Rennbay Power Steering Rebuild Kit Not Compatible?

[rtoporgo]

Hi folks,
I took the power steering pump off my '86 944 NA the other day and thought I'd have a splendid night replacing all the seals. To my surprise, the funky-shaped seal (first to be popped off in the video) present in the pump seemed to be in great shape, and of much higher quality than the 2-piece Rennbay plastic/rubber replacement.

But moving further, I questioned if this kit was even right for me. Check out the difference between the outer wiper seal (original on left, branded "Stefa").






The replacement seal isn't as tall on the inside, and just doesn't seem as robust. It also lacks that reinforcing metal coil. Do I have a different PS pump than the one this was intended for? Also, does anyone recommend a bearing grease to line it with?

Furthermore, the video from Rennbay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMwACwt4tH8
Mentions absolutely nothing about the 4 remaining o-rings! Anyone know where those go?

Thanks!

[OK-944]

Realizing that my response will not be helpful (sorry), my larger concern going forward...as I am beginning an engine rebuild, plus the rehabbing of lots of other bits on my 87NA, is that the quality of new parts simply isn't up to par in a number of cases, and that any amount of effort to rehabilitate and reuse the original parts is more than worthwhile.

For example...I recently purchased the "upper grade" Geba water pump, and while the bearing does feel smooth and solid, there is also a fair amount of extraneous casting material present...which I will do my best to hone down with my dremel. Thing is...the original Porsche pump which I've extracted, and which was itself, according to records, already a reconditioned unit when it was installed years ago - is a thing of beauty and still feels incredibly solid.

[jjeffries]

Rtoporgo, have you tried contacting Rennbay? I'd be interested in what they tell you.
Best of luck, John

[944Valdez]

Looks to me that the aftermarket seal DOES have the reinforcing metal coil. I can see it in your photo.

I installed this kit last week and didn't have any issues. Usually aftermarket brands aren't as good as OEM, that's why they're a fraction of the price.

Never assume a seal is still good just by looking at it. It's old and could be shrunken, warped, hardened, etc.

[rtoporgo]

Originally Posted by jjeffries

Rtoporgo, have you tried contacting Rennbay? I'd be interested in what they tell you.
Best of luck, John

Tavis from Rennbay got back to me with the following:

"
The Main seal we supply is slightly different than what was factory delivered. You will find that it will seat in a slightly different location on the shaft avoiding any grooved areas, which are common. I do not believe that the one you show in your post is a factory seal though. Most factory seals I have seen are branded ZF.

This kit fits many ZF vein pumps (with 19 mm shafts) including those of Audi, BMW and other makes. It's a single spec for all the variations which means you will not use all the O rings supplied.

Let me know if you have any issues with the kit. We sell quite a few of these and haven't had any problems.
"

Sort of interesting. There's a dealership in the area that's parting out an old 944, so I may drop by and pull that one to see what seal it has.