Steering wheel play

Paco Anton · Paco Anton's Garage

My stock steering wheel has developed a little play (about 0,5in). I can move the wheel up and somewhat to the sides. Steering has not been affected (yet). When I move the wheel, it looks like the pivot point is not in the wheel hub but further down the steering column.

Any suggestions to diagnose/correct this?

I guess I will have to remove the horn pad. How do I do it?

Thanks,

Rot 911 · 10-31-2002, 05:20 AM

Steering wheel bushing is wearing out. To take off the horn pad, just grab it on each side and pull. A horn wire is attached to the pad so don't get too crazy on the pulling.

Dan Owens · 10-31-2002, 05:33 AM

Paco,

Yes, sounds like the plastic steering shaft bushing is going. The originals are plastic and they wear out from friction. You do need to pull the steering wheel to get to it. The new one just slides over the shaft and down to the point it fits between the bearing and the shaft. You can push the old plastic one down into the shaft housing or pull it out. The new one gets tapped into place. There are two types of replacement, plastic which fit very tight into the space and generally get damaged somewhat easily on install or you can go with a metal one. They are pretty cheap either way, about $6 to $12.

Dan O
84 3.2 Targa