Steering column "buzzing" vibration.

[86 911 Targa]

A very slight intermittent "buzzing" vibration has developed in the steering wheel/column at 40+ MPH,
and is more prevelent on the freeway when changing lanes.

All has been checked:

1. Alignment.

2. Balance.

3. Tire pressure(s) 29F/36R.

4. Tire wear is correct.

The tires are Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S with 8K miles.

The car does not pull while braking, and drives straight with momentary "hands off" on the steering wheel.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Gerry

[jason2guy]

might want to check your wheel bearings for play, adjustment.

[timmy2]

Steering column bushing worn? Mitch Leland to the rescue?
Porsche 911 & Carrera Steering System - Page 5

[DRACO A5OG]

Hey Dr Gerry,

Buzzing, hmmm. I had buzzing too but is was the wiper/horn switch and ring. You see over time and use, the copper ring will create groves on the copper switch, when deep enough it will start rubbing against the plastic housing of the ring and start buzzing on turns or side to side motion. I removed and sanded the sharp ridges to a more rounded off feel and it fixed the buzzing.

If it is buzzing when driving straight, it could be one or both linkages in the steering column. Both of mine were sloppy as heck and it cause annoying vibration while driving straight. Swapped with an used good ones from 20th Street Auto and vibration is gone.

Hope it is one of these sollutions for you

If you like we can meet up in Southbay somewhere and I can verify for you :-P email me

Jim

[86 911 Targa]

Thanks all for the inputs.

I'll have a look at the front wheel bearing play/adjustment this weekend
as per 401-12 of the Bentley, and post my findings if any.

Best,

Gerry

[86 911 Targa]

Subsequent to posting this thread, while searching for further possible leads.

I found this post:



Having the issue when changing lanes (left-right),
I pulled the L/F (driver's side) outer bearing, and found this:





Any thoughts on the cause?

And, as always, thanks in advance.

Gerry

[Prince,Caribou]

Drop it again, in the trash can.

Larry

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by Prince,Caribou

Drop it again, in the trash can.

Larry

My very former wrench.......

[911pcars]

Among the other suggested items to visually inspect, look at the steering column and u-joint connection to the steering box. Besides mere visual inspection, yank and push and otherwise put force on the parts in question. Could reveal something loose, cracked or broken.

Sherwood

[86 911 Targa]

Front wheel bearings it was.

All is quiet.

Thanks to all for the help.

Gerry

[dshepp806]

Originally Posted by 86 911 Targa

Subsequent to posting this thread, while searching for further possible leads.

I found this post:




Having the issue when changing lanes (left-right),
I pulled the L/F (driver's side) outer bearing, and found this:





Any thoughts on the cause?

And, as always, thanks in advance.

Gerry

GOOD ONE! Thanks for sharing Zimmy's stuff......


Best!

Doyle

[dshepp806]

Now,..what the hey CAUSED that"-especially the "bend"....a bearing failure?

Thanks,

Doyle

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by dshepp806

Now,..what the hey CAUSED that"-especially the "bend"....a bearing failure?

Thanks,

Doyle

I have showed those bearings to several folks,
all just threw their hands in the air. "Weird".

The only conjecture, is that, at some time, the bearings were dropped.

Another conundrum.....

[jason2guy]

dropping it wont do that. that damage is caused by the screwdriver when checking the washer for freeplay. its easy to grab the edge of the bearing if ur not careful.
look at the goofball in that video hackin away at the washer. his method of setting preload is absurd

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by jason2guy

dropping it wont do that. that damage is caused by the screwdriver when checking the washer for freeplay. its easy to grab the edge of the bearing if ur not careful.
look at the goofball in that video hackin away at the washer. his method of setting preload is absurd

Correct!

I deleted the link/video from my post.

Although for the 944 these might be a bit better:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjFY7-IHgvQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjFY7-IHgvQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2lUqvga0n0