The steering rack on my car is leaking pretty bad, so it looks like I'm going to need to replace it. Are there any "upgrades" I might want to consider since I'm buying a new one anyway? Say, one from a Turbo/GT2/GT3 or something, or all 996 racks the same?

 

Great question and I have no idea but look forward to seeing the responses.

I would however consider saving some money and buying from a salvage yard. A leaking rack is pretty rare...

 

Have it rebuilt or swap for a rebuilt rack, much cheaper than new.

 

I would consider buying used. Look at the link.....I have found some good buys.

http://stores.ebay.com/Quality-Porsc..._sid=853166208

 

I'll definitely be buying used. Ebay is full of low-mile used racks for way cheaper than even a rebuilt rack. Like jrgordon noted, this isn't a very common issue on these, so I don't mind the risk of a used part.

 

PET shows three part numbers for LHD steering racks. Since only the last digit changes, I'm guessing it's safe to assume it's just slightly updated versions superseding the old ones throughout the lifespan of the generation.

996.347.011.05
996.347.011.06
996.347.011.07

So, it appears all 996 variants use essentially the same steering rack.

 

Do you know why the old rack leaked? Sure it could be just old age, seals past their service life, but there can also be a problem -- at least in some MY's -- a high pressure relief valve fails and routes too high fluid pressure to the rack which overwhelms the seals. Generally the fluid is caught by the dust boots and the only clue something's amiss is when the pump makes noise because it is low on fluid.

If this is the case with your car, even though you caught the leak before the pump was compromised from running low on fluid, you want to be sure that if what I covered above is going on you address the pressure relief valve so the new (well, used) rack is not also ruined.

'course, how to know the valve is bad...

 

I do know the power steering line to the rack was replaced fairly recently. I have a feeling the old line is what blew the seals on this rack, because it is leaking out of both ends.