Clunk/play in 360 steering wheel and poor stability | FerrariChat
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Clunk/play in 360 steering wheel and poor stability

Discussion in '360/430' started by Brav, Nov 4, 2008.

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  1. Brav

    Brav Formula 3

    Nov 20, 2005
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    OC, Rome
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    Chris
    #1 Brav, Nov 4, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I have been trying to track down the cause of the car pulling to the right on acceleration, and the other direction on lift, as well as a clunk/chatter at low parking lot speeds going over bumps. I suspected bushings, bearings, general alignment, and ball joints. After inspection, we cleared the bearings, control arms, and bushings (unless there is some other secret way of testing for a 360) and that left us with the inner ball joints on the steering rack/tie rod. It looks as if the only way to repair is to replace the entire steering rack. I haven't pulled the boot off (as in the pic, #36) to verify yet. Is this a known issue? If it is the ball joints on the rack, would this cause my car to pull on accel? I was told most likely it is rear wheel alignment to cause that. Should there be any play at all in the rack while up on a lift?

    In this thread here it was mentioned wshbone balljoints and track rod ball joints (is track rod the tie rod?)
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85074&highlight=steering+rack

    Response..

    Any input would help. Thanks in advance.
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  2. HHogan

    HHogan Formula Junior
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    #2 HHogan, Nov 4, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  3. zippyslug31

    zippyslug31 Formula 3

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    #3 zippyslug31, Nov 4, 2008
    Total left field theory, but years ago I had a Fiat that was very much as you've described. My problem turned out to be the steering gear/rack.
    FWIW.......
     
  4. Brav

    Brav Formula 3

    Nov 20, 2005
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    #4 Brav, Nov 4, 2008
    Is there a way to test this? I tried moving it around with the wheel off and couldn't duplicate any play. An independent Ferrari mechanic said that this was my problem as you describe, however.
     
  5. boraville

    boraville Formula Junior

    May 7, 2008
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    Bora Sultan
    #5 boraville, Nov 4, 2008
    A month ago, my car wash diagnosed with the same issues by Ferrari of NJ.

    The clunking from the front end is almost definatley the ball joints. Cost of repair $5k

    The drifting or pulling in my case turned out to be motor mounts. The cost of replacing motor mounts $3k.

    PM me if you want more details.

    Bora
     
  6. HHogan

    HHogan Formula Junior
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    #6 HHogan, Nov 4, 2008
    The easiest way is to get it on a hoist and test with a pry bar for play.
     
  7. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
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    #7 Ricambi America, Nov 4, 2008
  8. Brav

    Brav Formula 3

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    #8 Brav, Nov 7, 2008
    Awesome, thanks. Every mechanic tells me I need to replace entire control arm since the ball joint doesnt sell separate. Any other misc parts I should order with it ? (washers, bolts, etc..)
     
  9. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
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    #9 Ricambi America, Nov 7, 2008
    Its hard to saw without seeing the condition of what you've got. I'm certainly no professional wrench (heck, I sometimes have trouble zipping my fly!), but I can say that usually we sell these items "alone" -- without anything else necessary from that suspension drawing.
     
  10. Brav

    Brav Formula 3

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    #10 Brav, Nov 7, 2008
    It looks simple enough. Should be ordering today, thank you :)
     
  11. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2005
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    #11 PAP 348, Nov 7, 2008

    Just curious.....before you order ANY parts. :D:D

    Jack the car up and place on chassis stands. Leave the wheel on and get a metal bar and use it to try and lift the wheel up from underneath. Have someone look at the ball joints as you are doing this to see if there is any movement in them. You will actually be able to feel the movement if they are that worn. Its kinda hard to explain the technique if you have never seen it done before, but that is the correct way to check ball joints. :):)

    Ball joints usually clunk when they are worn, but do not normally cause steering problems. :):)

    So my money is on the inner steering rack ends being worn. ;);)

    To check them, jack the car up on stands (should already be on stands from when you checked the ball joints ;)) and have someone wriggle the steering wheel side to side quickly. You should be able to hear a clunking noise if they are worn and you should be able to see the inner steering rack end moving. :):)

    Give that a go mate and let us know what you find. I wouldnt order any parts till you diagnosed the issue and are 100% what is wrong. :):)

    Check your tyre pressures. Un-even tyre pressures can also play havoc with cars handling. ;);)
     
  12. Brav

    Brav Formula 3

    Nov 20, 2005
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    #12 Brav, Nov 7, 2008
    Great info PAP, thanks.

    Any idea if those inner joints can be replaced without ordering an new rack?
     

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