Turbo Tie Rod Kit install

[mowog63]

Hi,

Just wanted to check in after installing the turbo tie rod kit on my 1985 Carrera Coupe and share some thoughts and ask a question or two.

Before I started out with the job, I shot all the pertinent bolts with PB'laster - I'm not sure if that stuff works, but I do this for every job like this.

I started on the passenger side and removed the cotter pin, loosened the castellated nut, then hit the tie rod end with a pickle fork from Pep Boys and it came out like butter...I mean it took almost no effort at all.
The driver side was not as easy - it took some brute force to get the tie rod end off!!

I found that on both sides the tie rod needed to be twisted off a couple turns before the CAD2 plated special fastener came loose....but when it did, it was all down hill.

Putting the new rubber boots on looked like it was hopelessly difficult, but after I figured out the first one, it was really easy.
I squeezed both sides of the boot and compressed it while pushing it towards the detent area and twisting.
Make sure that you have the spring retainer roll over the steering rack before you start fitting the boot or you'll be sorry.

I found that the rubber grommet that holds the smaller outer end is pretty easy to work the boot over as well with some squeezing and finessing it with a small flathead screwdriver. I found that if I slid the grommet out of its detent and toward the outside of the rod that I could put fit the boot on to it, then slide it back to its detent nicely.
I know the directions don't mention it, but I decided to use a plastic zip tie on the small outer end for insurance.

Tightening the tie rod on to the steering rack with the spacer was fairly easy with the new Milwaukee adjustable pliers - I used red Loctite as per the instructions....but I have no idea what the pound footage of torque they are besides me really leaning on them as best I can.
What is other people's experience with tightening the inner tie rod to the rack?
Should I be worried that it isn't the 30+ foot/lbs that is stated in the manual?

All in all, I dreaded doing this job, but I can honestly say it wasn't that bad.

Thanks,
Erik.

Here are some pictures for reference for anyone doing this in the future:

This is the original tie rod as I started the job


This is the easy (passenger) side after the tie rod end was separated with a pickle fork


This is a picture of the new and old tie rods for length


This is a shot of the driver side with the pickle fork in operation


This is the passenger side completed without a cotter pin installed

[APachon71RN]

Thank you for the write up. I'd enjoy hearing what you think of this mod after a few miles.

~Andy

[TargaHenry]

This was one of the first improvements I did on my car, and it definitely improved the handling. Let us know how your car likes 'em.

[mowog63]

When you guys installed the turbo tie rod kits....how did you tighten the tie rods to the steering rack?
As I mentioned, I used Loctite and some adjustable pliers, but I have no idea of the torque value beside my "calibrated" arm....I don't have the Porsche tool for this....what was your experience?

Thanks,
Erik.

[SCrescue]

Erik,
I did what you did, applied the calibrated arm. I think the rack would have to be removed from the chassis to properly torque the rods, no room to do it on the car IMO.

Mike...

[mreid]

You can do it while the rack is installed, but torque both sides at the same time to avoid putting too much stress on the rack. I installed coilovers and raised spindles at the same time so a bump steer kit was in order:

[kodioneill]

Originally Posted by mowog63

When you guys installed the turbo tie rod kits....how did you tighten the tie rods to the steering rack?
As I mentioned, I used Loctite and some adjustable pliers, but I have no idea of the torque value beside my "calibrated" arm....I don't have the Porsche tool for this....what was your experience?

Thanks,
Erik.

Move rack all the way to one side then use a pipe wrench. Repeat.