67 Steering bushing help

[Rusty 356]

I pulled the steering column out of a 67 911 today because of a loose steering assembly. The seal that is on the steering housing just above the first universal joint and is held in place by two seal retainers was totally disintegrated. Stopped by the local Porsche dealer on the way home to find the seal is NLA. Part Number 901 347 793 00. Anybody run into this and if so what was used to tighten the steering column? Any help or leads to a bushing would be appreciated. I believe the seal acts also as a bushing between the steering column and the piece found in the luggage compartment.

[Mitch Leland]

Rusty,

Is the the part you're missing? See attached pix... If it is, then we're tooling up to re-manufacture it. At present we're doing some road tests to proof our part. If it works out, then Pelican Parts will carry if if there's enough demand for the part. Presently PP has been carrying the later style steering bushing and that has done well.

[Rusty 356]

Mitch, unfortunately not the part. It is on the other end of the column. The steering components changed in 68 or 69. in an early 911 factory workshop manual it is found on pg 109, figure 106 and 07 show the seal. without it the steering wheel feels like it needs to be tighened, but the whole column moves up and down not just the wheel.
Thanks for the courtesy and offer to help. I think this seal or bushing was nylon, it just crumbled on disassembly like an old shift coupling bushing.

[Mitch Leland]

Rusty,

If we had the dimensions of the part maybe we could make one for you...

[Shoepop]

I THINK I know which seal you are referring to. It is held in place by a 2 piece plastic housing with a 360 degree groove the seal sits in, that in turn is held in place by the steering cover with two push clips. I just reinstalled mine it was in ok shape but I was thinking if it ever went away a rubber 0 ring may work fine.

[rusnak]

I wonder if my '70 steering column has that part? I have a 356 that I can check too. No time to check factory parts diagrams until later tonight, but I'll see if I can come back later, and post it in this thread.

[Rusty 356]

The dimensions of this piece as close as I can measure would be such to fit inside a 62mm tube and the smaller shaft is a little over 42 mm. Width approx 10.5mm. After 67 the steering column design was changed and this seal or bushing is no longer needed. The 356 has a totally different system. Seems unique to 901 through 67. I'm thinking I might use a wheel bearing seal, width is 10mm and OD is 62 mm. The ID is a little larger, so may try something like a speedy sleeve . The seal fits between two retainers held in place by what could be described as large piston pin circlips. I'll keep looking for a solution. Not even sure what material was used, but it crumbled like an old coupling bushing.

[rusnak]

I used to have an old tractor mechanic named Ben. His company was called Ben Tractor, and he had this lathe that he used to make the most obsolete parts on.......

[#303016]

Hi Rusty 356,

happens to find any solution? I broke my ring and I don't know what to do.

Maybe I'll ask some specialist to make such a part, but what material?

Thanks for your answer alreydy in advance.

BR
Timo

[Mitch Leland]

Rusty,

If you have the exact dimensions I can see if my machinist would turn a new bushing out for you. Am I correct, your part is a donut with straight sides? I would suggest making the part out of the same steering bushing material that I use for the late 911's. It's a self lubricating MDS Nylon. Tough stuff...

[David Siebert]

All,

I have a number of these sleeves and springs available

David

[#303016]

David,

your sleeves are like this?

BR
Timo

[Tyracious]

Howdy - do you still have this part?

[David Siebert]

Yes, I have additional steering sleeves / springs.

David

[chris_seven]

The split steel Stützering used to take the play out of the steering wheel is available from Porsche - around $30 each.

The lower 'rubber' spacer ring has been NLA for years and many of these parts disintegrate probably due to ozone.

This ring almost certainly has a small amount of damping capability and the cost of a new moulding tool was few hundred dollars and the market quite small.

We water jet cut a batch of NBR Rubber rings from a hard- by rubber standards - sheet rubber -90 Shore 'A' and have used them successfully as replacements for the last 3-4 years.

They fit with the standard Nilos Washers and Snap Rings and provide both location and damping.

[Tyracious]

Thanks Mr. Siebert. Unfortunately I missed the reply.

RosePassion.com carries this item - I just got it and can confirm proper fitment.
$30 inclusive of speedy FedEx shipment.
Their part reference - P13189

Actually they have a few weirdo NLA bits that I haven't been able to locate elsewhere.