This weekend I added a steering rack brace to my early 95 so I could add 18" wheels. In the process I noticed that something appears to be leaking. On each side of the steering rack brace there is a rubber boot that appears to cover something that must be part of the steering mechanism. The boot on the right side looked wet so I checked to see if anything was leaking. The boot was damp indicating a leak but it was not so bad that any kind of oil was dripping from the boot. What would this be? Thanks. Mick

 

mick where did you get the steering rack brace and how hard was it to install it?

 

I'd say your CV boots are leaking. ? You should replace them before the CV joints become damaged.
edit: my bad, I wasn't thinking! DOH

 

On the front of an RWD car?

 

Hi Mick:

Kim (above) is right. Your steering rack seals are leaking and you'll need a rebuilt or new rack very soon.

 

Phil, Kim, Steve, Thank you for the information. Iwas afraid it was going to be something like that.

Karim, adding the steering rack brace is one of the easiest things I have done on the 993. It's really as simple as removing the front cover
which I think was about 9 screws, removing 2 bolts, inserting the new brace, and reinstalling everything. It took about 25 minutes, tops. There is a very detailed decription at p-car.com. I think it is in the technical section, not the DIY section. I ordered the part from a Porsche
dealer in Oregon that advertises in Panorama and Excellence. I cant remember the name but they advertise that they sell at cost plus 15% to PCA members. Remember to order the two longer bolts as well. If you will do an archive search you can find the part numbers. Micki

 

Mick

I also have a 95 and just replaced the steering rack because of leaking. I am afraid you will be experiencing the some pain when you get the final bill for the repair.

 

Karim -

With PCA Discount:
Steering rack brace #993-347-131-02 $35.00
Longer bolts #999-218-103-09 (2 needed) $2.00/each

Got mine from Rennlist Sponsor - IRA Porsche

 

Gary, just came from the local dealer. Sounds like you are right. They are checking but think a rebuilt rack is about $ 1000 and of course that does not include labor. Going to the archives now to see what others have done. For the time being I think I will go ahead and drive and just keep my eye on the fluid. Sorry for you, sorry for me. But it sounds like many others have had the same problem. Mick

 

Mick - Just sent you a PM.

 

Someone posted a while ago that you can get a rebuilt rack from AutoZone for $300-$400. If you DIY the repair, you'll be out a lot less, though you will need to have your alignment checked afterwards. Or let it go and just backdate your car to no power steering.

 

Thanks Evan. Mick

 

Mick,

I wouldn't be in to big a hurry to tear up a $2,000 bill. I suggest that you...

- Make sure your power steering fluid level is ok. You know to check engine running and hot, correct? Note the level and so you can monitor how much fluid is disappearing.

- Clean up the leaking area real well, so you can monitor any fresh leaking.
What you are seeing now may be the accumulation of years of a few drips here and there.

If you keep an eye on the fluid level, and eye on the leak suspect area and depending on the amount of the leak and how many miles a year you drive, you could go a decade without having to replace the rack.

 

Thanks Mike. I agree. My dealer in fact suggested this also and offered that it could be a couple of years before I need to replace the rack. At the same time, just in case, I am looking for a rebuilt rack. Several have offered alternatives and it appears rebuilt racks are available for far less than what the dealer guessed. mick