PCA SDR

What do we have to change besides the steering rack to go to manual steering on an early 1985 944.

Your arm muscles!

Thanks, That's what friends are for. Go ahead make fun of the fat old man.

My first question would be why? I have owned both and the power steering has a quicker ratio, better feedback and is easier to drive?

I'm not sure I will do it. But, I am tired of chasing leaks.

ronaldtrotter wrote:I'm not sure I will do it. But, I am tired of chasing leaks.

Drive Kinkaids spec car and you will know you don't want to go there...

Talk to me at the AX and I will tell you the trick to keeping the leaks out.
There is a proper repair that most people don't know about.
And no it is not a factory part or expensive.
Just not widely known about in the DIY arena.

It is even a 30% written future tech article.

I'm no expert, but I researched this pretty thoroughly because I considered doing the conversion, too.

Besides the rack, you need:
- Manual steering shaft (944online.com sells a converted one for $295 http://www.944online.com/cgi-bin/ASI_Store.cgi?Product+skukey_1220892424+9441+steering-9441
- Steering rack boots
- Steering rack bushings
- Inner/outer tie rod assembly

I decided to keep my power rack and "convert" it to manual by:
1. Remove all the old p/s attachments (pump, reservoir, hoses, etc.) to lose weight
2. Drop the rack/tie rod assembly from the cross member/spindle
3. Remove the p/s pressure lines
4. Plug the bottom hole with BMW oil drain plug part #11 13 1 742 994 and copper gasket (both from a 1994 540i). This fits this hole perfectly and is about $4-$5 each from the dealer
5. Fill top rack hole where hoses used to go in with p/s fluid
6. Move the rack all the way to the left/right and let the excess fluid drip out
7. Plug the top hole the same way as step 4
8. Reinstall rack/tie rod assembly

I got this from http://944spec.org/944SPEC/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,30/id,2411/catid,13/func,fb_pdf/

I really like the results...less weight, no leaks, less parasitic drag on the engine, better steering feel and accuracy. The only drawback is increased steering effort in the pits (I grew up with manual steering cars so this doesn't bother me).

My issue with a manual rack is tight AX courses.
If you have a big track car it isn't as much an issue.

I have received several requests for my anti-leak secret so I will post as soon as I get a chance to take a breath here...
I am a bit otherwise engaged at the moment.
I just prefer to fix the problem if it is simple.
nothing easy is going to fix a rack or pump however...

Thank you all. I talked to Steve at the AX this weekend and think his fix just might cure my problem along with a pump rebuild. So I'll try that first.

Steve Grosekemper wrote: ...nothing easy is going to fix a rack or pump however...

I had to fix mine in 3 somewhat easy steps:

1) Make appointment at repair facility
2) Drop off car, hand keys to master technician
3) Pick up car and hand over plastic card

Seemed easy to me at the time.

That would be easy. But I really want to fix it myself. Call it pride in workmanship, or maybe just cheap. I'll save the card for the times I don't have the time or ability. If using a card would help I'd drive faster. No matter how much card I put down it still is the idiot behind that wheel that slows my car down. I'm still waiting for the Spec 944 FOM class.

I toyed with the idea as Tuffy has a small PS leak. I guess I need the DYI talk as well. Something that was briefly mentioned but not totally is the weight savings. For those running a class where they want to shave pounds the conversion nets you about a 25lb drop. (from what info I have gathered at various 944spec sites.) Additionally there are full assemblies offered regularly on those 944spec/ Pelician used parts forum / craigslist / FleaBay.

I would highly recommend a "depowered" power rack. I ran my first event after modding mine, and I've over the moon at how good the steering feels now. It cost me exactly $0.00 and nothing will ever leak again. The power assisted steering on my Chevy Blazer requires more strength than my Porsche rack now.

Here's a write-up: http://www.brooksbabies.com/porsche/ste ... how-to.pdf

I'm with Jad on this one. P/S has a quicker ratio and is less work for those 3 hour night enduros.....
Just remember if you buy a manual rack, make sure it includes the longer steering downlink that comes with the manual rack. The tie rod lengths are the same on the 83-86 944's and the 924S's.

Steve Grosekemper wrote:I have received several requests for my anti-leak secret so I will post as soon as I get a chance to take a breath here...

What ever happened to that write up???