How to Remove Steering Column Repair Sleeve

[wswilburn]

I am really in a bind. I tried installing the steering column repair sleeve 928-347-739-02-M737 Porsche 911 & Carrera Steering System - Page 5 and it became stuck and began deforming only a short distance in. It is really stuck. Pliers won't budge it. I've also tried a gear puller but it slips off the part before I can apply enough force. I've already damaged the lower column cover ($90 to replace!) so I'd like some calm advise before proceeding. Here is a picure.

[rattlsnak]

it looks like there is already a repair sleeve in there, but hard to tell from the photo. Also cant tell if the snap ring is removed, but if you put a pair of pliers behind it, like you are trying to grab the steering shaft, then you might can try to to wedge a prybar against the handle to remove it.

how loose is the colomn? it doesnt appear to be loose in the photo.

[wswilburn]

The snap ring is out. I'll try your plier idea. It would really be unfortunate if there was already a sleeve there, interesting idea.

There wasn't a huge amount of play, but noticeable up and down, and a bit of noise occasionally.

Thanks for the suggestions

[5String43]

I think I'd lock onto that puppy with a set, maybe two, of small needle-nose ViceGrips, then pull like Hell. Perhaps there's a way you can turn the steering shaft, or jiggle it, while you pull. If you managed to get it in there, there's got to be a way you can muster enough force to pull it out.

I will say further that I have found this metal shim to not be the end-all/be-all. The shaft bearing on my car holds a small lip on the interior diameter that the shim would not go past, no matter the gentle persuasion - I did not force it for fear of ending up with a problem like yours. Instead, I used a piece of a plastic cap from a shaving cream can, per instructions found on this board. A much better deal.

[wswilburn]

OK, the plier trick worked. Thanks rattlsnak! I can see now there is no previous repair sleeve. The factory plastic sleeve has been pushed in about 3/8" by my attempted repair. There is now about twice as much play in the wheel as before I started. I'll live with it until I can take out the column and do a proper repair. Should have done that in the first place. It was stupid of me to take a short cut and I've paid the price!

[Bob Kontak]

You say the original sleeve has been pushed in. That plastic sleeve must come out if I am reading you correctly. The repair sleeve is not a supplemental sleeve, it is a replacement sleeve.

[Mitch Leland]

A better fix is Pelican's P/N - PEL-ML-STR for $29.00. This bushing is easily removed if necessary, it's made of self lubricating MDS Nylon bearing material, it won't rattle, and will probably last the life of your car.

Usually if you still have the factory bushing it has turned to dust... Pick what you can out, then vacuum the remains out as best you can, the rest can be pushed down the column.

[wswilburn]

Bob,

Your post certainly makes sense, but the tech article on this Pelican Technical Article: 911 Steering Column Bushing Replacement explicitly says it "displaces the plastic one". Could be a mistake.

Mitch,

I have one on order. It looks like a much better quality solution. I'll try it after I return from vacation next week.

[Bob Kontak]

Yep - My mistake. Mitch also says it can be pushed down the column. I should have referenced the procedure before the statement rather than relying on memory from a job I did 10 years ago. Apologies.

I do like that new sleeve.

[wswilburn]

I've installed the Mitch Leland sleeve and am very pleased. Installation was easy, the excess play is gone, and it is a quality product. Thanks to all who replied, and especially to Mitch for inventing this. I wish I had noticed it when ordering the metal sleeve and saved myself the trouble.