Steering column
 

Steering column has a little play-up and down. Any thoughts

There is a bushing at the top of the column that gives that play when it is worn out. If you search for “steering column bushing” you’ll find some information about it. It’s cheap and not hard.

What year is your car? The 1973 and earlier solution is different than the 1974+ solution.

Bearing play would be in all directions. Just up and down might be caused by the whole column carrier bracket has worked loose from the dashboard.

I believe he has an '87 from past posts.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/RENI69.htm?pn=REN-I69&bt=Y&fs=0&SVSVSI=815&ByPassCat=Y

I experienced the same for my '83 SC. Up/down --- no side/side. My local air-cooled shop replaced the steering shaft bushing. Instead of the nylon plastic, the shop put in a metal version that is standard on the 928: 928.347.739.02

It fit fine, may be stronger, last longer??? But now there is a very noticeable squeak coming from the steering column.

You can check it by grabbing the wheel and moving it up/down to see how much play there is

Besides one being a Porsche part (and ~$4.50 less) and the other aftermarket, what’s the difference between the two?

The description says they are both for the 928. Do they fit the 911?

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/92834773902.htm?pn=928-347-739-02-OEM&fc=Y


And

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/92834773902.htm?pn=928-347-739-02-M40&fc=Y

Not the expert here, but my air-cooled specialist/technician put it. Apparently fits in my 83 SC. He advised me that it was a 928 part, and made of metal instead of plastic/nylon. I do hear a very noticeable/annoying squeak from the steering column now.

The two links you provided, if you click on the fotos, then zoom in you can see that they are same identical parts made in Germany by INA. So I'm assuming there is no difference.