Steering wheel lock-up...

Jaynlayn355 · 04-26-2007, 03:57 AM

Has anyone encountered this problem:
Occasionally, on hard right hand/left hand turns, my steering wheel locks into place at completion of the turn! This is quite scary - the only thing I can do is hit the brakes (looking like a nitwit turned into the curb, and hoping there isn't a hydrant, pole or pedestrian standing there!) - once the car comes to a complete stop, the steering wheel unfreezes... I had the ignition replaced last year since the mechanics felt that's the culprit.
The car is a 1976 911s (it's the car rebuilt by the generous & kind folks in this forum for me 2 years ago in memory of its owner,
firefighter Barry Bennett!

)
I love this car, she's a beauty and a great driver. But this one thing is scaring me a bit - I never know when this lock-up issue will happen.

stomachmonkey · 04-26-2007, 04:18 AM

Dead spot in the steering box.

Ignition, what could that possibly have to do with it? Unless they thought the lock was engaging? But that's a mechanical thing that has nothing to do with the car being in motion or not.

KFC911 · 04-26-2007, 04:24 AM

I don't have an answer to your steering problem, but let me be the first of many to say WELCOME!

jtratza · 04-26-2007, 06:08 AM

That happened to a buddy's 911 after he put on a new steering wheel. Turned (no pun intended) out to be a bearing feel out and was causing it to stick.

2002M3Drew · 04-26-2007, 10:58 AM

I had EXACTLY the same problem with my SC. I would actually have to fight the wheel to get it back to center. Very scary. It turned out to be a bearing that was completely worn inside of the steering column. I do not believe it was thhe one that is immediately under the steering wheel...it is deep inside the column/shaft. My mechanix replaced for me and showed me the worn part...problem solved. I would check there first.

john70t · 04-26-2007, 11:07 AM

Is it possible turbo tie rods were installed without the stop washers?

Not sure if this would cause that problem, but it might allow the pinion drive gear to get caught on the end of the rack.

Dutchie · 04-27-2007, 04:15 AM

sounds like a problem in the steering rack. I,m sure there,s a helpfull Pelican near you that will offer to take a look and help you out.

Great to hear you are still driving the car

Cheers,

Dutchie · 04-27-2007, 05:39 AM

bump

robertb · 04-27-2007, 03:25 PM

Where's the location?

rusnak · 04-27-2007, 03:41 PM

This same problem was written up in an article in Excellence a few years ago.

I think it was eventually traced to a problem in the steering column. There was a loose or worn link somewhere. I think you have to check the wear and tightness of the steering column as well as the steering rack.

911Mac · 04-27-2007, 04:26 PM

Had a similar problem with my 82 SC. The bearing in the smugglers box that holds the shaft of the steering rack in place was so worn it let the universal joint bind and the steering would lock momentarily.

Zeke · 04-27-2007, 04:43 PM

Great to have you here. I followed the "build" on the forum. What a great effort! I'm sure one of the guys that helped would love to get this problem fixed for you after all that hard work. I wouldn't drive the car until this is rectified, or at least refrain from full lock turns.

I'm just curious, was this car lowered at all? If so, there is a problem that can come up as a result. We can explain further, if need be.

Jim2 · Jim2's Garage

What 911mac said, but I don't understand why you don't see evidence of binding under regular driving, not just when you turn to full lock.

Someone should also check and ensure the splined shafts are fully inserted into the U-joints so that the shaft assembly does not rub on the firewall. This was the case when I bought my car.

Great to hear this project is done, and being enjoyed.

Dutchie · 04-28-2007, 02:36 AM

Milt wrote

Quote:

I wouldn't drive the car until this is rectified

exactly ! good point Milt. don,t drive the car. Could be a loose steering rack or something small. Please contact Chris,Ed B.,Damon or one of the other guys that worked on the car. I,m sure they can help you out

Ed B · 05-04-2007, 06:41 AM

Yesterday I checked Jane's steering. U joint, rack and bearing seemed to be fine. Faint possibility that a couple of wires fron the remains of an AC unit in the smugglers box could get caught in the U joint. We drove around for about an hour and the steering refused to lock. Maybe the car just wanted to see me again. Check the new pics under the Bennett thread.

Ed B