Steering wheels sounds like it has gravel in it..

[Onefastman]

Pulling up to the restaurant and backing in I noticed that when I turned the wheel there was a sound that resembles bad bearings (gravel like). Completely out of no where, it didn't progressively get worse, just happened.

So, while I wait for the rest of my dinner party I figured it would be reasonable to ask fellow pellicans for advice.

My car is an 1985 911.

Thank you!

[Jayboundless]

That's interesting. Mine started doing the same thing. Although I think I've figure out that there is something on my steering wheel hub rubbing on the plastic housing. If you push down ever so slightly on the top of the plastic housing the sound goes away completely. I plan on taking a closer look this weekend. If anyone has ideas...I'm listening.

[porsche930dude]

yea probrobly the plastic housing rubbing on the back of the steering wheel

[Bob Kontak]

Easy to less than moderate repair.

Pelican Technical Article: 911 Steering Column Bushing Replacement

[JAR0023]

If there is no play in your steering wheel it's likely the horn ring on the back of the steering wheel hub rubbing on the horn contact on the column. Mine recently did this and to me it seems much louder than it is b/c the contact is bolted to the hollow column cover. The contact wears in and once a groove is formed the ring sits deep enough for the nylon around the ring to rub the contact. One fix is to smooth the edges of the ring on the back of the s/w hub. I tried this and it worked for a bit. I ended up placing a bit of silver solder in the groove worn into the contact to bring it back up level.

Here's a shot showing the horn ring on the back of the steering wheel hub. You want to sand the nylon on the outside of the ring where the metal is inserted.




Here's my contact after solder applied in the groove. Sorry I didn't think to snap a photo before. Mine was worn almost through. I've been running mine like this for a few hundred miles no problems. I just pulled the s/w last weekend to install the Leland bushing and it showed no wear.



If you have an extended hub like me and can't reach your fingers far enough in to start the steering wheel nut. Take a paper towel wad it up and stuff it into your socket. This will keep the thin nut from falling too deep into the socket. Also, you want to have a bit of the paper on the edges so the nut doesn't fall out. Pop an extension on the socket and you can easily get the nut started.

[DRACO A5OG]

Yeap, your horn contact ring on the steering wheel has placed a groove on your wiper (horn) contact and as a result the plastic housing around the ring is rubbing against it.

Simply use a tool to push up the contact so only the ring makes contact and place some di-electric lube and that is it. You need to do this from time to time 18-24 months.

Jim

[rollandburn]

I have the same symptoms, only happens after a couple hundred kms of highway though. Fine when I start, grinding turns at the fuel depot hours later. Investigations to come.

[Jayboundless]

Mine are all too small. I need to go buy a socket. Does anyone know what size for the hub nut?

Thanks in advance!

[Bob Kontak]

27 mm. Will probably only come in 1/2" drive at local parts store

[Jerome74911S]

+1 on what Jim and JAR0023 said, above. I had the same issue and now, 24 months later, the sound is back. So, pop off the wheel and tend to it again. Easy to do.

[Jayboundless]

That was it! Thanks for the help.