997.2 - heavy steering

[Output Flange]

A couple of months ago my wife hit a deer, doing a fair amount of damage to the car. It was subsequently repaired (using the bodyshop recommended by the OPC), and part of the repair included a note of "check steering". They also did a 4WA.

Since then the steering has been much heavier at idle and low speeds. I took it back to the OPC last week, who confirmed it's not right, and have since phoned to say that they've replaced the steering pump and rack with new. They've said that it's better, but still not right. A visual check on all the steering arms has come back as everything in order too.

So - they (and I) are at a bit of a loss as to what to do next. Is this something anyone else has come across, or might have some pointers?

Thanks

[speedyman]

Tyre pressure wrong ?????

[Output Flange]

I didn't mention it in the post, but yes that was the first thing I checked. And they're fine.

[speedyman]

How about the suspension, have they checked that ?

[Output Flange]

Specifically what?

[speedyman]

Alignment out. Here's a link which might be useful. http://www.steering-racks.co.uk/tips/

[Output Flange]

It's had an alignment - that's what the 4WA is in the OP.

[chriscoates81]

Did it have power steering plus and if so is it still enabled?

[Output Flange]

Isn't that a 991 option rather than 997? And if it were that, I'd expect it to be really light at low speed, whereas it's heavy.

[Magic919]

That is a 991 option, not 997.

Did you get a printout following the alignment?

[NBTBRV8]

If the rack is turning freely when the car is on the hoist, the next things to look at are the struts and the steering column.

No doubt they have disconnected the tie rod end on side side, felt the smoothness and effort of the rack when connect to the hub by turning the connected wheel when on the hoist, and then reversed it and tried in on the other side?

[gl20]

Might changing the rack after doing the 4WA mean you'll need it checking again and, if so, did they do this?

[gl20]

Might changing the rack after doing the 4WA mean you'll need it checking again and, if so, did they do this?

[Output Flange]

NBTBRV8 said:

If the rack is turning freely when the car is on the hoist, the next things to look at are the struts and the steering column.

By struts, I'm assuming top mounts?

[NBTBRV8]

Output Flange said:

By struts, I'm assuming top mounts?

Yes, top mounts on the struts.

[Slippydiff]

Kinked/blocked PAS pipe ?

[Tripe Bypass]

I would be surprised if the pump and rack were new new, rather than new as in re-manufactured/re - conditioned. Porsche have a re-manufactured service condition programme wherever possible to save costs.