| Author |
Message |
Philip Airey (Pma1010)
Junior Member
Username: Pma1010
Post Number: 219
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 10:06 pm: | |
Don't know if the 512 is similar, but the 308 rack has a bushing on the passenger side which wears and leads to the symptoms I think you are describing (car on stands wheel all the way over to the right, grab the end of the rack in the gator, wiggle up and down. Unfortunately in the 308 there is only a small bushing which is undersized for the job. You can have a machine shop pull the rack apart, pull the bushing and press and hone a new one. HTH |
Brad Smith (Smithbb)
New member
Username: Smithbb
Post Number: 24
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 7:53 am: | |
Doug, thats the same location I experienced the problem. I'm not sure how a 512bb is configured but it is probably similar to the TR. Do y9ou have a parts or repair manual? If so, you will find a cross section of the rack in the repair manual that will show your rod and the socket on the rack. If not, I can maybe send you a picture from my manual. I am not aware there is anything you can repair directly although I'm sure there resourceful people out there who could maybe locate components. I am sure there is somebody on this chat who have done this before, they're quite a talented bunch. My rack actually is a TRW so I would think parts could be obtained, I just have no idea where. Ferrari in all its wisdom does not offer a replacement inner tie rod component, you need to buy a rack (so they say). I speculate the reason for this is due to the sealed nature of the rack and the semi liquid grease within the boots. In the case of my car the previous owner had a right front impact which I think either flattened or distorted the ball end of the tie rod allowing the free play. I didn't even consider buying a new one so I ended up trying three sources 1. specialty salvage yards 2. ebay 3. rebuilders. I have a name of a parts shop with connections to a rack rebuilder. I think he wanted $400 to repair mine. I eventually was able to get a new rebuilt from ebay for less. The shop that sold it to me does exotic car work and may be a source of help as well. Salvage yards are also a possiblility. I have purchased a number of parts from parted wrecks or flamers. I can get you names as well.
Let me know how it goes
Brad |
Doug meredith (Dougm)
Member
Username: Dougm
Post Number: 270
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 1:37 pm: | |
Brad, the free play is where the tie rod enters the boot at the end of the rack. Is there an inner piece that may be loose? The rack itself appears tight. |
Brad Smith (Smithbb)
New member
Username: Smithbb
Post Number: 20
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:24 pm: | |
Doug, where is your "free play" occurring? If the problem exists at the rack then you have a damaged joint. Tightening the tie rod will not work and will affect your suspension properties iec camber, toe and alignment. I'm replacing my rack on my TR due to this problem. When I jacked the car you could push/pull the right front wheel with noticable movement making for less than precision steering performance. |
Doug meredith (Dougm)
Member
Username: Dougm
Post Number: 269
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 10:27 am: | |
I have a little side to side free play(wobble) at the right front inner tie rod end on my 512bb. Can the extra slack be removed by adjusting the outer tie rod end which is more accessible? Or is a little side to side free play normal? |