924Board.org

[rockhound72]

Just found out my '79 924 needs tie rods, rack n pinion, master cylinder and possible front seal to stop oil leak, and the tranny looks ok but it will not go into first. Mechanic thinks it may be in the drive shaft somewhere. This guy knows what he is doing and has worked on these cars for a long time. I'm looking at about $2000 easy if he does everything. I am somewhat good mechanically and I am wondering what, if anything, could I do here at home to save some $$$ or should I cut my losses and sell parts? I love driving this little car, and it has been a joy. I was missing it when I first put it in the shop. I just need professional Porsche owner opinions.

[fiat22turbo]

Tie-rods are pretty easy to do and can be done yourself. I believe there was a source for inner tie-rods found as well.

Make sure the rack is adjusted properly before writing it off. If it is in need of a rebuild then maybe find a spare from someone here that is in better shape?

When you look at or replace the rack, pull the front cross member and the pulleys out so you can replace the front seal and the oil pan seals.

Master cylinder requires buying a new one, bench bleeding it, installing it and then bleeding the braking system. Probably a couple of hours start to finish if you take your time. Build a pressurized brake bleeder and brake system bleeding becomes a doddle: http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed/campingart/jettatech/bleeder/ (Note: you can buy the special Motive Euro cap part number MP1100 for about $20 online)

The above should take you a weekend or two depending on your speed and whether you encounter any issues along the way.

Those transaxle's are known for wearing their 1st and 2nd gear parts out. Mostly due to bad shifter bushings, poor lubrication and poor driving techniques as well as a general frailty. Ideola has a freshening kit for them.

If you're feeling adventurous and are comfortable with rebuilding engines, etc. then you can possibly do it yourself following the FSM, and other sources. Or you can farm that out if you're not comfortable, etc.

Hope this helps!
_________________
Stefan
1979 924 Carrera GTS (clone-ish)
1988 944 Turbo S (Silver Rose)

[rockhound72]

I can do the above things you mentioned, and have an extra set of hands that is willing to help. Thanks for the link. I have the speed bleeders installed already and I love them! Makes brake bleeding almost too easy. Anyway, I found out the guy was going to just get parts OEM. I told him to let me know what was needed and I'll find it. Should save me quite a bit. The two bushings at the end of the shifter were toast. It seems that THAT could be the reason I can't access first gear possibly. I already have two delrin polymer bushing waiting to be put in. I plan on changing the four in the shifter as well. Lastly, the mechanic told me to get a drive shaft coupling. It is somewhere in the middle of the drive shaft. I don't have my parts catalog handy, but its on my computer at home. I'm ready to get my hands greasy again. I appreciate the help!

[fiat22turbo]

Coupler would only be needed if it has failed (it connects the transaxle to the torque tube and is located right above the torsion bars in the rear suspension). If it fails then you'd know it since you'd lose all drive and it would probably make a ton of noise.

The coupler needs to have both pinch bolts removed completely before trying to move the coupler. People have screwed things up by trying to move it without pulling the bolts completely.

I'd only worry about it if it is damaged at all.

A fresh fill of Redline MTL and new bushings should help, but if the internal damage is too great, you'll need to rebuild/replace the transaxle unfortunately.

RockAuto.com, Pelican and a few others have been great sources for parts. You can also reach out to Rasta here to see what he could do with the parts you're looking for.
_________________
Stefan
1979 924 Carrera GTS (clone-ish)
1988 944 Turbo S (Silver Rose)