When removing the steering rack on a 95 993 I noticed the P-car DIY site advises removing the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod (ball joint), (step 1), then the inner tie rod from the rack (step 2).

The shop manual advises to remove both in a single step (disconnect outer tie rod, then disconnect inner tie rod at rack.)

Before I take on this adventure I was wondering what is the collective Rennlist wisdom on this procedure?

I'm assuming the P-car DIY makes the rack removal easier but it does add an extra step.....

 

I believe I just removed the tie rod from the steering rack, ball joints stayed on

 

+1

 

Whatever you do, use plenty of your screen name.




Andreas

 

As an update, the P-car site indicates you need two people for this DIY, I have done it twice solo, no issues. Just take it slow and easy, and it will be pretty obvious what has to come off. I would take the inner/outer as a unit, saves one step.

Are you rebuilding the rack or replacing? If its the same rack, its reasonable that you do not need an alignment, depending on the extent of your pickiness. New rack is more likely that you should have the front checked, but again I know people who have done this and driven another 30,000 miles with no different wear.

Cheers,

Mike

 

Mike, Thank you for the clarification. I plan on doing an alignment after the install (I need one anyway!). I am installing a rebuilt rack.

Andreas, I should have..."Screen Name" before I did the SAI delete!!

 

That article on Pcar should really be removed or edited as it can potentially mislead the reader into doing a heck of a lot more work than required. This is a really easy job.

One tip: before removing the steering rack, secure the housing which mates the steering column to the steering rack. This can be done by using some duct tape to secure the housing to the steering column. The hardest part of the job (which can be avoided) is refitting the housing to the steering column.

Cheers,
Joe

 

Thank you! Great Suggestion. If I do this do I still need to center the steering wheel (remove air bag, etc..)?

 

I usually center the wheel with the tierod since it has finer adjustment than the splines on the steering wheel shaft.

 

how difficult is it to rebuild the rack? will i have to have the shafts resurfaced as someone told me? I just see it as replacing some worn seals and pressure testing. 70 bucks for the parts and a steak dinner for my buddy who helps me.

 

Windy, I seriously considered the re-build route. After reading many posts I came to the conclusion that for $300 it was not worth it for me.

Apparently, getting the rack uninstalled and apart is easy. Putting the thing back together can present a bunch of problems. The slightest error (a seal facing the wrong way or a tiny nick with a metal tool) and you're screwed. You also have to use force to bang the seals into place using sockets and extensions. I read that the failure rate for first timers is between 25 to 50%. I don't like them odds.

If, like you, I knew someone who has done this before and was willing to walk me thru it I would definitely do it. As it is this is my first steering rack DIY replacement so that should keep me busy!

If you do it please document the procedure for the rest of us. It would be of great value. I couldn't find anything for the 993.

 

Thanks. The steering wheel can remain on the car. You can center the wheel via the window on the steering rack.

Cheers,
Joe