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Thruxton900 · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 4:15 pm Post subject: Upper steering shaft bearing help

Hi all,
My steering wheel has lots of up and down play in it so Ive got a new upper steering shaft bearing.

Trying to get to the bearing, I cant seem to remove the crappy black plastic sleeve ( it was already in that condition) - see photo.

Do I slice it off? If so, where do I get a replacement, or could I just use some pvc piping?

or any suggestions as to how to remove it?

Cheers

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1977 NA 924 sold in 2008.
1967 Porsche 912

2Fast · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 459 Location: Klamath Falls, OR

RC · Joined: 25 Mar 2007 Posts: 2637 Location: Australia

Yea they`re real tight but it does slide off. Nothing to lever or grip though and it only squeezes it tighter.

Remove the whole die-cast bearing retainer by pulling it forward, bringing the sleeve with it. First remove the M8 cap screw on the LH side, the ignition switch connector from behind the dash and insert the key and turn to disengage the steering lock. I`ve used a slide hammer behind the bearing to GENTLY bring it forward. A 2 jaw puller also works well.

After it`s off you will see another clear plastic bush called a "support ring" on the shaft that compresses into the bearing. Likely its also damaged and may be loose on a new bearing. Got one from the dealer on Glen Osmond Rd. for about $8. Looks like it wouldn`t hurt to replace the black one too although you could use PVC tube or whatever, but IIRC the end is chamfered to fit over the protruding support ring. If it`s worn too short the shaft can slip back and play havoc with your switchgear/ horn ring set up.

Lizard · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 5:15 pm Post subject:

grab it with a pair of channel lock pliers and twist/pull at the same time, it comes off pretty easy this way.
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3 928s,

2Fast · Joined: 09 Dec 2007 Posts: 459 Location: Klamath Falls, OR

Smoothie · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 7:23 pm Post subject:

That one in your pic was actually put on the wrong way. Whether you're able to reuse it or have to get a new one, replace it the other way with the cutouts going on first. When the cutouts are at the bearing end, they provide space to put a screwdriver in and pry. Mine was installed this way when I got my car, so never had the problem you're having.

To remove the one that's on now, as Lizard said, use some large mouthed pliers, or use vise-grips, but the idea would be to grab around the outer diameter of the sleeve rather than trying to grab it by its' end. Grab the outer surface, obviously tight enough to make it move, but not too tight, and twist it while pulling.

Another possibility would be to try a freshly sharpened wood chisel - get behind it at the bearing end and pry up from one side, then the other, etc..
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"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox