Steering Wheel Bushing Safety Question

[BDS3RD]

I’ve had my 1988 Carerra, my first Porsche, for about four months. Among many of the things that really impress me is how the steering feels so solid. I’ve read it described on these pages as “solid as granite.” Whatever that means, I do agree!

Well, last week while driving down the Interstate to work the steering wheel went “loose”. Nothing dramatic just I noticed that there was a slightly loose movement radially / perpendicular to the steering column axis - not the same "granite-like" feel for sure. There was no steering loss or sloppiness, it was just that the wheel seemed loose. Does this sound like a deteriorated bearing that seems to be so common? If so, is it dangerous to drive the car in it’s current state w/o the fix supplied by our PP?

Thanks in advance.

Dick Spangler
1988, Gran Prix White Carerra

[crustychief]

That is exactly what it feels like when the plastic sleeve "goes away". There will be bits of plastic around the area but I have never heard of it being a safety issue, only an annoying one. Our host has the polybronze replacements. I drove mine for a week after it broke.

[Oh Haha]

Originally Posted by crustychief

That is exactly what it feels like when the plastic sleeve "goes away". There will be bits of plastic around the area but I have never heard of it being a safety issue, only an annoying one. Our host has the polybronze replacements.

+1

There is a large 27mm nut with a lock washer that holds the steering wheel in place so you shouldn't worry about it coming off.

[Gogar]

I don't think anything bad would happen, but the fix is Really easy, and Really cheap, so make sure to do it!

[Mitch Leland]

Dick,

There's an easy rather inexpensive fix that will take you 30 minutes to do if you have a 27mm deep socket. Or you can get by with an 1 1/16" socket...

See Pelican Parts: Pelican Parts - Product Information: PEL-ML-STR

Also you'll find several reviews for this product at the above link.

[Wavey]

Go with Mitch's part for sure, rather than the metal sleeve. Wear issue on the column (long term) with the metal sleeve.

[BDS3RD]

Just ordered Mitch's part from our host - hopefully I can do the fix this weekend.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Mitch Leland]

Originally Posted by BDS3RD

Just ordered Mitch's part from our host - hopefully I can do the fix this weekend.

Thanks for the feedback.

If you need any help with the install just give me a yell (PM)... Before you jump in, read the directions and you'll good. Just remember to remove the "star washer" before going back with the new bushing.

It's an easy fix with a big gain...

[BDS3RD]

Installed Mitch's nylon bushing. Easy. Probably a 10 minute job if you're making production. For me about an hour.

I've posted a photo which is further documentation of a deteriorated steering bushing. I fashioned a "probe" from copper wire which I used to scoop out any remaining fragments inside the steering column. I found very few - either they slid way down in the column or they worked their way out.



Thanks for your everyone's help.