Difference in SWB and later year Steering Column?
 

Is there any? My steering shaft is very loose in the column and I'm not sure if the 'fix' sleeve is usable. It is listed for 74-89 so it seems there is a difference. Could I use a later column say from an SC to go with my upgraded SC front end?

Robert,

There is a HUGE difference in steering columns between SWB (’68 and earlier) and LWB (’69 and later).

That said, I think some of the ‘fixes’ for the loose steering wheel syndrome are the same for both SWB and LWB. There is a common bushing in the steering column. The ‘fix’ is a non-standard part that better locates the steering shaft.

Best,
Grady

Thanks Grady, guess I'll try the fix first and see if it actually 'fixes' the problem or not.

Grady,

What is that fix--I have a 67'?

Thanks!
A.B.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_Steering-bushing/911_steering_bushing.htm

This one

Thanks!
A.B.

Robert,

That fix only applies to '74 and later steering columns. The 928 part will simply not fit.

For earlier cars, you can find the answer here: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/109480-help-steering-wheel-bushing-quickfix.html

Thanks Harry, I remember that thread now, but I couldn't find it.

Grady is correct there is a big difference between steering columns. Basically it falls within 3 type ranges: Pre '68, '68-'73 and 74 and beyond. The pre '74 cars have the same basic architechture. There is a sealed bearing at the bottom of the housing tube and an open bearing at the top. The inner race of this open bearing is held in place by a spring nut and washer on the steering shaft.

I rebuilt my '73 steering shaft. You need to be careful not to loose the small ball bearings as they will fall out and you will need them to get rid of the slop. The sealed bearing is expensive from Porsche so I took measurements of the original bearing and ordered one from a bearing company on the web. It cost me around $2 a bearing. The spring and races for the open bearing are quite expensive. If you are missing any of those parts I would check with a dismanteler before ordering a new one.

For the most part the earlier cars develop slop in the steering shaft due to missing parts or failure of the open bearing. The later cars develop slop from deterioation of the plastic inner race as shown in the above referenced link.

I wanted to revive this thread because there is an overlooked solution in all the technical threads I've seen regarding stabilizing the steering wheel in a '68-73 car.

These cars use a spring and small stamped metal washer to "load" the bearing and stabilize the top of the steering shaft. The spring and washer are held in place by the steering wheel hub. The spring compresses as you bolt down the hub.

Many of us have had cars treated carelessly by P.O.s and their 'mechanics.' About half my cars have started out with a lost spring and washer. Finding and installing a set is the only fix I know of. I'll try to get a picture to illustrate what I'm talking about.

You are referring to the items in the link I provided above. The spring and bushing look like this:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1107816294.jpg

And when installed, like this:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1107817004.jpg

Exactly. Those pieces are missing in a fair number of cars. I believe they use a 914 part number.