Power steering rack unexpected over haul.

[Stephen03]

Well to my disgust Ive found a fairly big power steering fluid leak in my rack. Time to replace I guess.

Found what seems to be a good option on ebay, it comes with inner tie-rods and doesn't cost $1300.00

Now my question, while searching for outer tie rod ends on pelican, There doesn't seem to be a listing for a 1986 944 WITH power steering. Can I use the tie-rod ends for a 1987 944?

And I just got an alignment done last week, should have left it alone I guess. I hope it wasn't their fault.

Last of all, has anyone had luck with the miracle stop leaks in a bottle? I might try it so I can survive till my parts arrive, but I'm worried about it damaging my PS pump.

Thanks in advance,

Stephen

[968 GUY]

Control arms are longer on the '87. Do not believe the '87 tie rod ends would work. I know thr ends are out there, may have to call.
Look again, I just saw them on Pelican.

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by Stephen03

Well to my disgust Ive found a fairly big power steering fluid leak in my rack. Time to replace I guess.

Found what seems to be a good option on ebay, it comes with inner tie-rods and doesn't cost $1300.00

Holy Crap! AutoZone sells a rebuilt limited lifetime warranty power steering rack for about $200 exchange!

Now my question, while searching for outer tie rod ends on pelican, There doesn't seem to be a listing for a 1986 944 WITH power steering. Can I use the tie-rod ends for a 1987 944?

Take your old tie rod ends to AutoZone and match up for less than $20 each. Also rent/deposit the tie rod remover tool---NOT the pickle fork that will ruin your arm.

And I just got an alignment done last week, should have left it alone I guess. I hope it wasn't their fault.

Before you take off the tie rod ends, mark the threads of the tie rod with a light cut of a hack saw. Only enough to show. The tie rod ends from AutoZone may be the "exact replacement". Otherwise measure carefully.

Last of all, has anyone had luck with the miracle stop leaks in a bottle? I might try it so I can survive till my parts arrive, but I'm worried about it damaging my PS pump.

Just keep on putting ATF in the PS reservoir

Thanks in advance,

Stephen

GL
John

[Cocacolakidd]

I had awhile back a leak in the rack and I was also going to rebuild/replace the power steering pump at the same time, so I just ran it the way it was. There was not a single sign of fluid in the power steering reservoir. When I finally took it all apart after four weeks of having no fluid in it I was surprised that the power-steering was still working and without any noise, and very little fluid in the rack. I purchased a re-built rack and re-built the power-steering pump my self and after two years now the steering is still spot on.

+ I have heard of others who have removed the power steering pump and reservoir and ran the rack this way for extended periods of time - but that way they act like 85% of the old power-steering - a little less of power-steering, but a whole bunch better than manual steering.

[Grandad#3]

Hi Stephen, X10 on what John_AZ says. Buy the rebuilt rack, a NEW PS Reservoir (has a built-in filter) and a rebuild kit for the PS Pump. The PS Pump is a snap to rebuild and there is a vid on you tube that shows you how to do it. Just don't forget to draw a line down one side with a magic marker to put the two halves back together right.

Cheers,
Larry

[Stephen03]

Thanks boys.