Power steering

[devans]

I was a little concerned with hitting the wheel carrier as everything is aluminium cast. Is there a threat that it could crack? Will try wheel back on and gingerly hit with my hammer. Thanks for the tips guys. If it doesnt work then heat will be required. A local garage has the rubbers which he says are universal so at least these are replaceable.

 

[devans]

Ok, progress so far.

1. track rod ends freed up

2. Steering rack securing bolts undone

3. Inlet and outlet pipe c section retaining plate removed.

however, I've now spent three days trying to pull free the inlet and outlet pipes from the steering rack. The smaller of the two has eventually been freed. However, the larger of the two will not budge. I have tried everything. I've also noticed that the flange around this pipe has also broken away. This small section of pipe runs from the rack to the larger rubber hoses.

my question is, can I cut this section of aluminium pipe and then replace it with a new section taken off another rack. Only question here is what and how do I remove the other end where it fits the rubber hose.

any help would be greatly appreciated, I seem to be getting nowhere fast with this one.

thanks

 

[devans]

On second thoughts, this small section of pipe won't come with a replacement rack so am I able to break the joint somehow to the rubber hose to enable me to remove the rack and secondly, as I've only got half the flange left on the power steering rack end, is it reusable. Assuming I can get it off when on the bench. Or can I cut this pipe and get a replacement somewhere, thanks

 

[devans]

Have attached photos to help explain. The first photo shows the smaller pipe removed. The black aluminium pipe in the lower left will not come out.

the lower photo shows where each black pipe joins the larger rubber pipes.

if you look closely you can see that the flange on the top photo on the removed pipe is clear. However, half the flange is missing on the pipe I'm trying to remove.

thanks

 

[wibble]

Sorry no images. Instead of using 'quick reply' try using 'reply' on the previous post - you should see a image graphic on the right hand side. Use that to add an image to the post.

You seem to be having a tough time. Not something I've tackled on any car to remove steering rack - I would have thought rear engine would be easier - obviously not. You could try calling an indie for some advice. Also, steering racks are specialist items, so you should be able to find a company that specifically deals with racks either refurb or exchange.

 

[devans]

Not sure if it's worked or not

 

[devans]

Looks like it's working now, thanks

 

[devans]

Thanks for the tip on photos, but can anyone answer my query, thanks....come on Richard I know your out there somewhere !!!!

 

[devans]

I have attached a photo showing where a breaker has cut the rubber hoses to get the unit out. it is the pipes, inlet and outlet that run to these from the power steering rack that wont budge. well, one anyway. if I cut one of these pipes to get the unit out, can a replacement be ordered and is it ok to fix to the rubber hose with a jubilee clip rather than the current arrangement, thanks

 

[wibble]

Looking at the PET both the pressure and return lines are separate parts. The rubber hose looks to be an integral part of the hydraulic pipework.

 

[devans]

Yes, whilst I understand this when fitting everything to the car Porsche will have to join the small lengths of pipe (inlet and outlet) coming off the power steering rack to the rubber hose which then continues the run back to and from the engine compartment. I wouldn't have thought it just pushed in so a suitable joint must exist somewhere to connect these lines. Also, if the flange on the short length of pipe becomes knackered, then this length , you would think, is surely able to be purchased.

My question really is, if I get a length of pipe from a breaker and slice through the current joining piece between this pipe and the rubber hose, what can I use to rejoin them, thanks

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

The joints between the steel and (braided?) rubber hoses are swaged at the joints and give a good mechanical seal for the high pressure side. I don't think you will reproduce this with a Jubilee clip. (ie I think it would be a bit of a bodge).

The lines don't run all the way to the back of the car in one piece. If it was me, I would cut the rubber hose(s) to get the rack out, and fit new section(s) of the pipe(s) from the rack to the joint.

 

[devans]

Well, after many days of trying I've eventually got the second pipe off. A large plank of wood, metal bar and a big hammer, unbelievable. So, all I need to do now is slide the power steering rack out. Bloody hell, I thought I was good at puzzles. Come in for a cup of tea as bloody thing doesn't seem to want to come out. I'm told it slides out the passengers side. I suppose this will take a day to figure out. Any ideas

 

[devans]

Thanks Richard, it's the length of pipe between 18 and 2 that could do with replacing as the end of this pipe has only half a flange left. Do I assume that if item 2 is purchased, it comes with the aluminium pipe which fits into the power steering rack and two joints to enable me to resecure the whole thing back in place. If so do you have the part number and cost at all, thanks

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Yes, it will come complete with the pipe which goes into the rack. It bl**dy well ought to, as it is £226.14 + VAT!! Part number 996.347.450.08. You will probably need the 'O' ring too (item 18) at £7.38 +VAT - Part number 999.230.542.40. Seems ridiculous, I know.

 

[devans]

Jesus c****t, that's ridiculous. Now I've got both pipes out, think I will try and reuse. Whilst I've only got half of the flange left on one of the pipes, it was such a tight fit I will try to reuse it. Attached some more photos below. the reason I had to remove the rack was to replace the rusty steel pipes which transfer the fluid lef to right and vice versa. Interestingly, Porsche say these do not rust. When I look on the website, I find this is a common rust issue. On a second front, when I asked porsche for advice on which way the power steering rack is removed, they said you withdraw it from the passengers side. Impossible, there is no way it can be done. Eventually got it out of the drivers side opening. They have really not been very helpful at all. Neither was my indie. They also were only interested in replacing the rack complete. I have found a site that will re make the two pipes I need for around £35. Anyone know where I can get the track rod end ball joint rubbers. The universal ones I've seen on the Internet are incompatible. Do I have to go direct to Porsche and are they easy enough to fit or is a social tool required, thanks

 

[devans]

Rusty pipes

 

[devans]

The half flange section on either the supply or return pipe

 

[devans]

The knackered track rod end rubber boots.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Porsche don't list the rubber boot separately.