From: Don Hanson [mailto:dhanson@gorge.net] Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 1:20 PM To: 928 Subject: [928] Steering Racks? Has anyone ever removed the rubber bushings that go in the steering rack mountings? It would seem to me that this is another compromise that Porsche put into the 928 so that the "dentist's wife" they seem to have had in mind as their "target" customer, would not jiggle her surgically-augmented equipment when driving. I would think the steering would be a bit more precise, but with more feedback without rubber between you and your connection to the way the tires turn. Anyone? Don Hanson From: David Schmidt [david.schmidt@ind.alcatel.com] Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2001 5:40 PM To: 928 Subject: [928] RE: Steering Racks? Don, The problems I'd been having with my car's wandering turned out to be just those steering rack bushings. I'd had it aligned 3 times (2nd two times were free at the same shop) before we found that my steering bushings were TOTALLY shot. The shop hadn't spotted it because I'd been so adamant about not lifting the car and it took lifting the car and pulling on the wheel to spot it. I think the part description on the 928 International site said it best (http://www.mailordercentral.com/928intl/prodinfo.asp?number=928%20347%20779 %2003&variation=&aitem=12&mitem=47): these four bushings mount the steering rack to the engine crossmember when worn the rack can shift from side to side which turns both front wheels .The car will follow lines in the road even when you hold the wheel in one place the car will wander this condition has little impact on tire wear or alignment it just makes the car feel like the steering wheel is not connected to the tires I still have my old ones and they were toast. Before the wheel felt like it wasn't even connected to the tires at times. I had to move the steering wheel 2-3 inches before the wheels would turn and the car followed every rut. Now, after putting in 4 new bushings ($15 ea), even the smallest input to the steering wheel moves the front wheels. Instead of the car following every rut I just feel the change in pressure on the steering wheel in the ruts but the car goes where the steering is held. BTW, they're not just rubber as there's a metal collar outside and also around the bolt. You can diagnose if you need these by raising the front of the car and then seeing if there's play in the wheel when you try to move it side to side (when you try to turn the wheel). I can help to have someone hold the steering wheel firm so that you're not just turning the steering wheel. If you feel play in the wheel then repeat while watching the end of the steering rack. If the rack moves, it's probably the bushings. If the rack doesn't move at all then it's probably a tie rod. I'd originally thought mine was a tie rod and had purchased a replacement. Turns out the play in Chris Ford's steering WAS the tie rod so I was able to sell mine to him . His bushings were solid. David Schmidt '90 GT, Guards Red, RMB davids@tower-mt.com http://www.tower-mt.com From: biguns928gt@charter.net [mailto:biguns928gt@charter.net] Sent: Friday, August 23, 2002 6:07 PM To: 928 Subject: [928] Re: steering rack bushings Hey John, > Okay - do they press out? If you have a vise and the right size socket, yes they do. If not, you get to beat them out with a hammer and drift. Penetrating oil does help. BUT FIRST, you have to pry the rolled edge up until it's a smaller diameter than the rest of the bushing body. > How about going in? Same as above, only be more careful with the new ones. Then you get to roll/fold the edge over on the new bushings. Great fun!!!!! > Thanks A LOT. :) Your welcome. Bigun '89 GT (new bushings installed last summer, along with new upper A -arms, lower ball joints, outer tie rod assemblies, and rack boots.)