Porsche 911 Repair Costs: Steering Rack Replacement, Suspension Repair and Fluid Changes

[@QBNTO1]

Love this channel!!! I subscribed!

[@fontanaoseguerahome9527]

Just had the same issue....you are a life saver! Porsche quoted me $10,800 for the new part....crazy!

[@Rennthusiast]

That is the biggest rip off I’ve heard about in a long time. Glad the video helped you! Indy’s are the best people to work on these cars. Thanks for watching.

[@albertpflugfelder8590]

Gosh, the steering rack is a common problem in 993. When saw your video I got relieved. Because when bought my third 993 cabriolet in March 2019 from a German collector he was so nice and let renewed the steering rack in Germany. Took him about 1'500 Euros to do. But a new part in Europe also cost a lot. In the meantime I had to change the roof and this cost me 3'000 Swiss Francs here in Switzerland. The cabriolet maintenance is higher than the Coupe. And as I heard the Targa is also cost-intensive to have. Anyway enjoy your nice 993!

[@davidsherley2652]

Good video - I like that you share the problems and the costs to fix them. The remanufactured steering rack sounds like a really cost effective option (just like starters & alternators). Like you, I often gulp when I get the repair invoices on my 964, they are so much higher than a domestic (... but a fraction of a Ferrari). The flip side is that the parts are better quality; and when the car is fixed, the driving experience is unmatched.

[@Rennthusiast]

No one likes spending money on standard repairs...at least I don’t. Mods? Not as painful if they show up in either cosmetic improvements or performance upgrades. But, as I’m sure you agree, these cars pay you back in sheer enjoyment for the money it costs to keep them buttoned up. Thanks for watching and for the feedback. Dialing in the channel to optimize it for growth is what I’m focused on so viewer insight is appreciated.

[@cstamand1]

Love the 993 content! I really appreciate the inside info. Anyone who has a 993 needs to understand that these cars are reaching 25 years old and there is a lot to learn when it comes to these pop-up costs. Engine mounts, distributor caps, rotors, spark plug wires, rear window seals, OEM stereo speakers etc are all starting to require replacement and your channel can steer us all towards smart solutions (like your rebuilt steering rack decision) so please keep the content coming! Only question: did you feel the rack going bad during your trip before the leaks started?

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks for the support. Really appreciate that. Couldn’t agree more with your points about an aging car requiring upkeep, upgrades and maintenance. The goal of the channel is to help people understand what goes into it so I’m glad that I’m hitting the mark. As an aside, it isn’t cheap but the payoff of the driving experience makes it totally worth it. No, I didn’t feel the rack going, which I thought was strange. When I went to move the car (when I found the fluid in the floor) the power steering motor was whining a bit but was still working just fine. Thanks again. More to come.

[@cstamand1]

@@Rennthusiast Thanks for the reply. No leaks yet on my 95 C2. And yes you are hitting the mark . The 993 content on KZbin is spotty probably because it’s so niche, so us 993’ers will take whatever you got. I’m rambling but little things will start grabbing your attention. If you take apart your door you will find all the factory sound deadening material has come unglued and maybe become a factor to the window as it rolls down. Stuff like that. I’ll stay tuned...

[@t.s.9592]

Hi Will. Congrats on your recently acquired 997 turbo. Regarding 993’s leaking steering rack I had pretty similar problems on mine and had refurbished my rack twice ending up with recurrent leaks anyway. The rack has been crooked and straightened on first place but the leaks finally stopped after a third rebuilt with new gaskets all over again - but more importantly all the system together with power steering pump was properly flushed. After that - no leaks whatsoever. The conclusion is - such a rapid, spontaneous leaks are usually caused by some mechanical problem. I assume your reconditioned rack is fine. Make sure there’s no debris circulating in the power steering fluid. I hope it helps, best wishes, Thorwald

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks for taking a moment to share your experience with this.

