islandtrader

I just left my car at service and got a call back that my steering rack needs to be replaced! I knew there was some issue with the power steering but never expected this? Any idea how this could of happened. I have a 2007 CS2 w 30k miles.

997_rich

Why exactly does it need to be replaced? Was it leaking? Where? what were the symptoms?

I've seen inexperienced techs trash the end seals on a rack by adjusting a sticky tie rod end while not holding the rack arm steady. Also you can trash the rack arms by cranking the tie rod ends down while doing the struts. Have and work done on those items? also, it isn't desirable to crank hard at full lock on the steering wheel.. that could cause some issues as well.

USMC_DS1

What were the symptoms? Did something happen recently?

islandtrader

I haven't had anything done to the struts at all. Last year there was a problem with the tpms which I had replaced by the techs? Could they of screwed something up then? It was leaking(I believe from both sides? not sure?) and almost power steering fluid was left. I did experience the steering wheel shacky at speeds 70+ mph. Still strange. The only thing I could think of is that my parking garage is on the 6th floor which requires alot of sharp angled turns getting into and out of the garage. I don't get pass 10 mph in the garage so but maybe over time it started to where on the power steering? Could of I hit a pothole or something?

USMC_DS1

When the shipper delivered my car there was a 1/2" of free play in my steering column. The p-dealer had to tighten up some adjustments on it to eliminate the issue. We figured it was caused by driver/handler when they cranked on the steering column as they loaded it onto the car carrier or while it was strapped down. But if you're dealing with power steering fluid leaks then you likely have a more serious issue.

Steven B

Last year, I had a terrible noise when turning the car to the left. Brought it in to my dealer (CPO) and apparently the rack had failed - replaced under the CPO. Dealer stated this was quite unusual, but has been fine since. My car had about 25K on the clock.
Good luck with your repair!

997_rich

Yeah- i think light pressure at the steering stops isnt' going to trash the rack but if you're cranking really hard it can trash it. Or you might trash it by hitting a curb. Most trashed racks i've seen are from the adjusters becoming rusty and someone applies torque to the arm that goes in the rack without holding it steady with a wrench. This happens a lot when cars get alignments.

utkinpol

i AXed my car very hard and drive it on track hard but so far rack is fine. trashed my rod ends last season and replaced both. steering rack on these cars is pretty solid so i would like to know as well what is the issue there so it requires a replacement.

islandtrader

"Steering rack seals were broken and was leaking into the boots." This is what the service told me today.

Money Pit 951

Pushing the rack to the steering limits is usually where problem are created. Hitting the hard stop and still pulling on the wheel to make the turn stresses the rack. Not saying anything about your driving, but that would be my thought

Rocco07

I had a 2004 Audi A4 quattro that had a rack replaced at 75k and then again a year later(3 racks in less than 100k miles!). It was a refurbished rack with a 1 year warranty. Cost about $1300 for the job. It may have been a special rack due to the AWD.
I certainly hope Porsche isn't that bad being an Audi relative.

islandtrader

I do drive "aggressively" but then again thats what this car is made for. I guess I really broke it this time. Has this happened to anyone else here? I am not the one to drive it softly as I feel it is meant to be driven.

Edgy01

The secret is to never allow them to run out of fluid.

Rocco07

I had one go while driving. It was like losing power steering. Car was controllable. A seal blew and emptied the fluid all over the left side of the car draining the reservoir.
Luckily I wasn't far from home.
Dealer told me to never run the system without fluid. It cools the pump. I could have lost that too if I kept going.