Bench testing a steering rack?
 

I have several steering racks, from 69 to 84. I want to rebuild one of them for my 69E.

Is there any way to test/measure which one is the best rack? Complicating the situation is the E has 105K easy miles on the rack whereas the 84 has 245K hard miles on the rack. and another rack from an 83 that I know nothing about.

I can easily pull all three apart, and I'm sure wear will be easy to spot, but it there something I can do to ensure I rebuild (clean, inspect, replace, repack) the best one?

others will know more, but...

1. inspect carefully, maybe w/magnifier and don't neglect edges of teeth
2. measure clearances

- do you have the factory manuals? they may detail some procedure for this...

Thanks Randy, never even thought to look...how much I depend on Pelican.

manual is clear cut: inspect bearings, bushings, rack and pinion, renew as necessary.

I would just try to measure the gear lash with a dial indicator, or even by hand, and choose the rack with the least lash. Of course, make sure it operates smoothly across the whole range.

With its extra weight and wide tires, I'd bet the '84 rack has more wear than the E rack, but that's just a guess. Three point turns and steering inputs while stopped really do a job on the steering system.

Hey Shaun,

keep all the info that you get about rebuilding steering racks because I may need it in the future. As you know, my car was having terrible handling problems and after I replaced the rack (with one from an SC) the problem went away.

I still have the original rack and may want to rebuild it in the future. It looks like a pretty straight forward job.

Thanks,

Tim G.

Bringing this up because I have a mystery steering rack. My original '70 rack is still in the car but I also have a nice looking rack attached to an aluminum crossmember.

The crossmember tells me it's at least and SC if not a Carrera rack. Are there any differences in gearing or otherwise between a long hood rack and a later short hood rack?

edit: Through a little research it appears that the long hood racks are 2.7 turns lock to lock and the short hood racks are 3.25 turns lock to lock. Is that true based on what you guys know?

A search will set you free

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/85404-steering-rack-rebuild-procedure.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/224112-sc-steering-rack-diy-bearing-replace.html

:D

There's not many specs to go by as far as service info. goes. Older factory manuals likely have the servicing procedure. I don't believe my '87 microfiche does.

Shaun, PM'ed ya my cell. Give me a call if you want discuss this topic. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=224112

Ah yes I've read through Tim's thread quite a bit, thank you for taking the time to post it. Thank you also for the bearing part numbers. I should be able to get those from Napa or perhaps an online source.

I'll go through the newer rack I have and see if I can compare the two regarding the lock to lock specs.

Thanks Tim, will call later today, working on the 4Runner this afternoon. The E may be up for sale or stored for another year. tough call, just too much to do with the company, no time since I posted this back in November, I'm expanding the brand and the books are under development...you'll love the bi-plane Joey & Rex fly around in.

Oops, I missed that this was from back in November. :o

After I do this rebuild, do I have to get an alignment?? I haven't seen that in any of these posts. TIA. Cheers, Mike

If you disconnect the tie rods from the rack end (this is somewhat difficult to do, but is do-able), you will not disturb the toe setting.

Thanks!