355 Tracking information | FerrariChat

355 Tracking information

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Dino355, Jan 20, 2011.

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  1. Dino355

    Dino355 Rookie

    Nov 5, 2007
    44
    Wimbledon England
    Full Name:
    Dean
    A friend of mine with a 97 355 Berlinetta has had a small bump with a kerb in Spain and he tells me the steering wheel is now about a half inch off centre when going in a straight line.

    He wants to get the tracking done prior to the long journey home or at the very least checked to make sure its ok!

    Could anybody give me the tracking spec so I can send it to him in a form that a normal garage might understand?

    Appreciate any help...


    Dean
     
  2. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,676
    Front:
    Ride height: 162-171mm
    Camber: -0.50 +/- 0.16 degrees
    Caster: 7.0 +/- 0.16 degrees
    Toe: 2.5mm +/- 0.5mm Inward

    Rear:
    Ride height: 182-191mm
    Camber: -2.0 +/- 0.16 degrees
    Toe: 2.5mm +/- 0.5mm Inward
     
  3. Doctor7474

    Doctor7474 Formula Junior

    Jun 20, 2010
    367
    Hoover Al,former Atl
    Full Name:
    Doctor
    Willing to bet your friend has a bent tie rod or steering rack damage as this is a toe problem.

    Alignments rarely get "knocked out". Vehicles get out of alignment over time due to wear on joints but if you hit something and then there is a problem with the alignment 99% of the time you have something damaged.

    toe problem = steering wheel alignment issue as when toe goes out both sides equalize, tire wear is substantially increased.

    Caster problem = pulling to one side should not in and of itself cause a tire wear issue.

    Camber problem = abnormal wear on the edges of the tire should not cause a pulling issue.

    Always check wheel bearings, ball joints/struts, and control arm bushings when alignment issues arise.
     
  4. Dino355

    Dino355 Rookie

    Nov 5, 2007
    44
    Wimbledon England
    Full Name:
    Dean
    Thanks you for the information...

    He claims not to have bumped it hard, BUT!

    At least he can get it checked and get home and for that I thank you!

    Dean
     
  5. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,676
    I had an incident where I had to leave the track at well over 90 MPH and the alignments did not change (we did put it back on the alignment jig and corner weight station to check.)
     
  6. dt930

    dt930 Karting

    Dec 2, 2004
    57
    Wisconsin
    Full Name:
    David C. Treichel
    I have repaired a 355 with the same issue after the owner hit a curb.

    Remove the front undertray and check the two plastic steering rack bushings held in place by the mounting brackets where the rack mounts to the chassis, there is an alignment peg in the bushing that may have broken off from the impact and shifted the steering rack to one side a bit. This would cause the steering wheel to be off center. Look very closely.
     
  7. Dino355

    Dino355 Rookie

    Nov 5, 2007
    44
    Wimbledon England
    Full Name:
    Dean
    Again thank you all for your help, I know what it is like to be far from home with a sick car and little local help!

    Dean
     

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