Loose steering wheel?

9ine 51 · 08-18-2010, 06:27 PM

As I was driving my 81 911 sc I noticed that I was getting increasing play in the steering wheel, not loose like you would turn the car, but loose if you grabbed the side of the wheel and moved it forward and back. I removed the horn and the wheel nut is tight. It appears that the "shaft" has a great deal of play in it, more than normal. Where is the next connection area? Is something broke or loosening up? What should I look for? Thanks

scottb · 08-18-2010, 06:55 PM

Common problem. Do a search here on the BBS for "steering column bushing" (without the quotation marks).

There are two "fix" bushings. One is a metal insert. The other is another material (made by our own Mitch Leland). The metal one used to be the fix of choice, but Mitch's seems to be gaining popularity. I believe our host sells both parts.

It's about a 30 minute job, and not difficult.

9ine 51 · 08-18-2010, 07:21 PM

Cool, thanks, I'll start searching

wswilburn · 08-18-2010, 07:24 PM

Make sure you read the reviews before deciding which to use.

9ine 51 · 08-18-2010, 07:42 PM

Just bought the Mitch Leland one. Looking forward to get this problem fixed. Thanks again

Mitch Leland · Mitch Leland's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9ine 51

Just bought the Mitch Leland one. Looking forward to get this problem fixed. Thanks again

Nine 51,

I'm sure you'll be very happy with your new bushing... The best part is that it's probably a life time fix, it won't rattle, and best of all if you ever have to remove it, you can...

If you have any questions on the install, just PM me... remember you won't go back with the "star washer", just put it in your parts bin... The directions are complete!

9ine 51 · 08-24-2010, 07:14 PM

Received my bushing over the weekend and installed it last night. No complications whatsoever. Just followed the steps and had my problem fixed in less than 30 minutes. Its nice when a project "works". Thanks again to this board and Mitch Leland

JJ 911SC · JJ 911SC's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch Leland

Nine 51,

I'm sure you'll be very happy with your new bushing... The best part is that it's probably a life time fix, it won't rattle, and best of all if you ever have to remove it, you can...

If you have any questions on the install, just PM me... remember you won't go back with the "star washer", just put it in your parts bin... The directions are complete!

Mitch

Can not find the part # for yours

Standing by...

J.J.

wswilburn · 08-25-2010, 04:36 AM

Here it is: PEL-ML-STR. For some reason, Pelican has it a bit lower on the page than the metal sleeve. (it is with the lower support bushing.)

JJ 911SC · JJ 911SC's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by wswilburn

Here it is: PEL-ML-STR. For some reason, Pelican has it a bit lower on the page than the metal sleeve. (it is with the lower support bushing.)

Scott

Thanks

J.J.

Mitch Leland · Mitch Leland's Garage

J.J.

Just in case you need any more information on ordering:

Pelican Parts - Product Information: PEL-ML-STR

Feel free to PM if you have any additional questions on installing...

JJ 911SC · JJ 911SC's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch Leland

J.J.

Just in case you need any more information on ordering:

Pelican Parts - Product Information: PEL-ML-STR

Feel free to PM if you have any additional questions on installing...

Mitch

Thanks, the order will be place tonight. I need to go in there as I got a dead horn at dead center and my flasher arm are not returning, so it's will be perfect timing.

Cheers

J.J.

basher · 08-28-2010, 12:55 PM

I just did the Mitch Leland bushing fix on my '88 Carrera. Just as advertised it was a piece of cake to do. Good clear instructions and very easy fix. As he notes, use a little pick, piece of wire, etc to remove the little broken chips of the old bushing but any left behind just get pushed down the column and out of the way by the new bushing so not really an issue. Also like the fact that with the allen head screws you could remove it if required.
I used a piece of white PVC sprinker pipe(which came with a factory flare on the end(1-1/16 I.D.and 1-5/16 O.D.) to tap the new bushing in.
Steering is now good as new. A great part, and lots of good info about it from other happy users on this thread. That's the good thing about Pelican. Someone in the community has nearly always tackled whatever you are facing. And often a good aftermarket fix avaiilable. (I did the WEVO Rear stabilzer bar fix earlier this year-via Thom Amon San Jose). Now if I could find them same hi-quality level of Pelican info for Saab as for Porsche i'd really be happy.

Mitch Leland · Mitch Leland's Garage

Basher, thanks for the kudos and the PVC install tip...

Oh, you might add to your "public profile" where you park your car (well approximately), never know you might have some Pelicans in the neighborhood...