Make steering more direct 3.2

[3point2]

The steering on my 84 3.2 isnt as direct/tight as id like it to be when turning.. just feels a bit sloppy. I have tried doing a search but my key words didnt yield much. What should i look at to alleviate this?

[JeremyD]

turbo tie rods ~ poly bronze bushings / shocks -

[Crimson Nape Racing]

Turbo tie rods are are pretty cheap and easy to replace. I put those on my 84 and it made a huge difference. I would try them first.

[KNS]

New ball joints! If they've never been done then it's time anyway.

[stlrj]

Alignment?

[KFC911]

Probably a combination of everything mentioned in this thread (except alignment imo, but you'll need to do that too after "fixing" it). If your Carrera doesn't have "razor sharp" steering input/response, then all of your your 3 decade old rubber components are worn regardless of mileage. Do you do your own work and are you willing to tackle a "project" (i.e. total refersh) then get a professional allignment? It was a learning experience for me, and my car has been "perfect" for years . I highly suggest a total refresh of the suspension/steering rack rather than a piecemeal approach...you won't regret it, and you'll be amazed at the transformation imo. Good luck!

[Nick Triesch]

Mini Cooper as an extra car?

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by KC911

Probably a combination of everything mentioned in this thread (except alignment imo, but you'll need to do that too after "fixing" it). If your Carrera doesn't have "razor sharp" steering input/response, then all of your your 3 decade old rubber components are worn regardless of mileage. Do you do your own work and are you willing to tackle a "project" (i.e. total refersh) then get a professional allignment? It was a learning experience for me, and my car has been "perfect" for years . I highly suggest a total refresh of the suspension/steering rack rather than a piecemeal approach...you won't regret it, and you'll be amazed at the transformation imo. Good luck!

This.

I replaced all the rubber bushing with new rubber bushings, turbo tie rods, ball joints and if I move the steering wheel even a 16th of in inch the car is changing directions.

[JohnJL]

As stated, check the bushings.

You might also find more caster helps, though that may make low-speed turns more labor-intensive.

You can go nuts with tightening up every pivot point but after 30 years it may need it...I found slop in my U-joints also.

[Bob Kontak]

I put Michelin Pilots on my 81 and they were all season tires. A little squirmy. Less so now with wear.

[3point2]

Thanks all for the input.. i'm not averse to doing my own work. I'm happy to tackle a project where possible.

I have been planning on buying the tie rods, but regarding the ball joints, do most simply buy all the ancillary parts as well?
Porsche 911 & Carrera Suspension - Page 15

Also, which bushings do people recommend?

Thanks

[JohnJL]

Bushings have a wide range of NVH. Do you wast a stock ride or something more performance oriented? Pelicans oem, elephant, rebel and others all hit different points in the nvh/performance range.

[930 slant nose]

Buy a corvette

[Chuck.H]

Over the years my steering became less than perfect; I found a few things that once fixed led to perfect steering:

1. rebuilding the steering rack to refresh the old grease and get a new 'puck'.
2. check all the bearings in the steering linkage. In my case the lower steering column bearing was bad.
3. alignment - I now have just a hint of camber, and only as much castor as needed to get straight line steering.

Basically, my opinion now is if you're steering isn't 'nirvana' then something is wrong. The 911 steering when perfect is a huge contributor to that smile everytime you drive.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 365k miles

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by 3point2

Thanks all for the input.. i'm not averse to doing my own work. I'm happy to tackle a project where possible.

I have been planning on buying the tie rods, but regarding the ball joints, do most simply buy all the ancillary parts as well?
Porsche 911 & Carrera Suspension - Page 15

Also, which bushings do people recommend?

Thanks

I did, but I'm probably not the guy to get advice from...I will $end you down the $lippery $lope . I know you will probably get differing opinons, but the ball joint wedge pin (threaded pin) is one of those items that isn't supposed to be reused, replace it if nothing else imo...YMMV.

[Tippy]

Buy a corvette

He already has that feel, he wants the feedback of a 911 steering.

I have an '87 and you feel every irregularity in the road.....

[stlrj]

Wheel bearings might be loose.