Steering column

targa88 · 10-07-2006, 05:20 PM

Model:1988 Carrera.
Concern: while driving at slow speed there is a sound coming from the lower part of the steering column (near where it joins the transaxle) - as if something is rubbing.
Does not appear to occur at high speed (mayb just not as noticeable).
There appears to be some play in the steering.
Also occurs sometimes when locking hard to the right (as I back up).
The car has turbo tie-rods and has been lowered.
Diagnosis or cure?

Zeke · 10-07-2006, 07:04 PM

Well, the transaxle is under the rear window and the steering doesn't go there. When you say "play" in the steering, is this up and down, or you can turn the wheel while parked some w/o moving the front tires?

When you lowered the car, was there any work done to the steering rack, as in spacers? Answer a few more questions and make a few more observations and the problem will come to light.

targa88 · 10-07-2006, 07:09 PM

Milt,
More info:
I did not lower the car(done by previous owner) - but from I can see there are no spacers.
I can feel the play and vibration in at my feet. So, I am assuming this is where the steering column joins the front axle.
When the car is stationnary there appears to be some play from left to right.
IT does not sound like metal grinding.
Hope this helps

Gordon Joachim · 11-13-2006, 11:08 PM

Targa88 -- Did you resolve your 'rubbing' problem? I also have an 88 Targa with perhaps a similar problem (that's how I found your post). Initially the rubbing sound (like a moan, more than anything) came when I turned slightly to the right, but then disappeared as I continued to turn. Now the sound comes comes when steering straight (above 30mph), and disappears when turning left or right. The sound does not transmit any vibration up the column -- and has not gotten any louder. Any of this similar to your noise?

Gordo

randywebb · 11-14-2006, 12:09 PM

might be time to put the car on jack stands & push pull on each F wheel at 3 & 9 O'clock

then at 6 & 12 o'clock

- feel for any play & report how much and where

Gordon Joachim · 11-14-2006, 04:18 PM

Thanks for the response, Randy. I did jack the car up, rotated each tire to see if was doing anything unusual. Also gave it the push-pull test, as you suggested -- all seems tight. Then went out for a spin, the 'moan' was still there -- until I tapped the brake -- no moan. So, the moan goes away when turning (l or r), and when braking, even ever so slightly. Also, the moan is more pronounced when going down a hill, less so when going up.

I will now search other threads, re: brake noise, to see what I find.

CliffBrown · 11-15-2006, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gordon Joachim
Then went out for a spin, the 'moan' was still there -- until I tapped the brake -- no moan. So, the moan goes away when turning (l or r), and when braking, even ever so slightly.

I will now search other threads, re: brake noise, to see what I find.

Gordo

Check your brake pads. I've seen the the caliper piston hang when the pad is worn-out causing a dragging brake (sometimes heard as a moan).

Gordon Joachim · 11-15-2006, 10:33 AM

Thanks for the tip, Cliff. We will pull the wheels to see what we can see.

Walt Fricke · 11-15-2006, 01:40 PM

Gordon

Some more things to think about for steering play:

Among the things to suspect for steering play is the "hockey puck" system which connects the shaft coming up out of the rack and pinion to the shaft(s) coming down from the steering wheel. This is a vibration isolator, but the steel tubes and other bits and pieces, maybe even the rubber part, can wear just enough that there is a little stick/slip movement. Feels tight, but when forced will move a little. Replacing it all just to be sure (bolts, bend tab washer-like bits, steel tubes, the rubber puck part) is the cure, as tightening won't do anything.

While in there looking at things (you have to remove a cover in the trunk), check to see if raising the steering rack with spacers (the normal bump steer kit) has pushed things up enough that they touch other things. Or put the rubber bushed steering column intermediate bearing into too much of a bind.

You can also pull the gravel shield underneath this part of the car (with the car up on jack stands) to see if the two bolts that hold the steering rack are tight. If they aren't, the rack assembly itself can move.

Walt

Gordon Joachim · 11-15-2006, 09:55 PM

Thanks, Walt, for your suggestions. As there is no noticeable 'play' in the steering, I dismissed linkage 'issues' as being a problem. However, I will now take a look at the things you suggest.

Geez, you folks are certainly giving me plenty to do during Oregon's rainy season.