Help! Steering wheel moving violently while stationary

Has anyone ever encountered this??? I parked my 2001 996 C4 the other day after driving it a long distance and liquid started jetting/misting strongly out of the front driver side wheel arch. Using my phone I could see fluid leaking from the power steering rack line. I sent my car to the garage, where they replaced the copper lines. On starting up the car while stationary, the steering wheel started rocking violently from side to side. Strong enough to really injure your wrists should you be holding on. See video here: https://youtu.be/bgFqMlnrwFg The garage said they've never seen anything like it before. They suspect a new steering rack is needed, but could this be the pump? Or something else? I have no idea. If anyone has any ideas, i'm all ears! Don't want to be changing out items that may not need it (£££).

bizarre

It could be air in the system, or it could be that the lines are reversed... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMqwEnoaOAI The solution in the comments below that video is SOLUTION: The lines from the power steering pump to the steering rack and rack to reservoir were reversed; switched it and running like a dream!!... Thanks to peeps on Zilvia! and same solution here - https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/77654-Power-steering-jerking-back-and-forth-violently So is it possible they reversed the lines by mistake? hope you get it sorted

As commented above more than likely that the pressure and return lines are the wrong way around. However, if this is the case you will more than likely need a new steering rack as the internal seals will be damaged. You should also re calibrate your steering angle sensor. Speak to these guys, very knowledgeable and helpful. http://www.westernpowersteering.co.uk/

The lines to and from the pump were untouched in the process. Only the copper lines on the rack were changed and these can't be plumbed incorrectly (different lengths). The car was started by the garage to check the work and the steering wheel went off like a paint shaker. It's believed that the rack's internal valves were damaged after the fluid leak. We're going to replace the rack with a refurbed one. Then fingers crossed we'll be good to go.

:chin: I don't know......sure seems fishy.

Yep sounds like the attached them up wrong way round, started car and realised the mistake then come up with that BS about internals being damaged.

And you'll end up with a big unnecessary bill. :nooo:

I don't see how the power steering lines can be reversed though, as the high pressure and return lines have different size connectors. So it's technically impossible to do so. The garage I'm working with is a reputable Porsche specialist, so I trust them to do the right thing by me. Will let you know how it goes.

The ones that run down the length of the rack for assisting it left or right as seen in this photo: .....same fittings.

They look the same size to me :judge:

Just spoke to my mechanic about this. He said straight away it looks like the timings out on the orbital valve inside the rack and would need recalibrating. Either that or there's a ball bearing on the non return valve on the system outlet they've lost. Also said the pipes could be wrong way but most likely that valve. One thing he was adamant about is the garage have done it and it wasn't a cause of the leaky pipe. Edit: he's a plant Engineer and works with hydraulics on a daily basis so knows his onions......and valves.

Thanks Alex, I see what you mean re the copper lines. Previously I was talking about the high pressure and return lines, as those have different size fixings, but I can see how the copper lines could be mixed up. Garage have said they air blasted the hoses and there was a blockage of plastic that came out of the high pressure line and have told me it's working fine now. As a punter, without any expertise, all can do is to take them on their word. Just hope whatever caused the issue hasn't buggered the rack.

Could quite possibly be the cause but what's it from? Could be part of the impeller on your power steering pump. I'd keep a close eye on how it performs over the coming weeks. Hopefully it's sorted though and all is ok. :thumbs:

Possibly blown the seals now using an air line. I would change your garage.