How to check a used rack / what to look for
 

Hi guys - looking at picked up a SC or later rack to retro fit into my '67 912 and wanted to ask what I should be checking for on a used rack? first time buying a used 911 rack so seemed worth asking. Any specific play that I can check for on a rack that has been removed from a car?

Thanks!

After servicing my rack. What you need to check is for slop or excessive slop that is.

The rack should slide side to side smoothly with a little resistance if the grease is still in place.

The grab the flange where the U joint sits on, place foot on one of the ends then twist the flange left to right, some play is okay but too much will translate to a horrid alignment task as you can imagine. Inner sprocket may be too worn.

If owner will permit you, remove the two bolts at the bottom end to look at the puck for excessive wear.

Thanks Draco - will give that a go before purchasing.

It may be a little difficult to check if the unit is in the car - any play or lash will be affected by the 2 universal joints in the column. If the rack is loose (removed from car), you could inspect it to vfy that the column splines and that the general condition overall is fine.

There are specs for lash and drag, but am not sure what they are for any given year.
Also, the racks are easy to tear down and reburb'. Getting parts might be a challenge but do-able.

KTL has a nice thread - http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/85404-steering-rack-rebuild-procedure.html

Check the spline count too for compatibility with what you have just in case. And as Jim/Draco mentioned, there is a big rubber puck inside that needs inspection as they can tear. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks Dan