Steering just got real heavy

[mtl911sc]

I opened up and serviced my steering rack last year (cleaned the rack & pinion assembly, regreased, etc) and also replaced the lower column bushing in the smuggler's box with a new one. Everything's been great steering-wise up until today. When pulling out of a parking spot I heard a noise which seemed to come from somewhere along the steering column, and then the steering became REALLY heavy - considering the 911SC has unassisted steering to begin with.

Funny thing is that earlier in the day while driving, the steering seemed to get heavier but then went back to normal. Something seems to have broken based on the sound I heard. But what could it be and where should I be looking?

Thanks all.

[47silver]

Loose hold down on the shaft in trunk?

[john walker's workshop]

Check that lower needle bearing encased in rubber.

[mtl911sc]

Just checked the needle bearing and mounting bracket in the smuggler's box - all appears to be the way it should. I had replaced the needle bearing with a billet aluminum Rennline part last year when I serviced the steering rack, so I'd have been quite surprised if that bearing was broken.

What's my next step?

[E Sully]

Check the part 930 347 025 00 universal joint on the intermediate steering shaft

[john walker's workshop]

Originally Posted by mtl911sc

Just checked the needle bearing and mounting bracket in the smuggler's box - all appears to be the way it should. I had replaced the needle bearing with a billet aluminum Rennline part last year when I serviced the steering rack, so I'd have been quite surprised if that bearing was broken.

What's my next step?

One of the problems with the needle bearings is they get stuck to the shaft and then turn in the rubber bushing, which feels odd.

[chrisbalich]

My steering did the same thing last fall. It would get stiff, then loosen up, then get stiff, then loosen up until one day it didn't loosen up.

The column bearings seized. Had to pull the column and replace both bearings. Not the worst job I've done, but not a quick job.

I was able to confirm by disconnecting one of the u-joints and the steering still being heavy despite not being connected.
The best part is that I never tried turning the wheel when I pulled the rack and greased it, expecting my problem to be in the rack. :facepalm: But now I should be good for another 40 years with a freshly lubed rack and all new bearings in the column.

[tsuter]

I'm about to install my new lower column bushing w integrated needle bearing and wonder if there is a top and bottom to this bushing? The needle bearing is located 2/3 to one end, not centered in the rubber. So when shoving it down over the splines to the rest area on the shaft, should the needle bearing be higher towards the steering column or lower towards the rack when the bushing gets clamped in place? Or maybe it doesn't matter which end is up?