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Steering Rack

Discussion in '206/246' started by possum, Apr 7, 2013.

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  1. possum

    possum Formula Junior

    Sep 27, 2008
    307
    australia
    Full Name:
    johnno
    #1 possum, Apr 7, 2013
    Went for a drive today,noticed straight away how heavy the steering felt but thought it might be low inflated tyres but on checking they were okay.Jacked up the front end wheels off the ground and started to turn the wheel it was a struggle mainly to the right it started to free up so much that I was able to turn the steering wheel by moving the tyre back and forth something I could do before.I could feel the steering freeing up then it would get tight again,the rack was rebuilt about 500 miles ago and I havent driven the car for a couple of months but this is usual for me between drives any ideas would be appreciated
     
  2. Pantdino

    Pantdino Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2004
    2,069
    Full Name:
    Jim
    #2 Pantdino, Apr 7, 2013
    Who rebuilt the rack?
    Call your mechanic and tell him what you are experiencing.
    I wouldn't drive the car until this is sorted.
     
  3. TonyL

    TonyL F1 Rookie

    Sep 27, 2007
    4,202
    Norfolk - UK
    Full Name:
    Tony
    #3 TonyL, Apr 7, 2013
    Difficult to say but as above something doesnt sound right.

    read this article, the Pantera rack is the same

    Pantera Steering Rack
     
  4. possum

    possum Formula Junior

    Sep 27, 2008
    307
    australia
    Full Name:
    johnno
    #4 possum, Apr 7, 2013
    Interesting read,I will send the rack back and hopefully find out where the problem is.(at their expence)
     
  5. Nickrry

    Nickrry Karting

    Jan 4, 2009
    156
    #5 Nickrry, Apr 7, 2013
    I would be tempted to disconnect the rack from the track rod ends and see if it is still tight. This would also be an opportunity to feel if the stub axle uprights and track rod ends where stiff or not. It might not be the rack; just a thought.
    Nick
     
  6. Pantdino

    Pantdino Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2004
    2,069
    Full Name:
    Jim
    #6 Pantdino, Apr 8, 2013
    Did you remove the rack yourself?
    My recollection is that is quite an undertaking.
     
  7. Motob

    Motob Formula 3
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 11, 2003
    2,370
    Frederick, Maryland
    Full Name:
    Brian Brown
    #7 Motob, Apr 9, 2013
    One thing that I find quite often when rebuilding 246/308 steering racks is that the rack rod is bent (at the weakest point, the gear teeth). I always check the rack rod on a set of V-blocks with a dial indicator to see how much runout it has. The bent racks will be loose with the worn out plastic right side bushing, but then will bind up when this bushing is replaced with a new tighter fitting bronze bushing.
    The rack can be straightened, but it takes a good hydraulic press with a fixture and a bunch of time and patience.

    Brian Brown
    Patrick Ottis Co.
     
  8. possum

    possum Formula Junior

    Sep 27, 2008
    307
    australia
    Full Name:
    johnno
    #8 possum, May 4, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Well my drama is over,wheels off tie rods disconnected from hubs, today I removed the spare and the compartment cover and to my relief and feeling a little stupid there was my problem.I recently had replaced a brake resevoir and to prevent spilling any brake fluid down the hole under the steering rack I stuffed it with a piece of rag and it had wrapped it self around the shaft problem solved and a lesson well learnt always check the work area before you say the job is completed.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  9. dignini

    dignini Formula 3

    Aug 21, 2005
    1,348
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Luigi Marazzi
    #9 dignini, May 5, 2013
    Please tell me you are not a surgeon. Are you? 😳
     
  10. possum

    possum Formula Junior

    Sep 27, 2008
    307
    australia
    Full Name:
    johnno
    #10 possum, May 5, 2013
    I'm in excavation that's like surgery isn't it?
     
  11. dignini

    dignini Formula 3

    Aug 21, 2005
    1,348
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Luigi Marazzi
    #11 dignini, May 6, 2013
    Close enough! :)
     
  12. porkchopious

    porkchopious Formula Junior

    Oct 11, 2009
    329
    Oakton, VA
    Full Name:
    David
    #12 porkchopious, May 6, 2013
    That's very funny! (and I AM a surgeon)!
     
  13. ME308

    ME308 Formula 3

    Nov 5, 2003
    1,550
    Munich, Germany
    Full Name:
    Michael
    #13 ME308, May 6, 2013
    great find ... :D

    sometimes Ferrari problems are soooo easy to resolve ;)
     
  14. dignini

    dignini Formula 3

    Aug 21, 2005
    1,348
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Luigi Marazzi
    #14 dignini, May 6, 2013
    sense of humor too.. mr porkchopious
     

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