Power Steering Rack Replacement
Step-by-step procedure for removing and replacing the power steering rack on 944 and 944S models, including tie rod removal, installation, and system bleeding.
Denne prosedyren er ikke oversatt ennå og vises på engelsk.
Introduction
Procedure contributed by Raymond Hartle based on work performed on a 1987 944S. The power steering rack on the 944 is a serviceable component, and replacement is within reach of a careful home mechanic with the right tools. Plan for a front-end alignment after completion.
Note: Some European models may require a 32mm socket rather than 30mm for the steering shaft nut.
Tools
- 19mm socket
- 17mm socket
- 13mm socket
- 30mm socket (see note above for European models)
- 6mm Allen key
- 12" extension
- Cold chisel
- Flat chisel or drift
- Gear puller
- 3" vise with soft jaws
- 3-quart drain basin
Parts
- Power steering rack
- Tie rod ends (quantity 2 recommended if mileage warrants)
- Dexron II or III ATF (power steering fluid)
- Miscellaneous hardware as needed
Procedure
1. Preparation
Raise and safely support the vehicle. Place a drain basin beneath the steering rack. Have rags and fluid catch materials ready — the power steering system will lose fluid during this procedure.
2. Front Sway Bar Removal
Disconnect the sway bar from the control arms on both sides. Unbolt the sway bar clamp bolts and remove the sway bar from the vehicle to gain access to the rack.
Torque specs for reinstallation:
- Sway bar to control arm: 18 ft-lbs
- Sway bar clamp bolts: 17 ft-lbs
3. Disconnect Tie Rod Ends
Using the 19mm socket, loosen and remove the tie rod end nuts. Use a gear puller to separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Count and record the number of turns required to remove each tie rod end from the rack — this will be used to set approximate toe during reinstallation.
Torque spec for reinstallation:
- Tie rod locking nuts: 30 ft-lbs
Caution: Do not strike the steering knuckle taper with a hammer — use a proper separator tool or gear puller to avoid damage to the knuckle bore.
4. Disconnect Steering Column Universal Joint Clamp
Locate the steering column universal joint clamp at the firewall/bulkhead. Use the 6mm Allen key and 13mm socket to loosen the pinch bolt. Slide the u-joint off the steering rack input shaft. Mark the shaft and clamp position before removal to ensure correct reassembly phase alignment.
5. Rack Removal
Disconnect the high pressure and return lines from the rack. Cap or plug the lines immediately to minimize fluid loss. Remove the rack mounting bolts using the 17mm socket and 12" extension. Slide the rack out through the wheel well opening.
Torque specs for reinstallation:
- Rack mounting bolts: 23 Nm / 17 ft-lbs
- High pressure line (rack connection): 15 ft-lbs
- Return line: 15 ft-lbs
6. Tie-Rod Removal from the Rack
Secure the rack in a vise using soft jaws to avoid damage to the rack housing. Use the cold chisel and hammer to straighten the locking tab on the tie rod locking collar. Use the flat chisel or drift against the locking collar flats to unscrew the tie rod assemblies from the rack ends.
Caution: Apply force in a controlled manner — the locking collars can be tight. Do not allow the rack to rotate in the vise; this can damage the internal seals.
7. Tie-Rod Installation in the Rack
Thread the tie rod assemblies onto the new rack ends. Torque to specification, then bend a locking tab into a flat on the collar to retain the setting.
Torque spec:
- Tie rod assemblies to rack: 52 ft-lbs
8. Rack Installation Preparation
Before installing the replacement rack, verify that the tie rod ends are threaded on the same number of turns recorded during removal. This provides approximate toe alignment to get the car safely to an alignment shop.
Inspect the high pressure and return line fittings and sealing washers. Replace any that show signs of damage or deformation.
9. Rack Installation
Slide the rack into position through the wheel well. Start the rack mounting bolts by hand, then torque to specification. Reconnect the steering column universal joint, aligning the marks made during disassembly. Torque the pinch bolt.
Reconnect the high pressure line at the pump with a new sealing washer and torque to specification. Reconnect the return line. Reconnect the high pressure line at the rack.
Torque specs:
- High pressure line (pump connection): 33 ft-lbs
- Return line: 15 ft-lbs
- High pressure line (rack connection): 15 ft-lbs
- Rack mounting bolts: 23 Nm / 17 ft-lbs
Reinstall the tie rod ends onto the steering knuckles and torque the nuts. Reinstall the sway bar using the torque values listed in Section 2.
10. Bleeding The System
Fill the power steering reservoir with Dexron II or III ATF. Do not start the engine until the reservoir is filled.
- Start the engine and allow it to idle.
- Slowly turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times.
- Check the reservoir level and add fluid as needed.
- Continue until no air bubbles are visible in the reservoir and steering feel is smooth.
- Check all connections for leaks.
- Shut off the engine and recheck fluid level.
Note: A small amount of fluid weeping at freshly torqued line fittings is normal initially. Recheck after the first drive and retorque if needed.
Schedule a front-end alignment after any steering rack replacement.