Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Guys
Noticed over the weekend that if I grab the steering wheel on my 85 944, I can pull it towards me by a couple of centimetres. There is no side to side play and the steering wheel is on tightly.It drops back when released. Anything I should be worrying about ??

Hi, John,
I would be deffo worried if my steering wheel were as loose as that, or indeed, loose at all.....
Check the steering column connection to the steering rack, it could be that the steering column pinch bolt has come loose at the rack, but still attached radially to the splines.
This would allow you to steer the car (for now) but could fail at any time!!!
Bob

There is also a pinch bolt at the top of the intermediate shaft.

I would want to investigate before driving.

Hi John

I agree with the others that you first need to check that the steering components under the bonnet are not coming loose/failing. Also check that the rack is firmly attached to the front crossmember and that there isn't excessive play in the rack itself.

I have a 924 and I am not sure if the early 944 is the same but the top of the steering shaft is held in place by the stork binnacle. On the 924, this is secured to the car by an Allen bolt accessed through a hole in the underside of the dashboard. If you have checked everything else on the steering, you could loosen this bolt, push the binnacle gently away from the dash and then retighten. This might take the play out that you are talking about.

My (924) upper steering shaft is a solid steel shaft, but I understand that some of the later shafts are collapsible to minimise injury in the event of an accident. It may be that the top of the shaft has/is collapsing. If it is, don't drive the car!!!!!!!!

Best of luck with it.

David