Something broke in the steering column?
 

Today I was turning around in a parking lot at slow speed, turning the wheel with reasonable force, and from somewhere near the steering column behind the dash comes a loud pop as if something broke. The steering still works, but now I'm worried. Anyone know what might have happened?

Does the steering still work fine but maybe now it has a little play up/down? If you can wobble the steering wheel up/down a bit, it's possible the plastic bushing in there has given way, which is very common. Maybe a piece of the plastic got wedged somewhere and made a little extra noisy "pop."

OR, if you've never heard the famous-mysterious "relay click", then it's possible that's what you heard.

Bearing probably, or your car was just popping it's [steering] knuckles.

sometimes my gauges pop pretty loud... ive concluded that sudden changes in air temperature cause either the rings or the lenses to expand/contact causing a loud pop. could that have been it?

I think this is one of neat things about these cars. The sounds and smells that eminate from them make it such a cool experience. The oil gurgling is another unique sound.




If the sound heard was from the column area then it most likely was the bearing. Like others said, check the up/down movement of the wheel.

There's a little play up and down and none side to side. If it's the bearing how urgent is it? Do I need to get it fixed right away or just the next time I go in for an oil change?

Also, my gauges have started popping as the car heats up. This noise was a lot louder. My fiances eyes were wide and she immediately asked me if I had my cell phone on me.

If you determine that you need a steering wheel bushing, I have a new one that I'll let go for $8.00 shipped. It's for an 87 911. Let me know.
Pat

What exactly is "Guage-popping""? Please elaborate?

Best,

Doyle

a few times per year i will hear a pretty loud pop come from my gauges. didnt know where it was coming from at first. i think i have narrowed it down to the clock. usually hear it more in the spring when the weather is up and down. sometimes i can reproduce it by taking the metal ring and squeezing it

about a year ago, i thought i saw a thread on here regarding the subject.

wheel woble
 

hello , i read your comment my porsche steering wheel is doing the same thing, is it diffocult to replace that part, i have the steering wheel off cause im fixing the head light switch, i appreciate any help, thanks.

usaporche: read this article:

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


It's a very easy fix.

I hear the "popping" once in a while, too. I've always thought it was a relay somewhere behind the gauges. Like srandalf said, there is a thread somewhere about it.