Power steering leak

[Devildog2067]

I've been a lurker here for a while now, and browsed through the other threads on this topic, but now I have a question of my own:
My power steering is leaking (stock 84 944). It looks like it's coming from the ends of the rack itself, instead of the pump or a hose. That definitely means it's the seals, and I need a new rack, right? It couldn't possibly be some easy and/or cheap fix?

I've looked at various places to get a new or rebuilt rack and, while $600 plus tools is doable, I'd have to put my motorcycle up for quite a while or maybe even sell it.

There's a couple power steering racks on eBay, but I don't see em going for much less than $600 either.

Any suggestions? I can't just pull the belt and leave it as manual steering because it's leaking, right? I saw there was another guy that did that but I think he said his pump was bad, not his seals. Buy a manual rack somewhere (not that that would be much cheaper, I guess). Part my car out and start over?

[Britwrench]

You can buy them for less than $600.. check the Griffiths web site.
No special tools required, just a wheel alignment after replacement.

[oliver2]

**********.com has cheap ones


I still need to replace mine....

[PorscheG96]

I'll probably catch heat for saying this, but if a $600 repair is gonna break the bank then I'd reconsider whether or not you're ready to own one of these cars. I speak for all of us when I say that these cars cost thousands to maintain, and it's not something that can really be avoided. The power steering rack is one of the most costly maintenance items, but at the same time it's an OBVIOUS one which is known to fail, just like the belts, the water pump, the CVs, and so on. If you're caught by an unexpected surprise you'll feel sick when that four-figure repair bill is handed to you. Even if you can do your own work, items like clutch kits cost upward of $600. I just know from experience that these cars can make you pretty ill with the cost of repairs and upkeep...consider waiting a while if you decide to part with the car before you get yourself in deep ~ it sucks. -Trevor

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'92 968 Amazon Green/Tan 6spd coupe -- Borla muffler, tint, turbo S front splitter -- parked, pinion bearing.
'86 944 Black/Black 5spd, 114k and running strong!

[Devildog2067]

It's not that $600 is gonna hurt that bad, it's that I just recently bought a motorcycle that needs some TLC and I've been throwing money at it... I bought it in order to have backup transportation in case the car broke and now I don't know if I have the cash to keep em both.

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Semper Fi
LCpl SH Won
Wpns Co, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines

[Lawrence Coppari]

My 951 blew its rack seals a couple of years ago. Drove it for several months with the PS belt off. Once car is moving, you don't notice it much. Rebuilt rack came from Advance Auto for about $300 with lifetime replacement should it leak or break.

The added torque needed to turn the wheel might have shortened the life of the rod that goes from steering column to rack. U-joints went south, but it may have been their time to go anyway.

[robs944]

Here's one on ebay that you can watch:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=596727509

See Ya
Rob

[Cebu]

85.5 944na I've been running a power steering rack from Advance Auto($230.00 after excange at that time) for approx. 2-years doing great..lifetime warranty.

[Devildog2067]

Lifetime warranty? Really? Hmm...

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Semper Fi
LCpl SH Won
Wpns Co, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines

[wolfrpi]

I for one would not pay $600 for a rack. I got my last one of Ebay for $100. It has worked fine for the past year. Next time I'd go for a rebuilt rack as mentioned above to have a litte more peace of mind. Nevertheless, on a 944 I think its smart to keep the costs down and not end up to bad financially when the time comes to sell.

Erick