Newby Mechanic Installs Turbo Tie Rods

So a friend and I took the plunge and began our Porsche mechanic training this weekend by upgrading to turbo tie rods on my 69 911T. The kit I ordered came with a 1/4" spacer, and I'm not sure why. Does it serve any purpose that you know of? Do I need it? The old tie rod didn't have a spacer. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David

Not my area, but spacers are sometimes used to lift the steering box so that the tie rods are not at too sharp an angle. Particularly if the car has been lowered.

it is also possible that the rods are different, and that the turbo rods sit at a sharper angle that must be compensated for wiht the spacers. I don't know.

But the steering box lift thing is to fix a problem called "bump steer" where the pivoting of the tie rods causes wheels to change angle, or steer, when the suspension moves far, like over a bump.

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'83 SC

Thanks for the info. These spacers actually fit in between the tie rod and the steering rack. I thought the spacers to fix bump steer went somewhere else.

David

Yes, itīs essential.
The threaded part of the new tie-rod is longer and if the spacer is not used, the tie-rod wonīt tighten properly.
The spacer is also said to limit the steering-rack travel.

Mika

Oops.

[This message has been edited by JackOlsen (edited 01-02-2001).]

When they are installed let me know if you notice a difference. I am also contemplating the turbo tie rod upgrade.



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jevose
82 911 SC

Thanks Mika,

...but it seemed like the new tie rod tightened just fine. I'll go back and make sure it's snug.

David

David,
Thereīs an article in the newest 911 and Porsche World written by a certain Wayne Dempsey showing how do this upgrade.

A picture shows, that without the spacer thereīs a tiny gap between the tie-rod and the steering rack when everything is tightened up. I presume, that the threaded part will be the first to bottom out and is taking all the load.

Mika

-To change in feel question: I did this upgrade to my low mileage Carrera whose bushings were in fine shape already. The change was, nonetheless, amazing. A must do for street or track.

-Spacers: Also a must do for non-Turbo cars. They're included in the kit for a reason. The tie rods will loosen over time if you do not install them. This could cause a catastrophic accident. Please install them!

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Dave
1972 911T (E motor) RSR replica project
http://members.nbci.com/dtwinters/garage/

Are there any special wrenches needed to remove the old tie-rods (and install the new)? Short of a neanderthal vise-grip dance, I can't see any obvious way to grip the old u-shaped end on the rack.

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Graham Archer
83 911SC Cab

Thanks for all the info. I will follow your advie.

I used a small pipe wrench to get the old tie rod off. Go ahead and kiss your knuckle skin googbye!

David