328 Steering Rack Issues | FerrariChat

328 Steering Rack Issues

Discussion in '308/328' started by craiggo, Jul 7, 2023.

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  1. craiggo

    craiggo Formula Junior
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    Nov 9, 2012
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    Redwood City
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    Craig
  2. Portofino

    Portofino Formula Junior

    Sep 17, 2011
    872
    Yorkshire UK / Switzerland/ Antibes France
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    Portofino
    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 ?
     
  3. sp1der

    sp1der F1 Rookie

    Jan 10, 2009
    3,007
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    Simon Ashley
    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?
     
  4. craiggo

    craiggo Formula Junior
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    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.
     
  5. 4rePhill

    4rePhill F1 Veteran

    Oct 18, 2009
    8,265
    Worcester, England
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    Phill J
    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
     
  6. lopena

    lopena Formula Junior
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    Nov 3, 2003
    760
    Talk to the nice folks at AW Italian Auto Parts in Eatontown, NJ…they rebuild Ferrari steering racks.

    Alan
    N.J.
     
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  7. craiggo

    craiggo Formula Junior
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    Hahaha, I didn't even notice that in the picture but I have my dad's also!
     
  8. Dockboy

    Dockboy Formula Junior
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    May 11, 2013
    610
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    The racks will leak!

    Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
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  9. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,136
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall

    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.
     
    craiggo, lm2504me and bitsobrits like this.
  10. eurocarguy101

    eurocarguy101 Karting
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    Oct 3, 2015
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    Jefferson Wheeler
    Having just rebuilt my rack in January, I recommend buying one already refurbished for much cheaper and less hassle.
     
  11. Dockboy

    Dockboy Formula Junior
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  12. eurocarguy101

    eurocarguy101 Karting
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    Oct 3, 2015
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    Jefferson Wheeler
    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.
     
  13. craiggo

    craiggo Formula Junior
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    Nov 9, 2012
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    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?
     
  14. chris_columbia

    chris_columbia Formula Junior
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    Feb 5, 2008
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    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.
     
  15. Dockboy

    Dockboy Formula Junior
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    May 11, 2013
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    No, Mine is an 77' 308, but craiggo put one in his 328.
     
  16. Ferrari Tech

    Ferrari Tech Formula 3

    Mar 5, 2010
    1,217
    Georgia
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    Wade Williams
    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.
     
  17. Falcon

    Falcon Formula 3

    Aug 19, 2008
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    Falcon
    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.
     
  18. craiggo

    craiggo Formula Junior
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    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
     
  19. Falcon

    Falcon Formula 3

    Aug 19, 2008
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    Falcon
    Yes, please. Thank you for the assistance.
     
  20. craiggo

    craiggo Formula Junior
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    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.
     
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  21. ginoBBi512

    ginoBBi512 F1 Rookie
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    Oct 9, 2016
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    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
     
  22. Dockboy

    Dockboy Formula Junior
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    May 11, 2013
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    Maryland
    Glad to hear Craig!
     

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