Steering rack noise - a dry click

[Cleffie]

Hi,

On my 1989 Carrera I have a loud clicking noise from the steering rack, it sounds almost like a dry click. It happens as the steering wheel is moved side to side while stationary.

I can't find any play in the universal joint or anywhere else.

Any ideas or experience of this and how to fix it?

Thanks

[BR-549]

Have you checked the steering column bushing? When the bushing in my 87 started to come apart, there was a clicking noise. See Mitch Leland bushing posts.

Ken

[old school 911]

Hello,
I also have a 89 which displayed a similar condition.
The click/clunk was only really felt when the car was stationary and turning the wheel from right to left or left to right, from the rack area (as you mentioned).

I replaced the steering wheel u-joint and inspected the bearings, condition remained.

Finally pulled the steering rack and had it rebuilt. This corrected the condition.

[Cleffie]

Thanks, but this noise is much more like it’s coming from the rack
Cheers

[Cleffie]

Originally Posted by old school 911

Hello,
I also have a 89 which displayed a similar condition.
The click/clunk was only really felt when the car was stationary and turning the wheel from right to left or left to right, from the rack area (as you mentioned).

I replaced the steering wheel u-joint and inspected the bearings, condition remained.

Finally pulled the steering rack and had it rebuilt. This corrected the condition.

Thanks, This sounds like the way forward. I’ll have a look around for posts on pulling the rack apart for an 89 model

[ClickClickBoom]

The rebuild of a rack is about a 2 banana job. Plenty of threads here on that process. Its mostly cleaning and regreasing then assembly. When you take the pinion cap off, take note of the number of shims, ie dont lose them. The threads here will give you the torque range for the pinion. Even if you get it wrong, it will still be worlds better than it is. The bearings are available on eBay, I think I was all in for about $10.00 for both bearings plus shipping.
Post #167
Quick Ratio 911 rack