Tie Rod end or Assembly??

[FoFiddy]

I have an 85.1 n/a with power steering. A Porsche shop said i need new tie rods, mine are dangerously worn.

How do I know if I need to just replace the tie rod ends or need to do the whole tie rod assembly? ($35 vs $130 ea)

Is doing just the ends a lot easier than the whole assembly?

My pwr steering pump leaks badly and is currently disconnected. When I get my tie rods, I will be getting a re-seal kit for the pump as well, BUT I don't know what kind of shape my steering rack is in. If it is worn and I plan on getting a new steering rack (most likely the inexpensive autozone rack), would that affect the decision to get ends or assemblies???

Thanx

[John_AZ]

Steps to replace the tie rod ends.
Get a tie rod end remover on loan at your local AutoZone. A pickle fork will ruin your shoulder.

Try to match the old tie rod ends with the ones you plan to purchase. Some have a short female thread, some long. If you match the tie rod ends correctly, you do not have to have an alignment. Mark the shaft-I gently score with a hacksaw-where the shaft bolt meets the tie rod end. Then you can just replace the tie rod end and put everything back together exactly where it was.

If the tie rod is of different length, measure outside of tie rod end to a point on the PS. Replace the part and with your measurement you will get real close to original. You may want to get an alignment anyway. Do not do an alignment until you replace the PS rack.

I did the PS rack that you have considered. Get new PS boots for each side, not included with rack.

The pump rebuild is very easy DIY and get a new PS reservoir-filter clogs, and New short hose and adapter from reservoir to pump.



GL
John_AZ
1988 924S + 1987 924S

[rcecale]

Listen to John! He knows his schite!

John pointed me towards this video which is a great step-by-step guide to the PS Pump re-seal.

I recently re-sealed the pump on my 84 and when it was finished, the "increase" in output pressure (back to original) was too much for the rack to deal with (the rack was 25 years old too... )

Anywhoo...new seals in the pump led to a new reservoir, rack, tie-rod ends and ultimately, an awesome power steering system that no longer leaks!

Go for it!!!!

Randy

[FoFiddy]

Thanx for they answers, Guys

John, I'm in Tempe... startin to get a little warm, huh?

I have worked on both street and dirt bikes before, but this is my 1st project car, so sorry if I ask a LOT of questions!

If I get your responses right, I only need tie rod ends? Do the tie rods themselves wear like the ends do?

If I get the Atsco rack from autozone, can i put the old rods on the new rack with the new ends? Or should I do the rods at the same time?

The video and pwr steering pump suggestions and part recommendations were super helpful!

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by FoFiddy

f I get your responses right, I only need tie rod ends? Do the tie rods themselves wear like the ends do?
If I get the Atsco rack from autozone, can i put the old rods on the new rack with the new ends? Or should I do the rods at the same time?

I used the old tie rods with the rebuilt rack and new tie rod ends.

If this is your first 944 project, replace any oil soaked front sway bar bushings and if the A-arm bushings are dry or rotted replace. The rear A-arm bushing is pressed on and off. Just like the front strut mounts, carefully mark the rear A-arm mount or you will need another alignment. Check the play on the ball joint.

I took classes at ASU and went to one AZ Cardinals game when they played at the ASU stadium.
Sitting on the hard seats and facing the sun, I thought I was being roasted.

GL
John_AZ