Another Steering noise question
 

My steering wheel does not move up or down as many of the people describe and are suggested by everyone to tap one of the metel pieces from our host down the steering column to assist with a worn out bearing.

My wheel does not move and I have a new steering rack. THe steering is very tight but when ever I go over bumps it seems to rattle and also when I get up to 70 or 80 mph the wheel starts rattling. Not just vibrating like you would need your wheels balanced but actually a slight rattle.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Best regards,
Daniel Womack
Booney1golf
85 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa

First I would check to be sure that your steering rack bolts have not come loose.

I had a similar problem a while back and it actually ended up being the shock to strut nut was loose on one side.

With the front of the car raised I simply went through all suspension components checking the bolts and giving pieces a good pull/shove until I found what was loose.

Is it possible that when the new rack was installed the bushing or steering coupler were not seated or torqued down properly?

I had the same, with me it was one of the 3 universal joints in the steering column chain that was not properly seated in the rod which caused a little free play. Had exactly the rattle you describe.

I was gone after loosening all joints and retightening again.

Thanks, I will check to see if the steering universal bolts / nuts are tight.

I thought this might me something that this bushing / sleeve fix that I purchased from our Host, that you put into the steering column would fix. Either that or the bearings in the Column.

Can I put another round bearing in the column without taking the other one out.

Also if I am going to put the bushing / sleeve and also another bearing set into the column, do I put the bearing first then the sleeve and could these possibly help my steering rattle when I go over bumps etc..

The noise is definitely from the steering column and not a shock / strut support / bolt or steering rack.

Thanks to you all for your time and responses and this Great forum!!!!!

Best regards,
Daniel Womack
Booney1golf
85 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa - And I thought Golf was addicting

www.amazingdreamtravel.com - Best Travel prices 80% of the Time!!!!!

The bolts on my universal joints were properly tightened, but nevertheless one probably did not seat right in the splines.
I loosened them, gently rocked the stering weel back and forth a bit and then retightened. Note that I also had minor play on the steering.
When I had the problematic one done, the rattle and play were gone.

There are 3 universal joints:
3 are fairly easy to find behind the hatch in the trunk.
The other one is straight behind the dash and requires you to take out the wiper mechanics and ventilation boxes in the trunk right under the windscreen.

Guess which was the faulty one ....

Thanks Lindemans for your time and help. I will try your suggestions. I think if this is the cause of my rattle then it will also be the one that you said was your problem, as it seems like the noise is close to where I am seated or where I am holding the steering wheel.

Anyone else have any input regarding the steering bushing / bearing possible fix.

Thanks and best regards,

Daniel Womack
Booney1golf
85 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa - And I thought Golf was addicting

www.amazingdreamtravel.com - Best Travel prices 80% of the Time!!!!!

+1 on this u-joint solution to a rattle/vibration felt in the steering wheel while going over bumpy road. My symptoms were as described above. Steering wheel off-axis play was zero, but a rattle/vibration could be felt when going over rough roads. This rattle only occurred when the steering column wasn't loaded, i.e., going in a straight line. I bit the bullet and my son and I removed all the ventilation stuff to get to the upper universal. Sure enough, I could detect just a little play between it and the steering wheel shaft. I loosened and retightened it, and the problem was gone.