928S2 Steering problem?

[G-wizz]

Of course, now that I've bought my 928S2, it's starting to develop a couple of problems - most seem relatively straightforward to me but there's one I could do with some advice on. I'm waiting for my workshop manuals to be delivered, so I will try those, but it's the sort of thing that could demand attention sooner rather than later!

The problem is that the steering grinds slightly when it's near full lock - so it grinds when I'm parking, for example, but not when I'm going round bends. It only started doing it last night, and the problem seems to die down a bit after the car's been running for five minutes or so. It is noticeably worse this morning than last night, unfortunately. If it was a hydraulic system I'd think it could be due to low pressure, but I'm not sure if 928s have any hydraulic steering systems...

Steering rack was replaced about five years ago, according to the history - £1,200+ on parts (ouch!).

Has anyone else seen this problem?

Cheers
G

[Marquis_Rex]

I only had this problem when my power steering fluid ran low and when my ex-G/F drove the car for ages on front tyres with very low pressures and later on handed me the keys when I got back from holiday.

[danhay]

It has got hydraulic PAS. There's a pump on the right hand front of the engine, above the alternator so a bit difficult to get to. Mine has a leak, and when the level is low, it makes funny noises and you can feel vibration through the wheel.
The reservoir is a metal cylinder with a knurled screw on top holding down a removable slightly conical lid. See yellow arrow in pic.



You could check the level and condition of the fluid for a start?

>> Edited by danhay on Thursday 20th May 19:16

[AC79xxx]

danhay said:

Is that an OE bonnet stay?

[danhay]

AC79xxx said:

Is that an OE bonnet stay?

LOL...no it's an aftermarket job.

(Addis PN 9599)

[rubystone]

danhay said:

(Addis PN 9599)

Clearly OE on the 959 then...the things you can pick up at the Husboune Crawley autojumble eh!

[Thom]

It also happens on 944 with PAS (and 968 for that matter). My (944) S2 did similar noise until I replaced the steering fluid. That might be worth a try.

[G-wizz]

Thanks all - very helpful. Especially danhay for the photo showing me where the cap is!

Yes, it was down to a lack of steering fluid, and yes it seems I do have a leak as it's emptied itself again inside of two days and my sister-in-law complained about all the transmission fluid I dunmped on her drive :-)

Time for the old "sheet of cardboard under the engine" trick to find out where the leak is, I guess...

Ta
G

[Tarka]

I had a similar problem with my 928S4, which leaked hydraulic fuel and produced all those same symptoms of strange noises from the steering.
I had it checked out twice by my Porsche garage, but it was never properly solved until it finally let go completely, leaving me stranded and in need of an AA ride home.
It turned out to be not so much a leak as a split hose - the one leading directly down from the container - and this time it had ruptured in a big way. I suspect it was simply that it had got 'tired' - it's not far from the radiator and it gets pretty hot there. A new hose solved all the problems, and that's probably what you need.