[@AndyStalder]

Ouch. Sorry about the steering rack, but more disturbing about the improper coilover install. Cautionary tale for sure. Curious as to how the car feels after that was fixed (vs. original install, vs. pre-original install) -- street though before track time. Good luck @ Roebling; pretty flat (elevation-wise) but fun track, have done on 4 wheels & 2. Downhill off camber turn 6 is most interesting...have fun!

[@Titobuchanan]

Nice video. Have a rack rebuilding right now for a friend.

[@timmusick9875]

Thanks Will, invaluable information for anyone contemplating a 993, as I have. Glad I kept my 3.2 Carrera. But as you point out they all require $$$ eventually, and they're worth it. (nice catch by your mech!)

[@Rennthusiast]

Constructive feedback on these videos or anything else is welcome. My goal is to grow this channel through value and entertainment. No need for hate but certainly open to suggestions.

[@TeamPavlik]

I feel your video’s keep getting better and better.

[@Rennthusiast]

Brad Miller thanks man. Really needed to hear that right now to be honest. Growing a KZbin channel is tough mentally and I was literally just sitting here asking myself why I’m doing this when my numbers aren’t where I want them. So, really appreciate it. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@mrThree5two]

New subscriber - I very much enjoyed the real world view of life with these cars ... they key is knowing there is a Charles close by who can keep the upkeep costs under control ...

[@Rennthusiast]

mrThree5two you got that right. Good mechanics are hard to find, let alone good air cooled Porsche mechanics who treat you fairly.

[@beardedgarage]

i think you said it right, you just needed to get it sorted. Both 993s I've purchased needed to be sorted. After 10 years with one I think I need to "re-sort" it ;)

[@eileendick4493]

Great insights, thank. Be sure to share your track experience at Roebling Road😀

[@Rennthusiast]

Maybe I’ll get you to give me the rundown Eileen 😂

[@richsmashcao3235]

Another great video, Will! Thanks!

[@chadjohnson6010]

Will, good stuff! Have a great time at the track!

[@franzhuber7361]

Good value for the money. Porsche charged for the same job double the price a few years ago. Regarding the suspension I can warmly recommend K&W V3.

[@davidsherley2652]

I second the KW V3s - they keep the platform so stable in turns.

[@royramdeen8864]

Not cheap to own, worst if you plan to track it.. some may disagree, but its what it is.. but Will most of the priced stuff has been looked after and repaired. I think it was well worth every cent you put into it. You will get every penny back.. think of it as a dividend investment.. no matter what anyone says.. a new high priced sporty car is about a $1200 payment/month.. every month, and the value will probably never increase as a 993. My mechanic looks at me every time my 997 goes in for yearly maintenance.. " When are you going to track this baby" I just smile.. Your money is well spent. If you do sell it, the new owner is getting almost a new car, considered what yiu have put into it. We all wish we had a mechanic like Charles.. man he is meticulous.. 😁

[@marcelfehr2267]

It is a good possibility to replace parts with old, but re-functional parts. I had to do this with my Alternator on my 993, as I had a huge cable fire caused by the alternator. I am just shocked about the faulse mounting of your dampers. Rgds from Switzerland

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks for watching On the bright side, I’m glad the coilover wasn’t damaged and even more grateful nothing really bad happened.

[@horologie]

Watching this as I get ready to buy a 993 turbo.. hoping I don't run into any major issues. But it comes with the territory, doesn't it? Love your videos man! Keep uploading!

[@Rennthusiast]

Kyle Bennett thanks for watching. You’ll likely have odds and ends to deal with unless you’re really lucky. Don’t worry, it’s totally worth it! And the really great thing about air cooled 911’s in general is they’re not going to depreciate. So, the maintenance and upgrades are really your only cost of ownership since you can get either your entire or almost your entire initial investment back.

[@2000wrx]

Have 50% the cost of the car in reserve for maintaining the car just in case. ;)

[@YummiMoney]

How does the Mrs feel about these charges? Haha love the video!

[@Rennthusiast]

She doesn’t love it but she’s used to it by now 😂

[@allanlai_]

You recommend the pss10 for the look only, or do you feel it also improves the ride? I’ve typically found that coilovers improves stance at the expense of suspension compliance for daily use. Interested to hear what your experience is in this regard.

