Front diff. and steering rack leaks on 964 C4?

[iamtheari]

Hi everyone. I had a PPI done on a 1990 C4 and the shop said that there are a couple of issues. I have been doing some research on parts and procedures to take care of those at home and see how much labor they're wanting to charge me on the jobs. For example. they quoted $500 for the CV boots but parts are $70, which tells me it would be a lot of work to do in my own garage - but probably worth it from what I've read.

There is a short list of issues that I can't find much information about, though, even after searching the forums. So I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction:

1. Air conditioning. They didn't take the time to thoroughly diagnose this one so they gave me no estimate. However, if anyone has the list of what normally goes wrong with it and what is recommended to get cold air all summer long, let me know.

2. "Pinion seal" leak on front differential. I can't find much information about this job or the parts required. Any pointers?

3. Steering rack leak. They quoted $900 with an alignment, which is substantially lower than the prices on Pelican for a rebuilt steering rack alone, so I'm thinking they just want to fix the leak. Does anyone have some insight into likely leaks on the steering rack and what it takes to fix them?

Thanks! Looking forward to making a decision on the car in the next few days.

[sheriong]

Steering rack leaks are pretty common and there are always rebuilt racks around for $300 - $400 with core exchange or in some cases others have chosen to rebuild, actually, comptemplating that choice now, about $80 for the kit. Previously rebuilt one on my 951. Replacing the rack should not be an issue and depends on where you make the disconnection make not need an alignment.
CV boots may require the removal of the CV joint thus additional cost for labor, however, you may choose to temporarily resolve if you can get a universal boot which has fasteners, you install it and then close the fasteners, not perfect but a temporary fix.
Air conditioning - just buy a kit from the store and input some dye and look for the leak; these issues tend to vary so will the cost.
Pinion seal - No knowledge. but you can always search Rennlist.com, if not available here.
If these are the major concerns do not seem to be an isue with the car, however, this is dependent on the price, also what you find out about the seal.
Good Luck

sheriong

[iamtheari]

Thanks for the response. I think that my friend (with Porsche mechanic experience and tools) and I can do the CV boots and save on labor, it will just take a lot of our time. I will check on the AC kit. PPI shop didn't say it was a leak, just not blowing cold air. There are other concerns including a loud blower motor but that seems like an easy job, just a pricey part.

Any good ideas where to look for a rebuilt steering rack? I doubt there are any locally here in the hinterland. I would like to have the alignment done either way, but would need to find someone who could do that for me. Nearest dealership is 200 miles but possibly an option if it takes special tools.

I will also keep looking for more about the front diff. seal. In usually only afraid of things I don't understand and that is one that I don't, yet.

Car is a good asking price and shop said it would be a great daily driver, which is the whole idea for me.

[sheriong]

KLA Industries.net - These are the guys with the kits if you want to go down that route and as always check ebay. Sure others here can mention specific/preferred vendors.

sheriong

[sml]

Throw-out the blower motor ...

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 993-211-941-00-M100

[iamtheari]

Originally Posted by sml

Throw-out the blower motor ...

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 993-211-941-00-M100

Will that get me enough airflow to really heat the cabin while parked in truly cold temperatures, like 0F down to -30F?

[Chip]

I've got two used steering racks that do not leak. Check out my parts post under "chip"