Vertical movement in steering wheel

[johann86911]

Hello all,

Took my 911 SC out for a long drive today. Stopped at the lights and ran my hands over the steering wheel in admiration of my wheels . However, my admiration turned to a bit of concern when I noticed that my steering wheel can be moved up a couple of mm's! As in, literally, if I place the palm of my hand at the bottom of the wheel, I can push it up a couple of mills.

My question is - is this normal?? It doesn't seem to chatter or vibrate when driving. In fact, there seems to be no real issues with steering at all other than this ability to move the wheel. The normal resting position seems to be under enough tension for it to remain in position. Are a couple of the bushings that secure the steering wheel column just worn? Could it be a case of a couple of loose nuts? Should I be looking for something specific? Is this even something I should be worrying about given that it does not affect driving in any way?

Would appreciate your expert views!

Can I just say, that I've had a number of minor issues over the last couple of months of my ownership and I can not tell you how invaluable all your advice has been to this newbie 911 amateur pretend mechanic! So, I'm putting my faith in the collective wisdom here again in the hopes for advice!

thank you in advance!

j

[tailwind22]

Same thing happened to me a couple of months ago in my 89 turbo. You need a new bushing in the steering column. After recommendations from members I went with the Mitch Leland kit sold through Pelican. A pretty easy install and you can search for instructions on the install.

[Nickshu]

Originally Posted by tailwind22

Same thing happened to me a couple of months ago in my 89 turbo. You need a new bushing in the steering column. After recommendations from members I went with the Mitch Leland kit sold through Pelican. A pretty easy install and you can search for instructions on the install.

+1. I had the same issue...seems to affect most of our cars eventually. Mitch's kit is a great fix.

[cashman]

Easy fix. Same as above.

[mgatepi]

Same thing happened to me. Super easy fix with the kit!
Just do it!

[Bob Kontak]

Believe there is an article on the procedure in the tech info center. You will need a 27mm socket.

[mrehrer]

I've had this symptom as well, bought the bushing with the intent to replace it only to find that the hub worked its way free during a spirited drive before I got to that job. Check to ensure that the free play isn't simply the 27mm nut working its way free. Should be tightened to 50Nm (Thanks Ronnie).

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by mrehrer

I've had this symptom as well, bought the bushing with the intent to replace it only to find that the hub worked its way free during a spirited drive before I got to that job. Check to ensure that the free play isn't simply the 27mm nut working its way free. Should be tightened to 20Nm if memory serves.

That would be 50nm - aka: 36ft.lbs.

[tdw28210]

Just read the install instructions. So I am clear, the new metal bushing "displaces" the old plastic one by being mashed into place with a mallet? Not judging, just asking for clarity. Thanks.

[Joe Bob]

Yup....the next thing that goes on the SC is the turn signal stalk. Get a set of relays.

Ask me how I know....

[johann86911]

Okay, I have a momo corse steering wheel which I have to remove prior to getting to the bushing. I am assuming I take an allen key to nuts on the covering piece and go from there. I would post a pic but I'm not quite sure how that is actually done.

i dont have a "pictures and albums" link on my User CP. Anyone got any ideas? I've emailed the webmaster for advice!

[twistoffat]

No. Remove the horn button and disconnect it. That will give you access to the large nut holding the steering wheel to to steering column

[johann86911]

Okay! I was clearly not scrolling down!

here it is!


I dont think I can rip the horn pad off as easily as I probably could with the OEM steering!

[HarryD]

Johann,

Be sure to disconnect the battery negative terminal unless you enjoy hearing your horn.

Be sure your wheels are straight ahead and your steering wheel is centered.

Yes, remove the allen head screws to remove the wheel and expose the 27 mm nut. Remove the horn button and reattach the wheel. You will need it to remove the hub. I can get my Craftsman 27 mm long socket into the resulting hole.

Do NOT use your steering wheel lock to hold the steering wheel in place as you loosen/tighten the 27 mm nut. In fact, be sure it is DISENGAGED before you start.

When you are using your breaker bar to loosn the nut, be sure you are turning it AWAY from the Windshield to avoid having it break the glass.

Once you loosen the nut, leave it on when you pull the wheel off. It will pop off and you do not what it to fly off and hit you or your windshield.

Be sure you mark the splines so you know where to reinsert it.

Feel free to ask anymore questions.

[twistoffat]

The Horn button actually comes out easier than you think. If you have a small penknife blade you might still be able to pry it gently between the outside of the horn button and the inside of the ring with the allen bolts. Try it as least before you go to the trouble of removing all the bolts

[georgew123]

In addition to having the bushing faulty on my car, I also had an issue where the 2 bolts holding the steering column up to the dash had also come loose. Easy fix, but an extra step beyond the bushing.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by twistoffat

The Horn button actually comes out easier than you think. If you have a small penknife blade you might still be able to pry it gently between the outside of the horn button and the inside of the ring with the allen bolts. Try it as least before you go to the trouble of removing all the bolts

Are you sure?

The Horn button is a totally separate assembly from the wheel.

I know that for my Momo Horn Button, the back is completely sealed. If you are able to pry the front button off of my button, you will have the solid back of the button assembly in the way.

Unlike the stock button, they are NOT integrated into the wheel.

[twistoffat]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Are you sure?

The Horn button is a totally separate assembly from the wheel.

I know that for my Momo Horn Button, the back is completely sealed. If you are able to pry the front button off of my button, you will have the solid back of the button assembly in the way.

Unlike the stock button, they are NOT integrated into the wheel.

I know the Momo Horn is one piece and I actually have one sitting in front of me. We are however talking bout getting it removed to access the nut which allows the wheel to be removed and work on his bushing/bearing problem

[Reiver]

Just disconnect the wheel first, takes one minute.

[mrehrer]

Originally Posted by twistoffat

No. Remove the horn button and disconnect it. That will give you access to the large nut holding the steering wheel to to steering column

+1

No need to remove the wheel from the hub.

Definitely disconnect the battery to avoid playing a game of "Operation" that your neighbors will not enjoy...