308 Steering rack headache | FerrariChat

308 Steering rack headache

Discussion in '308/328' started by 4re4lem, Jul 7, 2009.

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  1. 4re4lem

    4re4lem Karting

    Nov 3, 2003
    197
    I am in the process of fixing the steering rack in my 1980 308 GTSi I was wondering if there is anyone who knows if the rack is made by Ferrari or Fiat. I was also going to address the bushings in the rack is there somewhere that these bushings are available? It is our belief that the bushings are failing I think they need to be replaced.
     
  2. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,406
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    Most likely...try a 'search' as they are commonly rebuilt and original plastic bushings replaced with something more robust....

    That ane the mounting bushings of the rack itself can result in a new car feel!
     
  3. Steven

    Steven Karting

    Feb 6, 2009
    81
    Massachusetts
    [email protected]
    1007 Pireway Road, Tabor City, North Carolina, 28463.
    Try contacting them with regard to rebuilt steering racks, exchange.
     
  4. stratos

    stratos Formula Junior

    Dec 9, 2003
    639
    Switzerland
  5. 4re4lem

    4re4lem Karting

    Nov 3, 2003
    197
    I appreciate all of your help thanks!
     
  6. Easyrider7467

    Easyrider7467 Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2005
    980
    Northen N.J.
    Full Name:
    John


    I was ehading down the post to add this myself too....... Beat me to it. Great video.
     
  7. FF8929

    FF8929 Formula Junior

    Apr 12, 2008
    799
    Livonia, Michigan
    Full Name:
    Fred Flynn
    There sure didn't seem like there was that much thread engagement between the tie rod and the tie rod end. Is this normal?
     
  8. fastradio

    fastradio F1 Rookie
    BANNED Professional Ferrari Technician

    Apr 26, 2006
    3,664
    New England
    Full Name:
    David Feinberg
    For volumes of information on this subject, search threads that I have written on racks or suspension overhauls.

    If you really want your rack rebuilt to much better than "Factory specs", PM jh355. Without a doubt, he is the best there is on rebuilding these racks!!!! On the other hand, if you want to rebuild your rack in another 1,000 miles, send it to Atlantic Enterprises, for a quick bushing and spray paint job. These guys are good for British cars and John Deere tractors, at best.

    There's far more to rebuild these rack then just installing a new end bushing...and as mentioned earlier, more than half the time, loosey-goosey steering can be attributed to the long past worn out original steering rack mounts and ....(clapped out control arm bushings.)


    David
     
  9. Tifosi1

    Tifosi1 Formula 3

    Feb 17, 2002
    1,560
    Pearl River, LA
    Full Name:
    Kelly J. Vince
    They charged me about $165, around 5 or 6 years ago. Did great work.
     
  10. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    36,599
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Tommy
    Rutlands usually has them in stock on an exchange basis. I picked up one from them last Apr and had it put in last month.

    A BIG difference. I knew mine was worn out but I had no idea...
     
  11. bob minogue

    bob minogue Rookie

    Jun 7, 2006
    33
    melbourne australia
    Full Name:
    bob minogue
    As I understand it the R & P is based on Morris 850 but with a longer rack made by Ferrari
     
  12. climb

    climb F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2006
    4,866
    Atlantic Beach Fl
    Full Name:
    Stuart K. Hicks
    I took my rack out last month.

    It's made by Cam Gears.
     
  13. afterburner

    afterburner F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 20, 2008
    3,501
    Switzerland
    Full Name:
    Urs STEMMLER
  14. st@ven

    st@ven F1 Rookie

    Aug 4, 2008
    3,318
    Germany
    Full Name:
    Steven
  15. Tokyo Drftr

    Tokyo Drftr Formula 3

    Jan 18, 2009
    2,461
    UA-USA-JP
    Full Name:
    Ро&#1081
    jh355 has rebuild kits for both. Bought mine through him off this site.
     
  16. Nurburgringer

    Nurburgringer F1 World Champ

    Jan 3, 2009
    11,189
    Texass
    just a reminder to anyone thinking about the superformance rack: the complete rack is NOT a quick ratio like their rack and pinion only set:

    http://www.superformance.co.uk/a-308/steering.htm

    I had this put in my QV a few weeks ago and was dissapointed to find the same 3.5 turns lock to lock as the original.
    Feels reasonably tight, but I'm pretty dissapointed since it's not clear on the website that the ratio is the same as stock. I even exchanged emails SF and called it a "quick ratio" rack without any correction from them....
    Anyway, have to decide now whether to go ahead and dump another $350 into 'rebuilding' the new one with quick ratio internals or not.
    Kurt
     

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