How about this? The needle bearing is inside this rubber sleeve just below the splines
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1557233300.jpg

Hmmm...I have a 'stiff' rack, too after complete over-haul. Its mainly apparent when I 'spin' the steering wheel- the wheel really doesn't 'spin'.
I will check the needle bearing again, it looked good: I cleaned and re-greased it. During inspection and restoration I noticed the puck was slightly worn: it had an ever-so-slight groove worn into it, so I simply smoothed it down with fine sandpaper, (...properly 'decked-it' with sand paper on glass..) Then shimmed it out and re-assembled. I thought the problem was the puck, so I re-shimmed it. Pretty sure now the problem is NOT the puck at all. Will post some results eventually.

My steering box after complete rebuild except the bushings which had less than 0.1mm of wear.

https://zupimages.net/up/19/19/5db0.jpg
https://zupimages.net/up/19/19/q2jh.jpg
https://zupimages.net/up/19/19/58lh.jpg

Looks great. Where did you find the bushings where the tie rod bolts to the rack? Look like shock absorber bushings. I am in need of 4 and cannot find them online. Thank you.

I was unable to pry the pinion out with the screw driver method with a lot of pressure. In fear of breaking the housing I ended up using a slide hammer, did not take a lot of effort and made sure to rotate for each impact for a more even pull
This ZF rack was in my 1971 911T (owned since 1993) and it was perfect inside with nice bellows. Had it out for Turbo tie rods and new control are bushings (easy to drop the whole assy) so a cleaning and new molly grease was in order.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1579179433.JPG
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1579179433.JPG

I’m doing a rebuild for my 1980 SC. Aside from the top nut, am I missing anything?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1580640283.jpg