Steering Column Help...<please!> | FerrariChat
Buy

Steering Column Help...<please!>

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by jimshadow, Apr 6, 2008.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. jimshadow

    jimshadow F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Feb 19, 2006
    6,255
    Indiana/North Carolina
    Full Name:
    JIM
    #1 jimshadow, Apr 6, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    If you have been following my "Suspension Rebuild" thread, you'll know that I'm replacing my steering rack with a Superperformance 2.5 turn quick rack. It's been interesting to say the least.
    I had quite a time with the initial install and long story short the rack is in, centered and attached to the column, H O W E V E R.....
    I have a new problem that I cannot figure out.
    Earlier in my thread I had posted that my Universal Joints were binding due to the rack being 1/2" forward due to the new poly bushings. (I got rid of them and put back in the original rubber ones...) Well, this is not really the case after all. It seems (and I could not see it at the time) that my steering rack is hitting the clutch travel stop. (See pic#1)
    A little history...
    In order to get the original rack out, I had to loosen the large nut on the slip joint on the column. What I noticed, but did not think much about at the time was when I initially loosened it, that part of the column moved downward a little. I just figured that it was tight and moved because I loosened the nut. Now that I have the rack back in and centered/aligned, the castle nut on the end of the UJ is hitting the clutch stop. I can see that it has done this before. What I cannot figure out is how to adjust for this. The new rack is identical to the old one. The frame is straight and I have everything set as it should be and there is nothing bent in the steering column. I'm at a loss!!!

    I need some help with this one. Any ideas?

    THANKS!!!

    JIM
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  2. Artvonne

    Artvonne F1 Veteran

    Oct 29, 2004
    5,379
    NWA
    Full Name:
    Paul
    #2 Artvonne, Apr 6, 2008
    The column might be adjusted to far one way, though it should clear regardless. In any case you can loosen the column adjustment bolts and will be able to move the column enough so you will clear. Make sure when your all done that you tighten that slip joint nut good and tight.
     
  3. jimshadow

    jimshadow F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Feb 19, 2006
    6,255
    Indiana/North Carolina
    Full Name:
    JIM
    #3 jimshadow, Apr 6, 2008
    Which column adjustment bolts are you refering to? I cannot figure out how to move that seciton to the right, away from the clutch stop.

    JIM
     
  4. Artvonne

    Artvonne F1 Veteran

    Oct 29, 2004
    5,379
    NWA
    Full Name:
    Paul
    #4 Artvonne, Apr 7, 2008

    Under the column (GTB/S so not sure on GT4) there is a trim cover that screws to the dash to close off the dash under the column. On either side of the column the mounting bracket has slotted ears were two cross bolts clamp the column between, and if you peer up under that trim piece you should see them. If you loosen those two bolts you can swing the column/steering wheel in/out or tilt it within some range.

    Also remember that the drive shaft that connects to the pinion shaft on the rack, must be fully home and bolted. If not the lower u-joint could ride at a higher point and cause you your trouble. Additionaly, the column mount/bracket, is quite flexible. Its actually folded in a somewhat accordian shape so as to easily colapse in an impact. So easily in fact that you would notice you can flex the wheel around. If someone has put undue force into the wheel its highly possible they bent it some and its causing you trouble. You might have to look things over carefully and perhaps "manhandle" it back into a non interfering position.
     
  5. jimshadow

    jimshadow F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Feb 19, 2006
    6,255
    Indiana/North Carolina
    Full Name:
    JIM
    #5 jimshadow, Apr 9, 2008
    THANKS PAUL~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    He was right on the money. What I did was adjust the wheel a little forward (up towards the windshield) while pulling down on the slip joint. This slid the column out of the way. She is all bolted back together and turns as free and smooth as silk!!!

    JIM
     
  6. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,054
    USA
    #6 f355spider, Apr 10, 2008
    Glad you got it worked out Jim. The first thing I did with my previous 308GTS and later a 328GTS was adust the steering wheel height by messing with the column bolt adjustment, and add a steering wheel spacer, so I could actually reach the wheel without having the seatback set straight vertical! lol ;)

    I used the Sparco ones years ago, but Hill Engineering makes a nice one, you can get it from Ricambi America. Great comfort item, recommended!

    http://www.ricambiamerica.com/index.php?cPath=600_543
     

Share This Page