Porsche 986/996 Indicator Stalk Replacement

How to replace the indicator and wiper switch assembly on a Porsche Boxster 986 or 996 model 911.

Tools Required:
8mm spanner
10mm spanner
T-30 Torx screwdriver bit with long thin extension
T-10 Torx bit
Philips Screwdriver
24mm Socket & Ratchet
Tipex, or paint and a permanent marker
Duct tape

1. Turn on ignition (to prevent alarm from going off) and disconnect negative terminal from battery. Cover the terminal to make sure it cannot contact the wire.

2. IMPORTANT! Wait for at least 10 minutes to allow the airbag system to discharge.

3. Fully extend the steering column.

4. Undo the 2 T-30 torx head screws behind the wheel. Turn the wheel to help access them.

5. Remove the airbag and carefully pry the connector off with a flat bladed screwdriver. Set the airbag aside. If removing for an extended period of time, Porsche recommend keeping in a locked container!

6. There was already paint on the shaft and nut from the factory, but if not, use paint and a permanent marker to mark the position of everything, so the wheel goes back on straight.

7. Undo the 24mm nut holding on the wheel.

8. Keeping the nut on a couple of threads (so you don't smack yourself in the face with the wheel) pull and wobble the wheel free. If stuck, a couple of taps with a rubber mallet should help.

9. Remove the nut and spring washer. Make another mark where the splines on the wheel meet the shaft. Then after disconnecting the electrical connectors remove the wheel.

10. Stick a bit of tape on the clock spring to stop everything moving around.

11. Remove 4 philips screws on the column faceplate, and 2 on the clock spring. There are a further 2 T-10 screws on the side on the column.

12. Carefully unclip the plastic parts, noting the routing of the wires inside. Move the clock spring to one side whilst connected. Remove the rubber stalk surrounds noting which is which.

13. The switch assembly is clamped around the shaft. Mark it's position on the shaft to make sure it goes back at the same depth, then loosen the 8mm bolt on the clamp.

14. Disconnect the 2 wiring plugs by pulling to the front of the car and remove the unit.

15. The new unit was supplied minus the wash/wipe insert (for cars with/without headlamp washers) so I swapped the old one over.

Reassembly is the reverse of dismantling.

The steering wheel nut torque setting is 34 ftlbs. It's just more than hand tight if you haven't got a torque wrench. The mark on the nut lets you know where it should be.

Porsche recommend fitting new airbag screws each time the seal is broken. Or just use a dab of blue loctite as they do to prevent them vibrating loose.

Once everything is back together reconnect the battery and enjoy working indicators again!