jfk308

On my '78 911 SC the steering wheel (or column) has just become loose. The wheel wiggles vertically by about half an inch. It does not wiggle side to side. The wheel has not actually loosened from the column (or the "hub" it is attached to) it seems that the hub and whatever it is attached to is moving. There is no play in the steering at all.

The wheel is an aftermarket Momo installed by a previous owner. I do recall going over a pretty big bump just a bit before I noticed the problem.

I'd really appreciate any help on what might be wrong.

butzip

Easy, $15 dollar steel sleeve available from Performance Products, Pelican, Driving Source NW, etc.... don't worry very common and takes about 5 minutes to fix.

butzip

Steel Steering Column Sleeve For Porsche


This is a mechanic's dream solution to an annoying job. The upper steering bearing on Porsche has an inner plastic sleeve that constantly wears out. The bearing is still good but the plastic is gone. Replacement normally requires about 3 hours, however, with this product you can remove your steering wheel and tap the new bushing in place in 10 minutes.

1974 - 1989 PORSCHE 911 ALL (Excludes 1989 911« Carrera 4)
1976 - 1989 PORSCHE 911 (930) ALL
1976 - 1976 PORSCHE 912 ALL
1973 - 1976 PORSCHE 914 ALL

rusnak

That sleeve may wear down the steering shaft, which turns inside it. A better fix, though not a permanent one, is to use a paintcan top or the top of an Edge shaving gel container. You cut it into a 1" strip and use the detents to prevent the plastic from slipping down the column. Tap it snug into the steering column bushing, and it will hold tight. The good part about this solution vs the steering column sleeve is that you are using the ball bearings in the old steering column bearing. With the sleeve, you are not. It is more like an unlubricated bushing.

jfk308

Thanks! Any problem driving the car until I get the sleeve fixed?

rusnak

jfk, the hardest part of the job is getting the steering wheel off. If you can do that, then you're home free.

If you end up going with the 928 sleeve, then use some good grease in there, and be sure to clean all the bits of white plastic out of there first.

You'll have some metal on metal contact and the clunking may drive you crazy, but it's not like the steering will pull out of the chassis.

I can post pics later when I get home of what is going on in there, as well as the 928 sleeve if I can find it. But seriously, try the Edge shaving gel trick, and you'll have it fixed by this evening.

theiceman

no problems leaving it until you get it fixed . A couple of tips:

1. Have some one hold the steering wheel while undoing the nut DO NOT TIGHTEN OR LOOSEN AGAINST THE STEERING LOCK. Damage to the steering lock can result.
2. Do not loosen or tighten towards the windshield, one slip or an unexpected loosen and ......

rusnak

Ha! Ice is correct.

I'm going to post a series of pictures that will show what part is worn out. Please comment on them if you like. Sorry, I don't know how to post comments and pictures, so I will have to do this in multiple posts.

This is the steering wheel bearing as seen from the steering wheel side, and then from the back side. The white plastic in the center is what gets brittle, and then breaks apart. When this happens, you get steering wheel wobble.

In the second picture you can clearly see the ball bearings. This is why you want the interference fit to be tight between the steering shaft and the center bearing race.

rusnak

The 928 sleeve is not quite thick enough to provide this interference fit.

In this second pic, you see the steering wheel bearing in situ without the worn out plastic.

rusnak

My good friend, Mitch Leland, who posts mostly in Pelican, made this little beauty and then GAVE it to me. Great guy!

You can get a very tight fit with the Edge shaving gel cap. It also provides a sacrificial material that is softer than the steering shaft if things go wrong. Besides, it's cheap and takes less than 5 minutes to make.

theiceman

Nice fitment .....

I see your car was purpose built for a Single White Femle ( SWF )

rusnak

yeah, and a shedding dog, judging by the amount of dog hair in my steering column.

whalebird

I have known many to just press the new bushing into place. Trying to get all the old plastic bits out is a non-issue. I have usually gotten all the old plastic out with a pick, but it can be difficult.

rnln

Maybe this is all you need, the first item.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=469931

theiceman

too funny that is exactly what he needs if you still have it. unless he used the edge shav gel lid