355 Steering Problem | FerrariChat

355 Steering Problem

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Alease, Dec 9, 2007.

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  1. Alease

    Alease Rookie

    Dec 9, 2007
    4
    I delivered a 99 355 Spider to a customer yesterday. I drove it about 150 miles. The customer went about 25 miles and said the car became almost uncontrollable and was wandering all over the place. Said there was also a noise coming from the engine compartment. From his description, it seems that the power steering was over powerful and the steering wheel was very loose. Power steering resevoir was full. Any ideas as to what would cause this? I'm thinking a bad sensor or something with the pump?
     
  2. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    He might be unfamiliar with the 355 steering. It is a bit over assisted, compared to my BMW. But very precise and stable. If it wanders, I would have the tires examined, as well as the alignment of all four wheels.
     
  3. Alease

    Alease Rookie

    Dec 9, 2007
    4
    He had a 355 coupe. Plus, it was fine for 25 miles and then just happened. The tire/alignment can't change that much in 25 miles.
     
  4. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    It could. He may have hit or driven over something...or damaged a tire.
     
  5. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
    Full Name:
    Mr. Sideways
    It's probably something more simple, but that description is consistent with loose subframe bolts...which allows the engine and rear wheels to move a few tenths of inches left/right.
     
  6. FandLcars

    FandLcars F1 Rookie

    Aug 6, 2006
    3,057
    Tempe, Az
    Full Name:
    Rick Schumm
    Low-profile tires can be very under-inflated (after a puncture for instance), and still not look that bad to those without much car-savvy.
     
  7. Alease

    Alease Rookie

    Dec 9, 2007
    4
    Thanks for the info. I will have those rear sub-frame bolts checked and will check the tire preasure and lug bolts.
    A few years ago, I had a similar problem with a Porsche and it turned out to be a loose rear wheel bearing nut.
    I will let you know if we find the problem.
     
  8. Alease

    Alease Rookie

    Dec 9, 2007
    4
    Had the car taken to a shop during the week. They test drove it and of course it was fine. Went through the car top to bottom to make sure and could find nothing. They are going to bleed out the power steering fluid and replace the fluid to just make sure. Maybe it was just air in the line or kinked hose?
    The car had sat for about three months prior to this. Have no idea for sure what happened.
    Thanks for all your help and if you have any other comments, please post.
     
  9. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
    Full Name:
    Mr. Sideways

    Were there scratches on the subframe mounts from loose sub-frame bolts...or did your shop just drive the car without checking them?
     
  10. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
    Full Name:
    Mr. Sideways
    #10 No Doubt, Dec 15, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

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