328 Steering Rack Issues

The steering rack on my '87 328 is leaking (looks like it has been for a while).

From those of you that have been through this recently, I'm looking for some advice on whether to replace it or send it out for a rebuild. If rebuild is the recommendation, who do you recommend?

I've read some threads on this but, they are rather old.

I appreciate the advice.

Craig
Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

There’s no fluid in it as such , just grease and maybe a tiny bit of lube at manufacturer.
Have you checked elsewhere for that leak ?

 

Seems very odd as deposits above the gear as well I would guess that brake union has a small leak somewhere or there is a small coolant leak see blue drop on the gear body?

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/185763555231?fits=Make%3AFerrari&epid=907595054&hash=item2b405ee79f:g:lZQAAOSwxG1j3th7&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAABIFRFyEmuHCrr7rX6F7gsphhrHurzlaqEd8%2BU7Bd3yyIzlYeZ6%2FhwQ8fbyWSTOH69bAuNogwYVMLSrkqrxPXvh0YJHjmM8R53KMlq5b3QYmXIOfpAnkVnQJ2fBTQd6K2MmS4L8ekyAVdrAScEEihReSxdD6HVFrtfGSCz4M0wFlv1kAZp1Abf3Gki7jVAXMsunmLGK0Ujq9bBWsb1rCCBEGba1U60PwEEKgcS6KZ4vuBn9m6aFEBpprXzraKuTSfIQLDyt6gBpOzsT1uu1CIKS%2FzMrvCKcSDhfHJi5Sj2vQTVh4LPeIIvNr1JJ4BMf3amMHNE%2F5SzlEhn8FmFrNUvL9hzvRaMr04CCr5GTrBGDeLzzUlQQtE1aSSm1J%2B%2FTEcEPg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_q6t9mmYg

Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I started by pressure washing the area well. It's definitely not coolant so it has to either be brake fluid or steering rack oil.

 

The 328 owners manual states that the steering box is filled with 120cc (2 pints) of BP energrease FGL (G 4937) - So the steering rack won't be leaking oil, (unless someone else has been into the rack already and replaced the grease with oil )

That grease hasn't been available for a loooong time btw

 

Talk to the nice folks at AW Italian Auto Parts in Eatontown, NJ…they rebuild Ferrari steering racks.

Alan
N.J.

 

I have the exact same combo right angle, level, 45 degree angle, and ruler as you show in the picture. It was my father's and now mine. I remember it from childhood back in the late 40's.

 

Hahaha, I didn't even notice that in the picture but I have my dad's also!

 

The racks will leak!

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Grease is just oil in a carrier. The oil does the lubrication, the carrier keeps it where it belongs. Over time they will separate and that is what is leaking out.

Oil leakage from racks is common and well known.

 

Having just rebuilt my rack in January, I recommend buying one already refurbished for much cheaper and less hassle.

 

The Ebay racks are Brand New, not refurbished and are half what it costs to refurbish one

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/ebay-steering-rack.351608/

 

Agreed, but depends on how original one wants it. I thought I was saving some money by rebuilding it myself and I planned on putting in a faster rack, but I ended up passing on the faster rack at the last minute after deciding of trying to keep it original.

 

Does anyone know if polyurethane bushings are available for (Rubber grommet - 107335). I see in previous posts people using them but I can't seem to find them for purchase anyplace.

Or is the consensus to use rubber?

 

If you search on steering rack bushings, you will find a thread from more than a decade ago. I published the required dimensions and explain why you don't want rubber. You can get pricing from a local machine shop, or an online one. Very easy part to make.

Unless your rack has looseness, all you want to do is disassemble and lube with new grease. As Rifledriver mentioned, it ages and separates. Very easy 1hr project, to repack, but takes a few hours to get tire tub out for easy access. Making the tub removable(if previous owner hasn't already), gives you great access for visual inspection of the entire front end. ie: replace the rivets with m3 screws. You can spray paint rack for a better look.

 

Was this installed in a 328?

 

No, Mine is an 77' 308, but craiggo put one in his 328.

 

I rebuild these racks in my shop frequently. I make new bushing for the right end of the rack as the plastic ones are usually long gone. I have also made Delrin bushings for mounting the rack. It just depends on what the client wants.

 

Hi, it sounds like you're rebuilding your rack. Dock Boy says you installed an after market rack in your 328. I'm trying to confirm that an after market one fits. Thanks.

 

The one I bought 100% fits. I haven't had it back on the road yet but fitment was not a problem at all. I can send you the link/info to the exact one I purchased if you'd like?

Craig

 

Yes, please. Thank you for the assistance.

 

I finally got my car out on the road today for the first time since I replaced the steering rack. All I can say is, what a difference! The new rack fixed all the shimming and vibrations I had (and attributed to tires). I'm totally blown away at the difference.

 

Buy a brand new one, have a Ferrari shop install it, and your set for life, its that simple. My rack at 105 k miles is still good, when its time, I will just replace it. I dont believe in rebuild if there are new OEM units available.

G

 

Glad to hear Craig!