Monday, May 28, 2018

Porsche 944 Sites -- Planning for Power Steering Rack Work

I ordered and installed the power steering pump seal rebuild kit from Renworks/Renbay, but because I opened the system to the outside air, I have been unable to effectively purge the air and I still get moaning while steering at low or no speed.

Now I'm scouring the web for sites to inform my next step, to replace the pressure line going from the pump to the rack itself. If the small items don't address the air-leak then I'll have to pull and replace the rack itself. [2019 Jan. 1st Update: This procedure is below now]

(1) http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/steer-01.htmhttp://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/steer-01.htm#tr_rack

(2) https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Porsche_944_Turbo/132-SUSPEN-Steering_Rack_Rebuild/132-SUSPEN-Steering_Rack_Rebuild.htm

(3) http://www.944time.com/porsche/944-steering-rack.php

I am considering replacing the seals (seal kit) like this video below shows:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=670&v=JM1_UbR11vs
https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-944-951-968-forum/890152-steering-rack-option.html

Update 1/1/2019

I started the Rack removal 2 days ago, beginning with a donor vehicle to learn the procedure. During the removal the most difficult item is the removal of the return line which is from the rear, using a low profile 6mm ratchet or possibly channel lock pliers. I went with the Channel lock pliers around the perimeter which does gall, but alternatives are tricky to implement.

Resources that have proven helpful:

(1) http://www.arnnworx.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=page&id=26&chapter=1

(2) I called Rack Doctor. The gentlemen was friendly, but as it's the new year, I don't expect a response for a few days, and I'm planning on kicking off this kit from Rennbay:
http://rennbay.com/Power-Steering/944-Power-Steering-Rack-Seal-Kit.html

I have 2 racks, my original, which I suspect is actually fine, and a 1984 944 rack. The 1984 donor rack came with hex bolts on all but the pressure line. Renbay sells the new pressure and return bolts albeit pricey.
http://rennbay.com/944-Banjo-Bolts-Power-Steering-Rack-12mm.html

(3) Transtec sells the OEM seal replacement kit. They are closed for the holidays it seems. It's not clear to me yet if they sell direct to individuals.
https://transtec.com/contact-transtec/
https://transtec.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/TransTec-Power-Steering-Catalog-01-19-18.pdf

(4) https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-944-951-968-forum/803173-the-bonus-guide-manual-steering-rack-cleaning-regreasing-and-tensioning.html

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/0991/POR_0991_SUSSTR_pg2.htm

Update 1/5/2019

Amid the windy and rainy weather today, I test drove "Big Red" the 924s.
The moaning from the power steering pump persists, and is likely due to the pump itself. I checked the other components from the reservoir to the cooler to the pressure and return lines. The pump itself is the only remaining possible culprit. My plan is to replace the pump in short order. I have already replaced the seals in the pump using the Rennbay kit, but this doesn't seem to have addressed the root cause. I don't appear to have any leaking, but merely air entering the pump through the pump itself. Perhaps this is a result of my inadequate sealing -- replacing the entire pump should determine this.

Update 2/9/2019

After calling a local expert, I was told to check my reservoir hoses and seal washers. It seems that these can leak and deposit fluid on the pump's lowest exposed portion where it will drip off. The Expert also pointed me toward the tube-to-hose fitting which apparently also leak. The next logical step would be to replace these lines, although they are a bit pricey... The leak, wherever it is coming from, is not fast enough to deplete the reservoir during a single drive.

Friday, May 4, 2018

Local Rides - Santa Clara Valley

It has taken me a long time to find solid race-rides in the Silicon Valley -- not sure why. Probably just more people, more commotion, and more to do than humble Davis.

Of the rides listed on the site below, I've personally only ridden the Spectrum on Saturday from 9AM because it is so convenient. I want to start the "Morning Ride" and possibly some "Lunch Rides" also.

https://www.altovelo.org/page/show/765621-rides

Previously in Davis, I enjoyed this Tuesday/Thursday Race ride from Mondavi. The action could get intense, but always enjoyable, especially the windy shaded roads of Vacaville on the way back home.

https://dbcraceteam.org/local-rides/tuesdaythursday-race-rides/

We recently returned to Davis for the Annual Picnic Day, and boy has the town grown! The event was really spread out this year and oversold in a lot of the venues. Perhaps that is just a side effect of the event's success. I think they need to rethink how they run the event in the future as the size and breadth of events seems unsustainable. Perhaps it has always been this way, but I really noticed it this year.