Does anyone know what the part number for the inner tie-rod for a 308? I can't locate one... (it's highlighted in red in the image) fyi - #10 (95860403) is for the bellows only. I'm hoping this isn't a "gotta buy the whole steering rack" issue... but, if so - how tough is the rebuild for the rack bushings? Thanks! Image Unavailable, Please Login
(lil-confused) Why would you want to buy and replace the tie rods and ball joint ends,,,,, if your rack is worn out?
I have answered the question now... I have to replace the whole rack (or at least have it rebuilt)... So, next question - how easy is it to rebuild the rack? Does anyone know a place that does a good job? What kind of cost?
You mean like this one? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari-308-328-Mondial-Steering-Rack-Rebuild-Kit_W0QQitemZ290120704760QQihZ019QQcategoryZ33589QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Does that look like the right kit?
Just FYI, Italiancarparts has rebuilt racks listed for $575 (with exchange). http://www.italiancarparts.com/rebuilt_parts/ferrari.html
Thanks Jeremy! I have built a comprehensive list of all the suppliers and their respective pricing for the front-end pieces (from full racks to ball joints). I'm going to take the car down to Craig at BSC next week - he's going to inspect the rack to see if it really needs replacing.
Let me know how it all goes. I could be in need of a replacement rack soon, as Darin (at BSC) thinks I may have an early rack in my QV car and that might be causing the steering issues. He wasn't yet sure enough to definitely lay the blame there though. Anybody know if early racks and later racks are indeed different enough to matter?
Just an FYI, but the rack is incredibly simple. Once you have it out of the car most of the work is over. Taking it apart to inspect it can be done pretty easily. I doubt many have worn out a rack or pinion, or if even the bearings have ever worn enough to warrant replacement, at least not until very very high miles (over 200K). The weak part is the outer bushing the rack slides through, on the opposite end from the pinion. Its made of plastic, and when they wear even a small amount, the rack can move radialy, and is magnified as you screw the rack out farther. That tiny and simple part probably wont last more than 30-40K miles, depending on roads and driving styles. The tie rods are pretty tough, unless you bent one or bunged up the threads, wear will probably be minimal. If they are loose, the cap that holds them could be tightened and and re-pinned and may take out all appreciable play. And as long as you have the cap un-pinned, you could unscrew it off and inspect the ball for wear. I havnt tried, but my guess is Napa would have a tie rod that would fit, maybe something off a Pinto or a Pantera or something.
