some play on the steer: can be adjusted?

Check the universals in the column - just put your hand on them and wiggle the wheel. If they're tight, get someone to wiggle the wheel while you check the tie rods/ends.
No adjustment, I'm sorry, and the universals are very expensive (rack less so)

 

There is adjustment on the rack but it involves shims and has to be done on the bench. Its more likely to be a UJ as stated above or it might even be one of the bolts loose securing the UJs to the splined shafts that fit into them.

 

There are two universal joints in the column, one near the floor and another near the steering wheel. Wear is normally in the joint near the steering wheel. Neither joint is available, but there are custom universal joint manufacturers around and they will custom make a replacement.

 

I've been chasing this issue for a while on my car. My UJs and all connections are tight but there is still some slop in the steering.

I changed the rack, rack bushes, tie rod ends, and all suspension bushes and it improved it but did not eliminate it.

The next step is rebuild another camgears rack I have with quick ratio inners and do the shim adjustment at the same time. However, its not my highest priority at the moment. It does annoy me, but this winter down season I'd rather spend the money elsewhere on the car.

 

In the rack or the tie rod ends. Universal joints in the column are a very rare source for headaches.
I have 120.000 km on my car. Never replaced the UJs and they are perfect. But replaced tie rod ends twice and rebuilt the steering rack.
And be careful with adjustment of the rack itself. On every older steering rack there is some wear of rack and pinion in the center position. If you remove shims to make it tighter in the center position it may get too tight in the end positions.
And you say 'very little play'. How much is very little? A tiny bit of play is normal on such rack and pinion steerings.

Best Regards
Martin

 

Given the kilometers/miles, it sounds like it could be the passenger side bushing in the rack.

Jack the passenger side front up and try to wiggle the wheel. If it moves and makes a small noise then it is likely the plastic bushing. I replaced the bushing on my car not long ago and I have 37.5K miles.

 

Mine was a little loose. By a little loose, I mean someone who had never driven a 328 would probably have considered it tight. When it went in for service, I asked the mechanic to check it (he knows 3x8 very very well). He said slightly loose, saw some signs of wear in one tie rod and the rack. Said no need to replace now. I told him to go ahead anyway. Replaced rack (rebuilt) and tie rods. There is absolutely no play now. Always thought it was very direct, never remember it being this direct.

 

Superformance sell all the parts for the UJ and also complete rebuilt UJ. Also have many parts to fix the rack.

 

I am surprised you would see wear anywhere with so few miles. I will curious as to what you find.

I removed my rack two years ago and replaced the bushing. When I had it apart there was no significant wear on the rack. The pinion gear was also in good shape.

If the bushing is worn, which it likely is given it is plastic and all fail sooner rather than later, it will allow the passenger side front wheel to move slightly. This is due to the rack moving forward or back causing the tie rod to move thus influencing the wheel. This does not sound like what you are experiencing as you indicate there is "play".

If the car is stationary, wheels strait ahead, is there play in the steering wheel? What if you are stationary and have the wheels to the left or right?

I wonder if your rack has come loose? This is easily checked, remove the battery cover, and see if you can wiggle the rack or if it moves when someone turns the wheel.

Looking forward to updates and ultimate solution.

 

We are talking about a tiny amount of play. Any related wear would be no way visible, but only to determine with special measurement methods for gears.

But even such little wear in the thousandth or hundredth range can manifest in noticable play.

Best Regards
Martin

 

I wish I were able to get in my car and take it for a drive, hibernating for winter. I do not recollect any play in my steering but perhaps I am just not being attentive.

At the same time, when I replaced the bushing, I noticed the difference. It just felt tighter and smoother.

Is it different in the cold versus warm weather?

 

My 78 has just less than 50,000 miles. There is the slightest wiggle on center, barely noticeable. I believe it's the lower u-joint but as I'm not yet convinced I haven't taken it apart. If I put my hand around the u-joint and slowly wiggle the wheel I feel something, I'm just not sure what.

 

Scatola Sterzo Ferrari 208 308 246 Dino DE Tomaso | eBay

or maybe just this bush can help :
Maserati Biturbo Boccola Scatola Sterzo Steering Rack 4323104 | eBay

Enzo52

 

If it's the lower UJ, what you feel could also be the bushing, where the steering column goes through the bulkhead.
BTW? If there's a sticky feel in the steering, which is ambient temperature dependent, it's most likely that bushing.
It's also recommended to replace this bushing, while the rack is removed.

Best Regards
Martin

 

Since Alberto started this thread; Living in Boston, please define 'cold weather' for Italians

Best Regards
Martin

 

There is a good thread in this Section about someone really getting into the gear lash that's present in most of our racks.

I agree it's best addressed in the rebuild.

Most of ours are probably "average" to "terrible" depending on the age and the wear.

 

Do you mean this thread?

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/308-328-sponsored-yellow-compass-group/501727-thoughts-steering-rack.html

Great insight, though a bit of overkill.

I sat in a '67 Mustang recently. Since then I have a new understanding of 'steering play'. I know it's there on my 308, but I don't notice it

For completeness I forgot to mention: Sometimes excessive wheel bearing play is also noticable as little steering play. But easy to determine. If it goes away while applying the brake, it's bearing play.
BTW. Almost any play, which disappears with braking is bearing play.

Best Regards
Martin

 

Yep....

I would send my rack to Him!!

It shakes pretty bad at certain speeds, so I just add throttle until it stops....

 

albert: make sure the the steering column u joints are tight- tightening the lock screws fixed the rattle in the front end whenever i hit a road bump on my 81. good luck. jon s