Replacing Steering Column Bushings

[Joehand1]

I have owned my 87 911 since new, but never worked on it myself. I now have no local mechanic (my old one died) and I don't want to drive 100 miles to the nearest Porsche dealer. So I would like to know from you experts if replacing the bushings in my shaking steering column is a big deal and where can I find the easiest instructions ?(ie, what repair book is best for beginners.)
If you all think this will be out of my league (I am no mechanic) I would appreciate your honesty.
Thanks a lot.

[Randy Webb]

It's easy for the newer cars like yours. Probl. in 101 book - it has lots of easy projects. Just don't start out with the hard ones - the dificulty level is mixed - prob. to make it cost-effective to put out a book.

Also people here will walk you thru it, esp. if you post pics. Don't worry.

[Joehand1]

Thanks Randy. I know I will be asking a lot of stupid questions though.

[Randy Webb]

Then you will fit right in with everyone else. Some have a great deal of expertise in some areas, but no one knows it all in all areas.

But do use the search engine -- the BBS has thosands of threads archived.

[tchanson]

The search function is a powerful tool:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_Steering-bushing/911_steering_bushing.htm

The part number you need from Pelican is F-347-739-02, which you can order here:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911M/POR_911M_miscel_pg9.htm#item39


Good luck,
Tim

[Joehand1]

I have ordered the part, thanks a lot.

[Por_sha911]

Joehand1: Suggestion: join your local PCA chapter. I'd bet a nickel (if I were a betting man) that there are a ton of diy's that would love to help you do stuff like that in return for a cold beverage and some conversation.

[Joehand1]

Thanks for the suggestion. Since I also have a 1987 911, I am very interested to know how much your performance increased with the Steve Wong chip and the B&B exhaust.

Also, if you don't mind me asking, how much did that stuff cost to install?

Thanks,

My other "car" is a Ford F-150 Supercrew

[unclebilly]

I did mine, it took less that15 minutes and smartened it right up. Im my case, the stock bearing had just slid back but I removed it all the way, slid in the shaft spacer piece and the new bearing. Very simple job.

[Por_sha911]

The B&B exhaust ($2400 for a complete system installed) helps the car run cool and gives it an awesome sound. When I added the chip I felt like I got more power in the 3000-4500 RPM range. Steve customized the chip for 93 octane and the exhaust and also increased the redline RPM. I could guesstimate all day long but truth is I don't have any hard stats. Surfice it to say that I am happy with the performance.

[aigel]

That is a good project for your first DIY. There is a tech article on PP. The insert will likely be enough, no nee to buy a new bearing. Takes about 30 minutes. A torque wrench will be nice, to retorque your wheel nut.

George

[Joehand1]

Thanks George.

I downloaded the article and ordered the part. Will go buy a torque wrench.

One question, the article on removing the steering wheel addresses removing the horn assembly on a 914 and 365, but doesn't clearly tell you how on a 911. I ordered 101 Projects from Amazon, does that book tell you how to get the horn cover off ?

Joe

[aigel]

It probably won't. Do a search on the board, or just start pulling on your horn 'button'. On the SC, it just snaps on, I doubut it is any different on the later wheel.

Good Luck!

George

[curiousone940]

I replaced a bearing on an '86 just recently and though it wasn't technically difficult, it did take some "neanderthall" means to get the old bearing off. The horn pad just snaps off (snap on each of the four corners). Disconnect the wire to the horn pad. You'll need a deep socket (I think it's a 27 mm) with about a 6" inch extension to break loose the steering wheel attachment nut (have a helper hold the steering wheel while racheting...don't turn against the steering wheel lock). You will then need to remove both the turn signal assembly and the wiper switch assembly to fully expose the bearing/housing. The bearing has a keeper washer (this probably isn't the right name for the part.... that presses into the housing to keep the bearing in place), which needs to come out. IF you're lucky and the bearing isn't pressed into the housing real tight, you can use a right angle pick to pull the bearing out....you can't get to the bearing on the backside of the housing to knock it out because Porsche has attached the housing to the underside of the dash with "sheared off" bolts (you would have to drill out the bolts to remove the housing). IF the bearing doesn't come out easily, then you have to resort to more brutal means....in my case, I had to drill a hole into the bearing housing, beat the crap out of the bearing race until it broke and then picked out the pieces (not a pretty sight). You'll know pretty quick if you are "living right or not" when you attempt to pull out the bearing on the first attempt. Reassembly is very straight forward. Good luck!!

[Joehand1]

Thanks a bunch.
Joehand

[911SCfanatic]

Joe, if you buy the book thru Pelican you get a CD also with some extra stuff. Just a thought...

[old_skul]

Uh, when I did mine, I didn't remove the wiper stalk or turn signal. The bushing (a 928 part, actually) simply goes on the steering shaft, and you pound it in with a deep socket. It displaces what's left of the old bushing into the shaft assembly, where it's never heard from again.

This is probably the simplest thing I've done to my car aside from changing the oil. It's a great place to start.

Oh, and when removing the steering wheel - don't use the steering lock. just grab the wheel with your left hand, and work the (hopefully long) wrench with your right.

[Joehand1]

Thanks for the help guys, the project was much easier than anticipated. In fact, I decided that I could change the original wheel to a new 930 wheel without much trouble. Hope I am not overeaching.
Joehand