Steering Wheel Replacement Issues

[larry47us]

I have replaced my stock wheel on my 73E Targa with an age appropriate Prototipo. Didn't have too many problems with the replacement, but it is the aftermath that is bugging me.

1. The first time I replaced it, I didn't have the wheel lined up correctly (the front wheels were turned a bit), so afterwards, I was driving around with the wheel at a 45 degree angle. Now, I have reset it so that it's straight, but the left directional doesn't turn off. Did I bend something? Or did I break something? If I pull the wheel off again, what do I need to do to fix this?

2. The wheel rocks up and down a bit when I push up on it. I have been told that it needs a new steering wheel bushing. The section in the Porsche Shop manual that talks about steering just talks about suspension and front end stuff. Is this easily replaced?

3. Now that I have the new wheel in place, it rubs. The first time I put it on, I tightened the center 23 mm nut too far, and the wheel was rubbing against the adapter. But I have loosened it, and there is space between the wheel and the adapter. I can't hear the scraping while I am driving (the engine is too loud ) but when sitting quietly, it is really annoying. I moved the large washer from the top of the spring to the bottom, but it still scrapes. Are there supposed to be two washers, one on each side of the spring? What am I missing here?

TIA.

larry

[coloradoporsche]

Hi Larry,

It's been a while since I did mine, but I had some of the same issues.....

Let's see, for item #1, you did take the little conductive ring thingy off of your original steering wheel and put on the new one, right? It has a tab on it that passes by the turn signal mechanism and hits a little lever which turns off the flasher. You can play with it with the wheel off and see how it works. If you have the tab in the right place on the wheel, it should work just lit the old one. If only one side doesn't turn off, I'm guessing yours is just in the wrong place.

Item #2, I have no idea.

For item #3, I had the same problem, and it drove me nuts. After carefully moving the wheel around listening for noise and checking to make sure nothing was rubbing, I finally realized the horn switch contact was making a scraping noise on the contact ring. I could not figure out why it would do this, as it was basically the same as before. I came to the conclusion that being at a slightly different angle or orientation changed something resulting in the noise. Anyway, to solve, I sanded down the horn contact and the contact ring with fine grit sandpaper and then applied some conductive grease.

I'd take pictures, but then I'd have my steering wheel all taken apart like yours

[HarryD]

Larry,

For the wobble issue, check this thread: HELP! Steering wheel bushing quickfix???

For the turn cancel problem, check that the turn cancel thingy on the momo adapter is positioned in the same position as the one on your orginal wheel. I suspect you may have it rotated out of position.

[larry47us]

Harry and Colorado:

Thanks for the information. I am off to remove the wheel again. I'll keep you posted.

BTW, Harry, great thread!!! Thanks mucho.

larry

[HarryD]

So Larry,

What did you find?

[larry47us]

Harry:

I have been so heavy into the replacement of my front wheel bearings that I haven't gotten to the steering wheel yet. I have bought some conductive grease, and some emery cloth, so I plan on taking the suggestion of rounding the corners of the horn contact, and adding grease in the bargain.

Regarding the turn signals, I'm a bit baffled, since I know that the adapter is oriented correctly. I know that I had it on cocked the first time, so I wonder if I bent something. I haven't taken it completely apart yet, and don't know if I will get that far before I go to Taj.

In any case, I know that I'll get the horn contact done before Wed next week. I'll have to see if I get any further.

thanks

larry