Track rod. Porsche 996 / 986 / 987 / 987C  ❭  99634713105

The OE Match Track Rod is a replacement steering component incorporating a ball joint, designed to connect the steering system to the front wheel assembly.
Sold Each.

• Porsche Boxster 986 2.5L 1997-99
• Porsche Boxster 986 2.7L 1999-02
• Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 1999-02
• Porsche Boxster 986 2.7L 2003-04
• Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 2003-04
• Porsche Boxster 987 2.7L 2005-08/08
• Porsche Boxster 987 S 3.2/3.4L 2005-08/08
• Porsche Boxster 987 MKII 2.9L 2009-12
• Porsche Boxster S 987 MKII 3.4L 2009-12
• Porsche 996 C2 3.4L 1997-08/01
• Porsche 996 C4 3.4L 1997-08/01
• Porsche 996 C2 3.6L 09/01-2005
• Porsche 996 C4 3.6L 09/01-2005
• Porsche 996 C4S 3.6L 09/01-2005
• Porsche 996 TURBO 2000-05
• Porsche 996 GT2 2001-05
• Porsche 996 GT3 MKI 1999-02
• Porsche 996 GT3 MKII 2003>>
• Porsche 996 GT3 RS 2003-04
• Porsche 997 MK1 Carrera 2 3.6L 2005-08
• Porsche 997 MK1 Carrera 2S 3.8L 2005-08
• Porsche 997 MK1 Carrera 4 3.6L 2005-08
• Porsche 997 MK1 Carrera 4S 3.8L 2005-08
• Porsche 997 MK1 TURBO 2007-09
• Porsche 997 MK1 GT3 / GT3 RS 2007-09
• Porsche 997 MKII Carrera C2 3.6L 2009-12
• Porsche 997 MKII Carrera C4 3.6L 2009-12
• Porsche 997 MKII Carrera C2S 3.8L 2009-12
• Porsche 997 MKII Carrera C4S 3.8L 2009-12
• Porsche 997 MKII GT3 / GT3 RS 2010-11
• Porsche 997 MKII Turbo 2010-13
• Porsche Cayman 2.7L 987C 2006-08
• Porsche Cayman S 3.4L 987C 2005-08  

The track rod is a critical part of the vehicle's steering linkage. It transfers movement from the steering rack to the front wheels, allowing them to respond accurately when the steering wheel is turned.

Designed as an OE Match replacement, this component is suitable for replacing a worn, loose or damaged original track rod and can be fitted to either the left or right side of the vehicle.

What This Product Does:
The track rod forms the mechanical connection between the steering rack and the wheel steering assembly.

When the driver turns the steering wheel, the steering rack moves the track rods inwards or outwards. This movement changes the angle of the front wheels and allows the vehicle to steer.

The track rod and its ball joint must move freely while maintaining minimal unwanted play.

Its main functions include:

• Transferring steering input from the steering rack to the front wheels
• Allowing precise directional control
• Maintaining correct front wheel alignment
• Supporting accurate toe adjustment
• Allowing suspension and steering movement through the integrated ball joint
• Helping maintain stable handling and straight-line tracking
• Providing consistent steering response
• Minimising unwanted movement within the steering linkage

Because the track rod directly affects wheel direction, its condition has a significant influence on steering accuracy and tyre wear.

Symptoms Of Wear Or Failure:
Track rod ball joints are subject to constant steering movement, suspension loads, road impacts and contamination. Over time, the joint can develop excessive play or become stiff.

Common symptoms of a worn track rod include:

• Excessive free play in the steering
• Loose or vague steering feel
• Knocking or clunking from the front suspension or steering
• Steering wheel vibration
• Vehicle wandering or requiring frequent steering correction
• Poor straight-line stability
• Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear
• Feathering across the tyre tread
• Vehicle pulling to one side
• Difficulty maintaining correct wheel alignment
• Steering wheel no longer centred when driving straight
• Clicking or knocking when changing steering direction
• Visible movement in the ball joint during inspection
• Split or damaged ball-joint dust boot
• Corrosion or seizure of the adjustment threads

Excessive track rod or ball-joint play may also be identified during an MOT or routine suspension inspection.

Why Replacement Matters:
The track rod is a safety-critical steering component. Excessive wear introduces unwanted movement between the steering rack and wheel, reducing the accuracy with which steering inputs are transferred to the road wheels.

As wear develops, the vehicle may feel vague or unstable and can become more difficult to keep accurately positioned, particularly on uneven roads or under braking.

Worn track rods can also prevent the front wheel alignment from remaining within specification. Incorrect toe alignment can quickly cause uneven tyre wear, reducing tyre life and affecting handling.

Ignoring excessive joint wear allows the clearance to increase further and can place additional stress on related steering and suspension components.

Replacing a worn track rod helps restore:

• Precise steering response
• Correct wheel control
• Stable straight-line handling
• Accurate wheel alignment
• Predictable cornering behaviour
• Even tyre wear
• Proper steering-system operation

Because replacing a track rod affects the steering geometry, a professional wheel alignment is recommended after installation.