Boxster steering gear replacement

[Nic728]

The steering gear on my 2005 boxster S is leaking, a local garage here in HK tells me I need to replace the whole unit and only Porsche can do it as the parts cannot be found OEM. The problem seems to be that the rubber "gas kit" is worn out and you cant just replace that part, the whole set needs to be replaced.

I was just wondering if anyone had the same problem or knew another way of doing the repair, as going to porsche is going to cost a lot and it seems strange that the whole steering gear needs to be changed for just a leak. I need to refill the fluid once a year right now whiich is not too bad but it could get worse.

I heard leaks are quite common on porsches, which is a bit surprising. Not very lucky with the car as the engine blew up last year. I had a factory defect called intermediate shaft bearing failure.

If you have any advice thanks in advance.

N

[gsewell]

I don't know about 2005 Boxsters (seems to be on the cusp of Gen1 and Gen2), but for 2010 Gen2 the gaiter is called "Bellows for steering gear" with a part number of 997 347 191 00. If I were you, I would contact ant of the OPCs in the UK and see if they can ship the part with all the ancillary parts such as the clamping rings and seals. Even with shipping costs that has to be cheaper than an entire steering rack unless your specialist also believes that the rack has been damaged by lack of oil.

Otherwise, eBay seems to be your friend:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Porsche-Boxster-Converti...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Trw-Bellow-Set-Steer...

Edited by gsewell on Sunday 23 November 10:57

[Nic728]

Thanks for the quick response. I will check it out. My garage told me that the part could not be ordered separately but maybe he didnt look so well, seeing what you sent me! Cheers