[@Rennthusiast]

Great question. They not only improve the look but also dramatically improve the handling. Get them and don’t look back.

[@heybeerdan1820]

Cleaning and organizing Charles' shop might be a bit overdue.Hardly confidence-inspiring.

[@Rennthusiast]

Typical old school air cooled mechanic. That said, here’s another shop that’s a little further from me. Totally different vibe. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoKueId8d9-bmKs

[@greghames6728]

Thank goodness for reman units 😎

[@Rennthusiast]

You’re telling me! $4,000 is laughable but I also kind of understand why it’s so much (“Porsche tax” notwithstanding). You have to ask yourself how much demand there is for 993 steering racks in 2020. This repair sucked though, because you literally get no performance gains from it nor does it even improve the cosmetic appearance 😂

[@greghames6728]

@@Rennthusiast exactly! I have a 1990 348TB that may need a steering rack due to inner tie rods being part of the rack assembly. Hope there is a reman option for my Ferrari if that is the case. 👍

[@philipstarkman4945]

Great video i have to do this on my new old 1996 c4s

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks. Good luck. I’m thinking I won’t have to do it again (hopefully). This had to be the original rack and the car has 109,000 miles on.

[@philipstarkman4945]

@@Rennthusiast mine has 75 miles

[@philipstarkman4945]

@@Rennthusiast I also loved your engine drop video mine need the exact same stuff as yours

[@philipstarkman4945]

@@Rennthusiast I have a ? About your engine drop. What other housekeeping repairs did you check out to do while the engine was out?

[@Rennthusiast]

It’s been awhile so I can’t remember off the top of my head but I think it’s listed out in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX_Je5t4bdythZY

[@TheZenGarage]

Wow, labor is so much cheaper out there compared to California. In regards to your steering rack , was it a bit stiff at first and loosened up after a while? I got mine done at Advantage , as well, and it seemed slightly stiffer to turn.

[@Rennthusiast]

I haven’t noticed to be honest, and I am usually pretty dialed in to the subtleties of the car.

[@tomgardner6294]

Love the car, have good fun on that track day!

[@philipstarkman4945]

your steering rack from advance . how is it working and was it worth the effort to replace

[@Rennthusiast]

Works fine. Had to be replaced. Was leaking.

[@philipstarkman4945]

the lug nuts at the independent shop rebuilt mine and it still continued to leak. no longer a customer there.

[@frederickcook87]

Cool channel, invest is some kickass tools and start doing this work yourself. If will make an even bigger bond between you and the car

[@Simplenetwks]

Would you ever do your own repair? I love fixing as much as driving.

[@Rennthusiast]

Sonny Nguyen I can do basic work and have done a few bigger jobs but really prefer to farm it out to the experts. I enjoy driving them way more than I enjoy fixing them.

[@codyepperson6796]

what's Charles' shop name ?

[@Rennthusiast]

C & C Euro

[@joejoe188]

Should of bought a 81-83 911SC 😉

[@ayointhatyayo]

Waiting on the new exhaust video!

[@Rennthusiast]

Haha got it in the rotation coming soon. Still kind of planning in my mind how exactly I want to make it interesting. But no worries. It’s at the top of the list. Thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@jibmaster]

@@Rennthusiast when the time comes for exhaust I would seriously consider FD Motorsports Fister Stage 2 muffler mod. Not too loud and no droning. They sound sweet. Darin (the owner) and his brother are super good dudes and know the 993 really well. The factory headers flow well and are right from the factory. I have a buddy who has the Fister 3's on his C4S. I felt they were a bit too loud. I had a full Fabspeed RSR exhaust on my 3.8 993. It droned, was too loud and the heat sucked despite having their own version of the heater boxes. I put the factory exhaust back on and it was way more enjoyable despite losing 12hp. Sucks about that PSS10. Grrr, you expect professional work when you pay professional rates! This was just straight up not paying attention for that to happen! Good luck.

