amirra

I recently replaced the tie rod ends on my 996. After doing so I noticed that when I turn the steering wheel to the left, it takes fewer turns to hit the lock, than when I turn it to the right. Turning to the right is probably double what it takes to turn left. The difference in turn rate concerns me. Is this normal or is something not right.

mffarrell

Measure your toe-in and toe-out. The numbers should point you in the right direction.

De Jeeper

Pony up for an alignment, it will fix your issue.

amirra

Definitely getting an alignment done. Just wanted to be sure that there isn't something I need to do prior.

Porschetech3

Don't just go in a tell them you want an Alignment, tell the Tech exactly what your issue is...

Rack Centering is not normally needed except in fine tuning adjustments and is not a spec that will automatically show up when 360* off.

You must have gotten WAY off on your DIY Alignment..

amirra

Thanks, I will be sure to explain the issue to them.

dougn

Yep, it sounds like your tie rods are unequal lengths such that your steering wheel is one full turn off....

JTT

Probably best to have a professional look at this, but simple method is to turn to full lock either direction, then count the number of turns of the wheel to full lock in the other direction...half that number should be straight.

amirra

Yes, I am going to try and adjust it before taking it for an alignment but I will mention to the tech what I've done and have them check it just to be sure.

hardtailer

After following JTT's method the rack is in the straight ahead position and with the driver'sside front wheel removed you should be able to see that the tab on the Black plastic cap lines up with the tab on the pinion housing as in the attached picture. Your steering wheel should then be in the straight ahead position too.
It is in this position that the alignment should be done to ensure that the power steering works correctly (and you have identical steering feel in both directions).

If your alignment is a full steering wheel turn off (but it is not, right?) then don't turn to full lock in the direction that requires the highest number of turns as you risk breaking the clock spring inside the steering column that provides power to the airbag.

amirra

I was able to get this straightened out (pun intended). I've been refreshing the entire suspension over the last month and I think I must have unknowingly moved the steering wheel at some point once I'd removed the old tie rod ends. Of course, I didn't realize my mistake until I'd already torqued the new tie rods to spec. Getting them off without destroying the rubber joint covers was real fun. Once they were off it was just of matter of counting turns and dividing as suggested by @JTT . Thanks everyone for all the input.

De Jeeper

U could have just spun one side out and the other side in without taking it apart.

amirra

Well, I guess I am just not that smart. I tend to find doing things the hard way more fun.

De Jeeper

Well now u know.....and knowing is half the battle.