Finally! It moves!!!!

KTL · 01:01 PM

Well, after many months of hibernation the 911 has finally hit the road. Albeit in a timid sort of way. Did all sorts of things:

B&B headers and muffler w/ Autothority chip (yes, the dual out is kinda loud and resonates between 2K and 3K). Sounds pretty decent.

Refreshed suspension with Neatrix rear and factory front bushings, Bilstein Sport rear/HD front, 22/29 hollow Sander bars.

New master cylinder, buncha brake lines, front calipers, resealed rear calipers, new rotors all around, relubed steering rack, turbo tie rods, front wheel bearings

Replaced timing chain tensioners and ramps.

Test drive went well. Didn't want to push anything too quickly as the brakes and steering are not 100%. Anyway, kinda ticked that the steering is binding a bit. Gotta go back and adjust the u-joints as i'm sure that's the culprit. Also the steering feels way to light and the on-center feel is little to none. Like I said, way too light. Is the steering rack used up or maybe u-joints? I tend to think it's the rack, but the components visually seemed okay when I disassembled the rack to relube it. Steering was vague prior to turbo tie rods (replaced original style tie rods) and rack relubing, so I don't really know why it feels so light. Ride heights are just about 25 rear and 25-1/2 front, so I don't think the ride height is causing the light steering feel.

Brakes feel kinda soft. I'll have to get the pads seated better on the rotors and bleed again (pressure style) and see how that helps. I'm sure a few miles on the pads (maybe 85-90% new) and rotors (100% new) would help things too.

Any advice on the steering and brakes is greatly appreciated. I'll try to get a sound/video clip on the site so you all can see what you think of the B&B setup. Looks nice, but the sound at 2K-3K is rather droning.

Thanks.

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

You said teh steering is light, but also binding? SO it's light but sticking in one spot? Can you describe it further?

KTL · 07-11-2002, 07:32 AM

Thanks for the reply Chris. Turns out the binding was the u-joint at the steering rack. The binding was a "hitch" in the steering every half rotation of the steering wheel. The suspect u-joint is one that I received with a steering column assembly awhile back from a parts recycler. The joint appeared to be in better condition (cleaner and shiny are my criteria for better I guess?) than the existing one on the car. The two of them side by side have the same overall length and the splines on the suspect one fit the splines on the rack shaft and the intermediate shaft. So I figured i'd put the shiner, newer looking one on and remove the old when I reinstalled the rack. I guess the joint geometry is different in the middle? I don't know. Glad I decided to try the old joint before pulling out the rack!!!!!!

BTW, apparently these u-joints are quite expensive. If anybody would like an extra one let me know. The problem joint is a Nadella part and I don't know from what year vehicle it came. It appears to be a good joint, just doesn't have the right inner length? I don't know, but I have no use for it anyway..............

Light steering is mostly gone now that I hooked up the sway bars and got rid of the troublesome u-joint.

Chuck Moreland · 07-11-2002, 07:38 AM

Kevin

Have you had it aligned yet? Caster can affect how light the wheel feels.

KTL · 07-11-2002, 08:32 AM

No aligment yet Chuck. I'm still enjoying the fact that the car is on the road. I'd be really worried about the alignment if it didn't drive so well (relatively speaking of course). I can't believe the car actually drives straight after all the stuff I took apart!!!!! Definitely helps to lay the old and new tie rods side by side.

Thanks for the info. on caster feel. Did not know that! Looking forward to even more precise steering.