Binding AFTER Steering Bushing Replacement

[mcr205]

After reading the various tutorials (including the one provided by our host), I tackled what I anticipated to be a quick job in replacing the failed steering wheel bushing with the 928 part numbered metal sleeve.

1. Wheel off
2. Removed the remaining bits of the old plastic "bearing"
3. Inserted and tapped in the sleeve
4. Reassembled
5. Test Drive... this is where things get... weird.

For the first 5 minutes of the drive, everything is kosher. No more wobbles, just solid steering with perfect feel. Then it happened, the wheel wouldn't budge more than a quarter turn to the left in either direction.

I pulled the steering wheel back off, everything appeared fine, but moving the wheel was the equivalent of those other than King Arthur turning to pull the sword from the stone. After some swearing, I was able to get enough movement to baby the car the couple hundred feet back to the driveway.

I pulled the steering wheel again to again verify nothing was catching on anything, and nothing stood out as obvious. The 928 insert was flush, but this time when I put the wheel back on, I had very little range of motion, let's say a half wheel's turning in either direction.

I've searched and cannot find anything similar to this occurring to others. I know my way around mechanics quite well (replacing everything from transmissions, to turbochargers, suspension work, etc.) and have to say this has me extremely puzzled.

The only thing that has changed is the bushing, but I cannot fathom how this would have been buggered up but taping in the new.

Any thoughts gents?

[ab1752]

When it came time to do mine, I did both the 928 sleeve and I also bought the Rennline steering support bushing fix as it seemed to have more general support. Both repairs went in easily and I didn't have any of the binding you experienced with the 928 sleeve. How did you tap it down as it sounds like it just isn't seated quite right. Clearly it is binding and I believe I used a large socket to tap it down, or a piece of PVC piping. Good luck, you may want to give the Rennline kit a look over too.

[mcr205]

With a flat head screwdriver with gentle taps @ 12 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock, 3 o'clock, and on and on around the opposing points of the sleeve until it was flush.

[kltarga72]

A light tapping to insert the new bearing should be sufficient, I'm going to assume you did not force the bearing into position.
Try removing the bearing and reassemble the steering wheel and check to see if you still have the binding problem.
If steering is now okay examine new bearing and reinsert, possibly you may have an imperfect bearing or more debris needs to be removed.

[theiceman]

mine dropped right in without any taping at all , i would say you have pieces of the old disintegrated plastic steering bearing cage binding you up

[theiceman]

you can see here the part that disintegrates..... need to try and clean this out or it will bind which is what i think is happening to you .

[proporsche]

1st i do not recommend to use 928 sleeve -ever.The shocks from the steering will show up later you will see.It is not designed for metal but for the teflon.All you had to do is buy a new steering wheel bearing ,remove the teflon and insert it into the old bearing...too late now...
What you describing is a big problem -it happened to me once back in 1987 and i almost crashed customers 911.One of the steering wheel bearing balls has just fallen inside and it is blocking the shaft at the bottom of the steering column...
The bad new is you might have to remove it completely and replace both bearings...

Ivan

if i have to do the play on steering wheel like i said i replace only the teflon insert -it will last another 20 years...

[Arlo911]

Originally Posted by proporsche

1st i do not recommend to use 928 sleeve -ever.The shocks from the steering will show up later you will see.It is not designed for metal but for the teflon.All you had to do is buy a new steering wheel bearing ,remove the teflon and insert it into the old bearing...too late now...
What you describing is a big problem -it happened to me once back in 1987 and i almost crashed customers 911.One of the steering wheel bearing ball has just fallen inside and it is blocking the shaft at the bottom of the steering column...
The bad new is you might have to remove it completely and replace bothe bearing...

Ivan

if i have to do the play on steering wheel like i said i replace only the teflon insert -it will last another 20 years...

I just had this happen to me, almost crashed my car because the steering wheel locked. I found 2 ball bearings at the bottom of the steering shaft, steering felt fine otherwise. Removing the steering column is a bit of a hassle though.