Steering rack rubber plug

[Chucked]

My 1985.5 944 steering rack is leaking at the rubber plug on the bottom of the rack on the driver's side. In fact, the head of the plug has broken off. Has anyone had to replace this?

[flash75]

Threre isn't supposed to be any fluid under that plug. If it's leaking the rack seals are leaking.
To correct the problem the rack should be rebuilt or replaced.

Clifton

[John_AZ]

The plug hides the centering dimple for the rack-to center the steering wheel when rack is replaced. You can get a lock bolt and new plug when you buy parts.

Kits are available to rebuild but without tools and some knowledge/skill you may ruin new seals.

I would just buy a rebuilt rack at AutoZone for about $200 with a LLT-limited life time warranty and also get new tie rod ends.

Procedure in Clarks Clark's Garage Home Page

Get a new PS power steering reservoir with a new filter inside for the new rack. URO is OK and cheap on Pelican.

GL
John

[Chucked]

Thanks for the info. I'm getting a rebuilt rack. I replaced the reservoir already. It looks like an interesting time with the tools.

[John_AZ]

Yup,
Another suggestion, get the tie rod end remover rental tool from AutoZone. If you use a "pickle
fork" you will damage your shoulder.

The steering shaft coupler sometimes becomes the hardest part to open/spread apart. Mark the steering shaft so the coupler will slip back on in the same grooves.

Alignment: Better to have it done when finished.

I do my own front end alignments and before I removed anything I measured and compared to finished numbers. Easy DIY if interested.

Pelican Technical Article: Home Alignment

GL
John

[89-944NA]

Originally Posted by John_AZ

Yup,
Another suggestion, get the tie rod end remover rental tool from AutoZone. If you use a "pickle
fork" you will damage your shoulder.

The steering shaft coupler sometimes becomes the hardest part to open/spread apart. Mark the steering shaft so the coupler will slip back on in the same grooves.

Alignment: Better to have it done when finished.

I do my own front end alignments and before I removed anything I measured and compared to finished numbers. Easy DIY if interested.

Pelican Technical Article: Home Alignment

GL
John

Interesting link John, we do basically the same at the track, except we use the old fashioned "string box" method. Two poles, two strings, and 4 jackstands, calipers and a tape measure.

I still have the car aligned on an alignment rack after I have taken the suspension apart, then put it on the scales and check the corner balance.

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by 89-944NA

Interesting link John, we do basically the same at the track, except we use the old fashioned "string box" method. Two poles, two strings, and 4 jackstands, calipers and a tape measure.

I still have the car aligned on an alignment rack after I have taken the suspension apart, then put it on the scales and check the corner balance.

Like this?
Modification Notes

I have not needed a full front-rear alignment on my DDs for years.
A few members may not know major tire and alignment shops do not have the rear tool needed:



Years ago, I had a tech that worked in a shed with an alignment pit.
Perfect. I think he may have died of asphyxiation

Now I just DIY if needed.

John

[hkowalczyk]

can we buy the plug somewhere? Mine was disintegrated. I just got a small 10mm bolt and left it threaded in there with a lock nut.

[John_AZ]

Henri,

You may need to improvise by getting a rubber or plastic plug.

A rebuilt rack should have a new plug.

I used an old brake line fitting for both the rack lock bolt and seal.
Perfect match for the threads.



Travis at Rennbay sells PS kits and may have the plug.

John

[89-944NA]

Something like that, only we don't attach the poles to batteries and whatnot, we set the poles on jack stands set in front of and behind the car, run the string down the side from front to rear, making a "box" around the car. Take our measurements and adjust accordingly.

More along this line, except with the use of two 7' long pieces of 1/4 box steel, instead of tying the string to the jack stands. We have a large bolt tied to the ends of the string to keep the string tight.

Do It Yourself Alignment Tips

[89-944NA]

If you don't want to continue using your bolt, or the brake line fitting like John uses, your local Porsche dealer can get the plug, it's p/n 477 419 115. They are going to be about $1.25 each, and should still be available....at least they were a year ago when I replaced mine.

[Rasta Monsta]

Originally Posted by John_AZ

You may need to improvise by getting a rubber or plastic plug.

You can also put a grease fitting there.

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by hkowalczyk

can we buy the plug somewhere? Mine was disintegrated. I just got a small 10mm bolt and left it threaded in there with a lock nut.

Originally Posted by John_AZ

Henri,

You may need to improvise by getting a rubber or plastic plug.

A rebuilt rack should have a new plug.

I used an old brake line fitting for both the rack lock bolt and seal.
Perfect match for the threads.



Travis at Rennbay sells PS kits and may have the plug.

John

Originally Posted by 89-944NA

If you don't want to continue using your bolt, or the brake line fitting like John uses, your local Porsche dealer can get the plug, it's p/n 477 419 115. They are going to be about $1.25 each, and should still be available....at least they were a year ago when I replaced mine.

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 477-419-115-OEM

Originally Posted by Rasta Monsta

You can also put a grease fitting there.

and,

Steering rack lock bolt:
Porsche 924, 944, 968 Steering Rack Lock Bolt.

Bookmarked

John

[89-944NA]

$3.25.....Sure am glad I get my parts at wholesale from the dealer, looked up the reciept, and I paid 78 cents each for them. As for the rack lock bolt, I took a bolt, put it to the grinder and rounded the end.

[kwikt 911]

Fine treaded bolt and a grinder does wonders.

[Marajit]

944online.com - Front Axle/Steering Find Parts For Your Porsche 944 And Get Your Car Back On The Road.