Steering column
 

I had been driving my 928 this past weekend when I got a whole bunch of lateral play in the wheel. When I turned into my development I heard an onimous cracking noise from the column with resistance on the wheel.
I consulted the forums and found the upper column bearing was the most likely culprit. I ordered the steel replacement sleeve.
Imagine my horror when I pulled the wheel and found that same sleeve on the column and what appeared to be another ring that was at the end of the column looking like bits of metal had snapped off of it.
I think I have just stepped into a flaming bag of poo.
Now what?:mad:

It gets better there was a copper l shaped tab that looked like it was bent into a pretzel and had been that way for some time.

Going out on a limb. But wondering if this part could solve my woes: PEL-ML-STR
I have a feeling that is not the case.

Does your horn work? Copper I shaped tab sounds like the contact for the horn. It's supposed to slide along a copper ring as you turn the wheel. But it sounds like it snagged on something.

It did I found the horn ring on the base of the steering wheel had been snapped off and the edges of the break snagged the copper lead, turning it into a pretzel. I hammered it back flat, but I need a new horn ring. I was surprised my horn worked.
Still the more pressing issue is the nightmare inside the column.

I just replaced upper bearing and lower bearing and intermediate shaft and the column fire wall seal. My skill level increased with this change.....what an interesting experience . My mid bearing was perfect after 33 years. My steering is perfect but my copper horn piece is busted off when I got a little over anxious digging into this mess.

Any walk through instructions on this mess?

Pictures would work wonders to help me visualize what you have going on.

I wouldn't be panicking. The upper bearing and collar is very easy to replace, maybe 45 minutes.
When the ball bearings fall out, everything falls down slightly and it destroys your horn ring with the plastic tab that cancels your turn signals. New horn ring is also very cheap.

Hardest part was pulling the shaft back up into place while reassembling. I just cut the old collar nearly in half and used it as a puller.

Read through this thread:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-928-technical-forum/834267-steering-wheel-bearing-issue-help-please.html#post8309987

Managed to find a PDF on the repair. Just need a puller to get the bearing at the end of the column out. Debating while I have the dash pod lifted out if I want to replace the dash lights with more potent LEDs

Picked up a replacement horn ring from Easy Porsche in Emeryville. When they heard I drove a 928 they said I was insane. I get that a lot when I mention my choice of Porsche

Got the bearing and now see that an epic bearing fail occurred the outer ring on the bearing gave out, allowing the inner race that contains the ball bearings to slide down in the column. I gotta somehow pull that inner bearing assembly back up the column shaft. I think I need to make a Gieco commercial showing a guy with a partially disassembled 928 cursing a blue streak. "When you're a 928 owner you curse...a lot. It's what 928 owners do"

Just a reminder while putting the pod back in -- be careful with the black ribbon circuit board "holder" connector because they are no longer available and I am having a very hard time finding one. My year '1981' needs a 12 way ribbon connector. No where to be found even used at the moment.

part number is 928 641 977 00 12 way

I will glue it on if I cannot find one.

Easy Porsche is a good place however due to very limited space they stopped handling
928 Models as the parts moved slower then other's like the 911
Try this place they have lot's of 928 parts located in San Landro CA 800-767-7250
https://www.partsheaven.com/
Whats your location ?

I work in Oakland during the week and go home to Sacramento for the weekend.

Thanks for the heads up on the pod connections San Diego.

sandiego928 - is this what you're looking for? - pm me

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1445376332.jpg

Yes that's it and thanks Brian for the help.

Hobbyshark - how is it going on the upper bearing?

Was away on vacation for the week. Hope to be back at it Saturday

Bearing finally extracted and multiple pieces. The plastic inner ring was snapped into two pieces. This was looking like original equipment. Had to use a dental tool to extract the other bits out of the column