Porsche 356 B/C/T5/T6 steering gear, overhauled, iT steering gear
The term “iT” in the context of a Porsche 356 steering gear listing (common on German platforms like Kleinanzeigen) stands for “im Tausch”, which means “in exchange.”
For a Porsche 356 B/C (T5 or T6 body), the “original” steering gear is a manual box manufactured by ZF. Because these parts are no longer in mass production, most available units are professionally overhauled and sold on an exchange basis.
1. Identifying the Gear Box (ZF vs. VW)
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ZF Type (Standard for B/C): Most 356 B and C models use the ZF 644.347.010.01 (or .00) single-peg steering box. It is significantly more precise than the early VW-style boxes.
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Compatibility: * 356 B (T5): 1960–1961
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356 B (T6): 1962–1963
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356 C: 1964–1965
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2. What “Overhauled i.T.” Includes
When you buy an “overhauled” (überholt) unit in exchange (im Tausch), you are typically paying for a refurbished ZF core. A professional overhaul generally involves:
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New “Peg” (Steering Finger): The most common wear item. High-quality rebuilds use new pegs hardened to roughly 50–53 Rockwell C.
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Worm Gear Inspection: The internal worm gear is polished or replaced if “pitting” is found.
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New Bearings & Seals: Replacing the internal roller bearings and the main input/output shaft seals (often 25x36x7 mm).
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Housing Restoration: The aluminum or iron housing is bead-blasted and sometimes painted or clear-coated to prevent oxidation.
3. Pricing & “The Exchange” (2026)
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Exchange Price: Typically between €1,800 and €2,200 ($1,950 – $2,400).
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The Core Deposit: You must send your old, rebuildable steering box back to the seller. If you don’t have a core, expect to pay an additional €500–€800 surcharge.
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The “Winnenden” Listings: You likely saw a listing from a specialist in Winnenden, Germany. This region is a hub for Porsche 356 restoration parts.
4. Technical Checklist for Installation
| Item | Critical Note |
| Steering Coupler | Check the “Hardi disc” (rubber coupler). If you’re replacing the box, always install a new coupler to ensure there is zero “slop.” |
| Pitman Arm | Ensure the splines on your Pitman arm are not damaged. You will need a specialized puller to remove it from your old box. |
| Oil/Grease | ZF boxes typically require a specific steering gear oil (like SAE 90 weight) or specialized fluid. Never use standard chassis grease unless the rebuilder explicitly specifies a “self-leveling” grease. |
Common Symptom: If your 356 has more than 25mm (1 inch) of play at the steering wheel before the wheels move, your steering box likely needs an overhaul or, at the very least, a “peg adjustment.”
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