[@Rennthusiast]

Brian Prince thanks for the insight. I’m actually running Fister stage 2’s and I freaking love the sound. Best exhaust I’ve ever owned. Car came with it. It also had a Fabspeed x pipe when I bought it but the combo with the Stage 2’s and x pipe was way too much so I removed it and sold it. $1000. Not bad. You’re right. Fister makes a GREAT product. Thanks for watching.

[@jarrettbarnett7656]

Nice hoodie 👌

[@Rennthusiast]

Representing. Without it I am lost. 😄

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Great video. However, I would not take it to the track because that is where things really fail. $$$. There are many posts on the Porsche forum of folks who took their 911 to the track and regret it. Better to buy a cheaper car for track day.

[@Rennthusiast]

I hear you. I had a track beater e36 M3 but sold it. It’s looking like the track day may not end up working out anyway. Thanks for watching and commenting 🙏🏽

[@jamesprice6381]

on the lighter side, you need direct contact w/federal reserve man! :)

[@project911]

Super common issue on these cars.... next time don't replace your rack and just use a re-seal kit from KLA Industries.... $150

[@rodchamp7510]

I had a 993 - a living nightmare

[@Griphook1]

Wow, they charged you over the normal retail price that joe public could just call them and order at? You're ok with this??

[@DonziGT230]

"Not bad once its sorted".....'till the next part fails.

[@Rennthusiast]

Lol

[@DonziGT230]

@@Rennthusiast I'm praying to be proven wrong, at least for a little while. I'm currently resurrecting an abandoned 996 that was parked for about 10 years. The owner removed the IMS bearing for replacement and just quit for unknown reasons. Sad part is that it was a dual row and perfectly fine, but he got scared because of all the talk about failures.

[@2000wrx]

I would love to have your repair bill's. My 911SC the worst car I have owned, typical over engineered German crap. These cars under perform and over charge for just about everything.

[@ryanpatterson9526]

Yikes!

[@y0057]

Sorry to hear of all the issues you are having with this car, seems to be one thing or the other. Hope you pocket gets relief, although you won’t have any to talk about in the channel. Thing is they are pretty bullet proof cars, mines a 97 and I must say so far not had a single issue with it like you seem to be having all the time. Good luck with yours. 🙏🏾

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks. I’m gonna end up doing a video on total cost of ownership, I think. Should be revealing. You’re right, it seems to have nickeled and dimed me over the past year and a half. I think there was some deferred maintenance. That said, I have driven it HARD so have put some wear and tear on it. Overall, I think it should be sorted. Engine has been out, suspension has been done, sensors have been replaced along with plugs and coils. Keeping my fingers crossed haha Thanks for watching. Even without 993 repair videos I can keep the content cranking 👍🏼

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Every car is 'bullet proof' until it's not.

[@y0057]

mac daddy question do you have a 993, if so how many years? Have you had any issues with yours? The issue the gentleman is having with his is mostly rare, most you have to do with this car is the mandatory engine rebuild at specific stages of the cars life, outside of that they are absolutely tough cars, the build is incredible, try working on them and you’d marvel at the thinking of how thoughtful the cars were built. So yeah they are absolutely BULLET proof, obviously you must maintain them but they don’t cost, a bad one(rare) will cost for obvious reasons.

[@y0057]

Rennthusiast good luck once all sorted, that’s a car for life. You should try to get the “Porsche 911 carrera Service Manual 1995>1998, Type 993 by Bentley Publishers”. That’s the 993 bible, thank me later 😊

[@Rennthusiast]

To weigh in I will agree that this car (and my 86) are reliable, stout cars. I drive both of them spiritedly, running them up to redline and pushing them through twisties without a second thought. Much of the work I have had done has been preventative (engine out reseal) as well as PSS10’s (elective and you saw that I chose the wrong mechanic. Porsche design philosophy is if you pay $100,000+ for a car it should last a lifetime.

[@pitts3219]

Quit flipping these old cars. Once you get them sorted out hold onto them your wallet will THANK YOU later!

[@Rennthusiast]

YOLO