Dangerous Steering Problem!!!!

Greetings,
While driving along today at 30 mph, the steering wheel suddenly felt as if there was an enourmous amount of pressure prohibiting it from turning in either direction. Then, all of a sudden the problem stopped. A couple of minutes later the problem resurfaced but this time during a turn. I could tell the wheel didn't want to center itself and I had to apply an behemouth amount of strength to complete the turn. This could be friggin dangerous!!! I noticed a "clicking, rubbing" noise coming from the steering column when it was happening. Does anyone know what could be the problem and how to fix it? Thanks a ton in advance.

First off, what year/model car? Power steering or no?

Sorry about that. The car is a 1983 911sc. No power steering. And the tire pressure is OK.

I'd jack the front end up, jack stands and all that, and get under there. Suspension parts are not loose. With the key in you will be able to easily turn the wheels back and forth.

The steering rack is the thing, at the suspension end of the steering column. It'll be like a tube mounted parallel to the dash, perpendicular to the steering column. Rods coming out each end go to the wheels. Check to see that this thing has not come loose. There may be boots at each end and there may even be grease nipples. Squirt grease in any grease nipples.

if I don't see anything while under there, I might suspect a bad steering rack. I truth, I have not handled a Porsche steering rack and the above is just generally applicable stuff. I assume my car has a steering rack.

Specific to Porsches, there have been problems with a steering column bushing, under the steering wheel. This could also be the problem, but I'd still guess the steering rack is binding.

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'83 SC

You might want to check the (2)steering joints on the column. One, you will see in the smugglers box as soon as you open it and another is further down.

Scary as hell when it locks like that.... isn't it?

s

Damn right! I'm just glad it didn't happen at a critical time.

HI, if you pull the steering wheel off and the trim pieces off, then you can look down the column--I think you will find that the upper column bearing has come appart and the balls are interferring with the steer shaft and wheel lock mech.
lrt me know if thats it.
thanks, chuck

Originally posted by richenry:
Greetings,
While driving along today at 30 mph, the steering wheel suddenly felt as if there was an enourmous amount of pressure prohibiting it from turning in either direction. Then, all of a sudden the problem stopped. A couple of minutes later the problem resurfaced but this time during a turn. I could tell the wheel didn't want to center itself and I had to apply an behemouth amount of strength to complete the turn. This could be friggin dangerous!!! I noticed a "clicking, rubbing" noise coming from the steering column when it was happening. Does anyone know what could be the problem and how to fix it? Thanks a ton in advance.