall?

Recall 96V147000:
Steering Noise & Excessive Freeplay

A part of the steering column upper universal joint cracked during the manufacturing process. This condition could result in noise and free play in the steering system and if left uncorrected, will result in loss of steering control. Dealers will inspect the universal joint for cracks and will replace cracked joints with new parts.

Owner notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during August 1996. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

1989 PORSCHE 911
1989 PORSCHE CARRERA
1990 PORSCHE 911
1990 PORSCHE CARRERA
1991 PORSCHE 911
1991 PORSCHE CARRERA
1992 PORSCHE 911
1992 PORSCHE CARRERA
1993 PORSCHE 911

Bill Gregory

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><strong>Was/Is this the recall?

Recall 96V147000:
Steering Noise & Excessive Freeplay
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">In the US, you can call Porsche customer service (800-PORSHCE) and give them your VIN and they can tell you whether your 911 has any outstanding recalls.

Oh, and FWIW, the manual 964 steering gear runs around $450 NEW, no trade-in required, which would come with Porsche's standard 2 year warranty.

shaker71

There are two types of racks on 964's. The early rack is a rotary valve type and the later is a piston type. When the piston type is installed on an early model there is a information bulletin stating that there may be excessive noise. The bulletin has you replacing steering lines and isolating the lines from the rack and body.

I replaced my 1991 C4 rack with a piston type rack as I had already purchased the new rack prior to finding the bulletin. The rack I removed (original and leaking) was a rotary type as pictured in the bulliten. I did the job myself and it was rather simple except for the expected rubber man positions you must assume. The new piston rack is without noise and seems much smoother and better road feel than the rotary rack had. After toe-set the car is tight.

I think I'd take my car to another alignment shop for a alignment check before buying a rack. Spending $29-$79 to see if the alignment is the problem seems like money well spent. Sounds like you toe-in is out of spec. Did this start all of a sudden? I'd check into it further before laying out the cash. No doubt the rack replacement will fix the problem, just as replacing a motor will fix a leaking valve cover.

Brad

Shaker71, thanks for that.

I had a full geometry setup a few weeks ago, after the lower control arms were replaced.

Anyway, decided to bite the bullet and replace the rack (got a good deal) and also the track ends.

Will post report when work is done!