| Author |
Message |
DHutchison (Hutch308)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2002 - 12:26 pm: | |
My '82 308 GTSi does not seem to have any play at all, in fact it becomes a little stiff (crispy) when driving. The rack has a very slight leak, but the lubricating fluid level was full (according to Autosport Designs). My last speed run saw 125-130 mph, and she felt great.
Magoo-I too saw that flashing blue light at 110 mph. "Failure to obey the posted speed limit" (55 mph), was written on that ticket. Only a $60 fine, and no record on my license. Always keep fresh donuts in your car. Happy motoring all! |
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
| | Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2002 - 7:32 pm: | |
Actually at these exchange rates it'd be more like 74mph! |
JP Lavigne (Jpl)
| | Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2002 - 6:36 pm: | |
That is 100 MPH Canadian.
;-) |
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
| | Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2002 - 2:06 am: | |
I have play in my steering, but hardly noticeable.
I was doing an indicated 120mph in 5th at 5500 RPM. Sound right? |
Frederick Thomas (Fred)
| | Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2002 - 12:59 am: | |
Man I wouldn't have wanted to have to try and talk my way out of that one Magoo! |
magoo (Magoo)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 10:42 pm: | |
My 308 was in 4th at 115mph when the lights came on. The blue lights on the car that was chasing me,that is. Damn didn't even get into 5th. |
Ken (Allyn)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 10:04 pm: | |
My Europa does 85 in 3rd (6800 rpm) and 118 in 4th; all with 117 HP (maybe mine is a touch more) and no play in the steering at any speed. I don't have a 5th however so that's all she wrote. Not throwing stones though...just an interesting comparison. |
Nika (Racernika)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 7:03 pm: | |
JP - By chance were you a Mosport Racer??? |
Frederick Thomas (Fred)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 6:36 pm: | |
My 308 only gets up to about 85 in 3rd and around 115 in 4th. |
JP Lavigne (Jpl)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 6:30 pm: | |
It's called character...ignore it and enjoy. It will go away after you get into 3rd gear at 100MPH
;-) |
Nika (Racernika)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 3:06 pm: | |
I think I just got spoiled with today's highly advanced cars. While the 308 isn't the easiest car to drive it is enjoyable.
I've been very lucky with only minor problems with the car. |
BretM (Bretm)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 10:49 am: | |
Apparently my 85 308 had play in the steering originally as well. A PO took apart the whole steering rack and tightened what I assume are some sort of tie rods in there to eliminate this. After getting an alignment a couple months ago it's perfect now. Absolutely no play what so ever. |
Richelson (Richelson)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 9:24 am: | |
If the car is sitting still and the wheel can be moved from left to right an excessive amount. This is normally called rack lash. The car will still have this when it is moving or not. Magoo this is a very good point that you mentioned. You can normally check for play in the steering by jacking up one side and turn the steering wheel to see where the play is coming from. |
magoo (Magoo)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 9:20 am: | |
Any car sitting still you will have some movement side to side in the steering wheel. But there is a difference in movement and "free play". When sitting still if the wheel feels like it is spring loaded and wants to return to position when you move it, that's normal. If sitting still the movement area is free without any resistance you have "play" in the steering. |
Jim E (Jimpo1)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 8:59 am: | |
I love to play with the steering wheel in my 328. I also like using the gas pedal, clutch pedal, and shifter! :-) |
Richelson (Richelson)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 6:30 am: | |
I think Greg is right. Every 308 I have driven has about the same amount of play. I have felt a few with more play than others but from what I have heard from the other posts this sounds correct. Most of the time when the rack/tierod ends wear, the car hits a bump etc. and it will make a slight jump or movement due to the wearing of the parts. |
Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 5:56 am: | |
I think that they all have some play. Especially sitting still moving the steering wheel side to side you will feel some play. I thought I had excessive play in my steering. I replaced the tie rod ends, bushings that hold the rack to the frame, and I had the rack rebuilt. It didn't make much of a difference at all. Long story short, I test drove other 308s and felt other friends 308s steering and i found them all to be pretty similar. The main part that wears in the 308 steering are the bushings behind the tie rods. If you do intend to replace your rack I would recommend replacing the tie rods ends and the orange rubber bushings. Mitchell, I felt your steering and I thought it was fine. You can also check the high angle u-joints but these normally don't wear out. The coupling can also be checked. It is a female type splinded fitting that fits onto the pinion. Some of the teeth could wear down and cause play. Again, I expect what you are feeling is normal. |
david schirmer (David)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2002 - 11:53 pm: | |
Ditto to magoo '77 308 |
magoo (Magoo)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2002 - 10:16 pm: | |
I have a low mileage 79 308 GTS that has no play in the steering mech. or rack. Very tight. Very sensitive response while driving. |
Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2002 - 9:44 pm: | |
My car has some play in it too. But not too much, I'd venture to say a play of about 1 inch in both directions. |
Frederick Thomas (Fred)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2002 - 9:33 pm: | |
Mine has play in it also. I am having the rack rebuilt this winter. |
Nika (Racernika)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2002 - 8:55 pm: | |
The ONLY complaint I had with the 85 was play in the steering - Am I spoiled or do they have a bit of play. A fellow 308 driver said I had no steering wheel play compared to OTHER 308s???? |