Steering Gear - Testing for Damage

86porsche04

Subject: Testing Steering Gear For Damage
Model

All
Group

4
Part Identifier

4840
Number

8610
October 24, 1986
Accidents or similar events could cause damage to the steering gear which may not always be obvious. This may be a risk for driving safely. Damaged parts must always be replaced. Inspection of all steering gear components is not always possible with conventional workshop equipment. Determining damage not visible from the outside is connected with high costs and involvement. Instead, the condition of other, easier to inspect components of the steering system should be checked to decide if the steering gear has to be replaced.

The following instructions will be an aid in making decisions on steering gear replacements after an accident.

The steering gear may still be used if:

A) There is no visible damage on front axle parts such as rims, steering knuckles, control arms, steering arms, tie rods, front axle carriers, steering and steering intermediate shafts and suspension mounting points on the body, as well as spring struts or absorber struts on 944 and 928 model cars.

B) Steering wheel turns freely stop to stop without servo support.

C) The front wheel alignment values are within the specified tolerances.

The steering gear must be replaced if:

A) Damage can be seen or felt on the steering gear.
B) Parts of the front axle or steering linkage are permanently deformed, in particular:
Steering gear mounting parts Steering arms Tie rods Steering knuckles Control arms or Front axle carrier and absorber struts on 944 and 928 model cars.

C) Great tolerance deviations are found while checking the front wheel alignment, which indicates excessive loads on the front axle.

D) When turning steering wheel stop to stop without servo, binding occurs or varying force is needed.

It is recommended to replace the steering gear in case of doubt or if the preceding test instructions are not sufficient to come to a decision.