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porsche_reg · Joined: 19 Jun 2016 Posts: 62 Location: Boise, Idaho

anyone have recommendations on how to address sudden heavy steering?

I've read on Pelican sometimes the u-joints need lubrication. I've sprayed the one under the brake booster and one nearest the rack with all the products I have. Seems to help some, but anyone have an other great ideas to getting my steering back? I've also ordered a new plug for the steering rack ($30 from Auto Atlanta!)and will get in there once I get the plug. Any recommendations on what lube to use?

Thanks!
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Prev: '81 BMW 320i
'05 997.1 C2
Current: '79 924 n/a (family owned since new)
'12 Subaru Outback

Paul · Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2019 10:48 am Post subject:

Lift the front wheels off the ground and then see how much effort it takes to turn lock to lock.

Check front tires for proper inflation.
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White 87 924S "Ghost"
Silver 98 986 3.6l 320 HP "Frank N Stein"
White 01 986 "Christine"
Polar Silver 02 996TT. "Turbo"
Owned and repaired 924s since 1977

Johann · Joined: 07 Aug 2016 Posts: 221 Location: Netherlands

The grease in the steering rack dries out of with age and makes it tougher to turn. Stripping the rack, repack it and you will be very pleased.

Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11378 Location: PacNW

Could also be collapsed strut mount, bad ball joint, bad TRE.

"Sudden" makes the strut mount most likely, IMO.
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Toofah King Bad

Red (1987 924S) - Pro44/Spec944

Kenodog · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 2584 Location: Vancouver,B.C.

The phenolic bushing inside the passenger side of the rack body is also known to come loose of it's crip ring. This can bind the steering rack especially if the rack's grease is dried out.

Me
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1979 Euro 931, Olive
1981 931, Sabine
2014 Mazda CX-5 (Kinderwagon)
2008 GS500
2016 DR650
2019 KTM 790 Adventure

porsche_reg · Joined: 19 Jun 2016 Posts: 62 Location: Boise, Idaho

Thanks, all sounds like solid places to look. Tire pressure is fine, so I'll get it off the ground and try to turn it by hand and see what happens.

Yes, "sudden" happened... I was pulling out of a spot and had it cranked a little, with a little lip and something happened, unfortunately. I drove only a few feet home (I was just up the street) and left it for a few days hoping I was imaging things.

Again, the lubing of the u-joints helped, but not all the way. I doubt the rack has been touched in the 40 years, so hopefully once I get my new plug I'll be able to do that.
_________________
Prev: '81 BMW 320i
'05 997.1 C2
Current: '79 924 n/a (family owned since new)
'12 Subaru Outback

porsche_reg · Joined: 19 Jun 2016 Posts: 62 Location: Boise, Idaho

ok, guys...

how about recommendations for type of lube to use? Advice on how to get it up in there? Just use the lube to push out the old and replace with new?
_________________
Prev: '81 BMW 320i
'05 997.1 C2
Current: '79 924 n/a (family owned since new)
'12 Subaru Outback

Johann · Joined: 07 Aug 2016 Posts: 221 Location: Netherlands

I used this DIY to help me.

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