Power Steering

Guest · Feb 19, 2003

I have recently replaced my beloved 924 with a new 944 (83). The car has power steering but its noisy when the car if very cold (ie first thing on a morning) is this normal? And its also really hard to change gear when cold but its all fine when warm

wedgepilot · Feb 19, 2003

I haven' t tried it myself, but modern gearbox oils are much less treacle-like when cold compared to OE oil, so it might be worth changing the oil at your next service. I' m sure other 944 folk can recommend a brand to use.

bert gear · Feb 20, 2003

I have sold Swepco Gear oil to many 944 owners And without exception they have said it has improved the box
Note It wont " repair" a worn gearbox

Diver944 · Feb 20, 2003

Hi Marcus,

This is one of those ' they all do that' stories. Both of mine groan very occasionaly when the car is on full lock and reversing out of the driveway. Some people report their groan has gone away simply by replacing the power steering fluid (it has probably been in the car for over 15 years anyway), whereas other have had success by rebuilding their power steering pump using the kit that was featured in ' 911 and Porsche World' recently.

I' m quite happy to live with my groan, it' s been there the 5 years we' ve had the S2

Guest · Feb 21, 2003

Thinks got worse when it sounded like woody woodpecker was living under my bonnet, i traced the knocking to the power steering pump which was vibrating when the car was idling. Luckily ive had the car 1 week and the garage i purchased it from gave me a warrenty so its off back to see them tomorrow.

Guest · Feb 28, 2003

Took the car back to the garage first of all they said the power steering mount was broken which caused the vibration, but after further investigation the decided to completly replace the pump under warrenty which has saved my lots of money having to pay for myself in the near future

Fen · Feb 16, 2006

It's usually the rack seals, so you need a new or reconditioned rack - or I guess you could get yours rebuilt, but it will mean a while off the road in that case.

wizard · Feb 16, 2006

I recently a similar issue with mine but fortunately it was not the rack. There is a high pressure pipe that runs across the bottom of the engine, it has a shroud around it and fluid was leaking out at the ends, I think the pipe was split. I took it to Northway to have a look at - they have a guy on the industrial park who makes up high pressure pipes at a fraction of the cost of the origional.

Hope this is of some use.

944cabby · Feb 16, 2006

ORIGINAL: wizard

I recently a similar issue with mine but fortunately it was not the rack. There is a high pressure pipe that runs across the bottom of the engine, it has a shroud around it and fluid was leaking out at the ends, I think the pipe was split. I took it to Northway to have a look at - they have a guy on the industrial park who makes up high pressure pipes at a fraction of the cost of the origional.

Hope this is of some use.

Wizard, does this pipe run directly under the engine or in front in the bumper area?

944turboS · Feb 17, 2006

Adrian,
Pirtek on Stafford Park Ind Est here in Telford will be able to make you a new hose as described above.

Fen · Feb 17, 2006

I have a complete PAS system (minus rack) in my garage if anyone wants spares.

wizard · Feb 17, 2006

Yes Cabby - it runs transversley across the bottom of the engine, almost between the wheels, it is not as far foward as the bumper.

peanut · Apr 4, 2008

I would give the engine bay a careful pressure wash to remove any oil and then take her for a quick spin. You should be able to see where the leak is coming from with a torch.
A garage down in Devon that shall remain nameless wanted to replace my pump some years back. When i checked I found that the leak came from the hose clip beneath the reservoir[

]
If the leak is from your steering rack it is possible to get service kits to replace the seals

Lemon · Apr 5, 2008

Mine too occasionally leaks from the clip Peanut mentions.

Fit new clip and retighten.

Keep checking mine every few months and a quick top up.

Frazerb · Apr 5, 2008

Thanks guys......really appreciate it. Pressuer wash on tomorrow.

FB

petrolhead944 · Dec 20, 2008

hi phil my s2 does the same .like it needs the oil changing.or may be the pump is getting a little worn.judders for 5 sec then thats it phil..come the new year iam giving her a good service and wax oil underneath..hope you sort it out..cheers carl

Fen · Dec 20, 2008

Mine did it occasionally if the fluid was low during a period when it hada leak.

Peter Empson · Dec 20, 2008

Both my cars do something similar, they're left outside and I've assumed moisture on the belt causes it to slip when under load for a few seconds after start up. It's only an issue when left in the cold overnight and you can feel the power assistance come and go as you turn the wheel. New belts and the like don't seem to stop it, it's just another feature of these cars in my experience.

944cabby · Dec 20, 2008

ORIGINAL: Alpine

Chaps

started her up this morning, and as I move the steering wheel to pull away , there is a loud knocking noise and a knocking feeling through the steering wheel. Must be something to do with the power steering I'm sure. As I pull away, all then ok.

Just wondered if any one has had this? Can it take a moment for the power steering to pump up, following start up of the engine?

I get something similar as i reverse my cab out of the garage and turn the steering wheel on a hard lock off the drive - definately worse in the cold - i thought it might be something to do with the calipers/pads sticking.

Fen · Dec 20, 2008

That sounds like the infamous 944 power steering howl, which I've had on most of my cars. The OP is asking about a strong pulsing sensation through the wheel, I believe.