Mini DIY - Fixing Steering Wheel Play on Early 911
 

I have this play at the steering wheel in my '71 911 and it is time to get rid of it. The Leyland bushing only for for cars '74 and newer, and I just could not see how the 928 sleeve with the split could be used, since it is way to small in diameter.

The problem is that the bearing does not support the steering shaft, but the outer diameter of the steering wheel, which sticks into the steering shaft support pipe.

In the picture below, I have already removed the bearing.

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_01.jpg

Here is a picture how it's guides the steering wheel hub. I could get a 0.5mm feeler gauge in. It doesn't sound like a lot, but when I grab the wheel and move it up and down it feels like a lot more.

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_02.jpg

This is the hub from a MOMO wheel, I'm not sure what it would be on the original hub.

The best solution would be to make a sleeve, but it would have to be very thin. I cut a piece of sheetmetal.

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_03.jpg

And epoxied onto the bottom of the hub. I used JB Quick

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_04.jpg

I used a hose clamp to tighten the piece close to the hub.

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_05.jpg

While the epoxy was hardening, I disassembled the bearing, and cleaned all pieces, and ball bearings.

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_06.jpg

Greased all balls

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_07.jpg

Put the bearing together.

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_08.jpg

Now I filed off any excess epoxy and sharp edges, and tested the fit of the bearing. The bearing slides on without play.

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_09.jpg

Continue on next post

Installing the bearing in the steering column.

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_10.jpg

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_11.jpg

The wheel in on and no more play. Will see how it will hold up.

http://muelhaupt.us/images/steering_Play_12.jpg


Cheers
Engelbert

There's also a plastic bushing that I have heard fits in there nicely. It's a VW part that was used in early '90s cars. - Matt

bumping this thread to 1. find out what VW part helps this play with the momo hub and
2. How the OP took out the bearing with the shaft in..

Thank you!

Original thread doesn’t show the spring and split ring that should be in place on the factory wheel or the Momo hub.

On the long hood cars, the steering wheel play is often due to the missing spring or the split ring being missing or installed the wrong way. This thread documents that detail pretty well

https://www.early911sregistry.org/forums/showthread.php?33268-1969-911-Steering-Column-Bushing-Replacement

Wow, that was a while ago. I cannot remember that it was difficult to get the bearing out. I think I just pried it out with a screw driver.

Sorry, if this is not helping.

However, it's still in there and I have no play.

Cheers
Engelbert

Yikes ok. I was worried yours was just abnormally easy to come out. My shaft will have to come out and use a slide hammer or something. There is just not enough clearance with the shaft in.

Informative thread nonetheless. Thank you.