jthailer

How do I become a contributing member so I can access the TSBs?

I am just a newbie, but the 987 part number would indicate that it is for the newer generation of Boxster. Not sure if it is going to "fit" your 1997.

I just spent several months researching used Boxsters and wound up purchasing a 2003 Boxster S with 28k miles. For my purposes it is a third car which I want to occassionally autocross and track. I drove a dozen 986 and 987 cars. I found that the 986 S version was a more spirited driving car than the non-S 987. If the car is going to be a daily driver I would strongly consider the regular 987. If you are using as a third car like me I would suggest the 986S or a 987S if you can afford it.

Don't forget to look at the seat backs in the boxster. If it has the sport seats, more likely than not the back of the seat will be all scuffed. I recently saw a 2007 987S with 5k miles where the driver's seat back was all scuffed.

Was the problem resolved?

What did you wind up with? I purchased a 2003 Boxster S this past July. When test driving various cars I noticed a big difference between the S and non-S. Non-S is a great daily driver. My Boxster S is a third car that only comes out on nice days for spirited driving. Hope to get it on the track in the Spring.

It is highly unlikely to be the power steering pump. All the pump does is provide power for hydraulic assist. The only way a power steering pump can create a vague on center feel is if it produces too much flow. That can only be caused by a stuck flow control valve in the pump. If that has occured you will note other problems like loss of power assist at idle or when decelerating on an off ramp.

Your problem is likely one of the following,

1. Tires - inflation and tread condition can influence what you feel.

2. Wear in the R&P gear, or worn suspension components or tie rod ends. Check for free play around center with ignition switch in position to unlock the column but with the engine off. If there is play in the steering wheel as you rotate the wheel back and forth holding it with one hand between your thumb and forefinger, you should start inspecting where the plat comes from.

3. If you don't find any problems with the above, is it perhaps just an ubsubstantiated feeling?

BTW, I've been a steering engineer at TRW for >30 years.

Thanks for the reply. I will check the above. Could just be my imagination. If this is the biggest problem I encounter with my car I will be very happy.

2003 Boxster S 30k miles purchased 1,500 miles ago. Recently the "on center" feel of the steering feels loose or vague. When turning it feels fine. On center it just doesn't feel as tight or responsive as when I purchased the car.

I have checked the power steering fluid when cold and the level was OK. I was thinking of checking the level when hot and/or flushing the entires power steering fluid.

Could this be a steering rack problem? I had a full PPI done before I purchased the car and I believe they checked the steering rack.

I only use the car on nice days and only on weekends. I do drive it pretty hard.