Steering wheel loose. What do you think is wrong?

Jeff NJ · 01-31-2016, 02:25 PM

So I noticed the last couple times I drove my 930 prior to its winter nap that the steering wheel seemed like it had more play than I remember. I poked around a bit and checked the universal joint in the smugglers box that I had apart last winter, but its all tight in there.
I looked in the PET and don't really see an obvious busing or similar that would cause this, so before I go ripping my steering assy apart, has anyone had this before or know where I should be looking?

Also, any tips for removing the plastic housing that surrounds the stalks just before the dash? I removed the two screws, but it doesn't want to come off and I don't want to force it.

thanks

mark houghton · 01-31-2016, 02:42 PM

Isn't there an adjustment available on the rack...or pinion...or rack & pinion or WTF....an adjustment that takes up the slack where the rack meshes with the pinion? Sorry for the highly technical terms, and I could be all wet once again.
But now that I've looked at your high resolution video, you've got what appears to be worn out bushings allowing side-to-side play. Different than what I was describing.

Jeff NJ · 01-31-2016, 02:57 PM

I was hoping there was a loose bushing, but I don't see any in the PET...

JacobS911 · JacobS911's Garage

That's a lot of play. Have you replaced the steering column bushing? Bottom of the link I sent you for the part.
1979 Porsche 930 Turbo Coupe - Steering System - Page 3

krasuskyp · 01-31-2016, 03:18 PM

def the column bushing Jacob mentions - cheap & easy... go w/ the poly version available (would tell you where but ShadetreePaul sent me his spare)

2min fix

mine gave loose on 2nd run on the Dragon @ the 2009 'paloozer - I was like "WTF?!" at the time lol...

Ronnie's.930 · 01-31-2016, 04:33 PM

Here you go Jeff, since Paul is too much of an ignoranus to know the manufacturer of the bushing that he got in exchange for a certain service rendered!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/480462-mitch-lelands-steering-wheel-bushing.html

I installed one of those a while back to fix the same problem - excellent piece.

Jeff NJ · 01-31-2016, 04:44 PM

Thanks guys! Added it to my cart. Looks like a pretty straightforward install.

onboost · 01-31-2016, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie's.930

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/480462-mitch-lelands-steering-wheel-bushing.html

I installed one of those a while back to fix the same problem - excellent piece.

^^^ Yep, that's your fix!

Mondragon · 02-02-2016, 03:40 AM

Jeff,
I had a similar issue a few years ago but my issue was a little further away.

The nut that holds the shaft coupler part no.8 came loose. It didn't let go however. The splines wiggled for a while and they became badly worn until discovered. So I replaced the part and tightend the nut with a dab of loctite. Problem fixed.
Alex

OldSpool87 · 02-02-2016, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff NJ

Thanks guys! Added it to my cart. Looks like a pretty straightforward install.

Jeff,

It's a great product and easy install. As a plus, you won't have to mess with the clamshell that surrounds the column and stalks.

Not sure what steering wheel you have but take notice of how the horn pad goes together. Mine was last assembled by Data from Goonies and the whole thing was booby trapped with springs and flying screws. Also, use a deep socket with some paper towel wadded into it and a ball of tape on the end. This way the large nut holding the wheel in will be captured. I suspect a few hear will elaborate on their nut capture methods.

I hope that does it and gets the play out.

krasuskyp · 02-02-2016, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldSpool87

I suspect a few hear will elaborate on their nut capture methods.

^that^ is best left for the ALL TIME REIGNING CHAMPION NUT CAPTURER, RONKNEES!!!

Ronnie's.930 · 02-02-2016, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldSpool87

I suspect a few hear will elaborate on their nut capture methods.

No need to reinvent the wheel here (Paul orders his in XXXXXS

)!

Jeff NJ · 02-03-2016, 05:25 PM

Thanks for the details on the install Will. I have a Momo wheel and have had the wheel and horn off before. No big deal.

As soon as I saw you mention nut capture methods, I knew some good comments were inbound. Sometimes I wonder if Paul and Ronnie have some sort of alert keyed to any words that could be used to insult each other and question each others manhood. Lol.

Ronnie's.930 · 02-03-2016, 06:35 PM

Jeff, I don't know if Paul has an insult keyword alert on his phone or home PC, butt I do know that he has a 4-legged critter klaxon built into his person; any time goats, sheep, pigs, or hell, even dogs

, are in his immediate area, a sound like "boooiiinnngggg" goes off in his dome! Other physiological changes take place as well, butt those are too crass to mention!!!

Jeff NJ · 02-17-2016, 08:03 PM

Just as a follow up, I got the bushing today and installed it tonight without issue. Some of the old bushing was behind the bearing, so I had to leave it there, but it doesn't seem to be an issue.

Thanks for all the help!

Ronnie's.930 · 02-17-2016, 09:02 PM

Good deal thar, Jeff!

I think that it is typical for most of the old bushing to fall down into the steering column housing - I know that 90% of mine did (was basically powder by the time I got to it), and I've read the same from others - no problem at all.