Steering issue

[schiff]

I have a 1985 911 , last night as I was coming home my steering was actually going, it was like the steering wheel got really stiff as I pulled into the driveway. Does the 85 911 have a reservoir for fluid? What do you think is going on? What it reminded me of was when your steering fluid gets real low? Any Ideas?

[Flieger]

Probably the steering shaft bushing is going. There is no power steering.

[schiff]

Thanks for the quick response!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Flieger]

Pelican Parts - Product Information: PEL-ML-STR

[Mitch Leland]

Originally Posted by schiff

I have a 1985 911 , last night as I was coming home my steering was actually going, it was like the steering wheel got really stiff as I pulled into the driveway. Does the 85 911 have a reservoir for fluid? What do you think is going on? What it reminded me of was when your steering fluid gets real low? Any Ideas?

Once the factory steering bushing goes away it will disintegrate all at once... The results show up in a loose steering wheel. If you grab your steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock position and it rocks back and forth, then do the same at 12 and 6 o'clock that will usually confirm that your bushing has gone away.

As previous been offered, Pelican Part's P/N PEL-ML-STR will take care of the problem. It's a 30 minute fix. All you need is a 27mm deep socket, or a 1-1/16" socket. The bushing comes with complete installation directions.

Keep us posted on what you find out...

[hifeverz]

Stiff Steering Problem on my 911SC

I had experienced a case of stiff steering on my car and could no longer ignore it. I drove it and found car to be hard to steer (more than usual). One day, I backed out of my driveway and upon the steering becoming extremely stiff, I continued to back out. The lower ball of the lower ball joint assembly had separated from the housing assembly causing the wheel to misalign. I called tow service to get my car from the curb and into the garage. I was glad that it happened in my driveway and not on the road. My car has over 200k miles . . . I guess it was time to DIY the joints. Once I replaced(no fun) the left and right lower ball joints, it gave new life to the cornering and handling aspects.
Check your suspension also for wear and/or excess play as well as the steering components.
Good Luck.

Hz

[Mitch Leland]

If it's not a simple steering bushing problem, a quick way to check it out would be to put the front end up on jack stands and rotate the steering wheel. That might put you one step closer to isolating the problem.

Remember if you're going under the car while it's on jack stands slide some blocks for back up in case the car comes off of the stands.