Vertical play in steering column | FerrariChat

Vertical play in steering column

Discussion in '308/328' started by dflett, Jun 6, 2014.

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  1. dflett

    dflett Formula 3

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    #1 dflett, Jun 6, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Since I bought the car in 2010 I have approx 5 mm of vertical play in the steering column that I'd like to eliminate if possible. I have to put quite a lot of force to move it up and down so it's not a huge issue but I'd rather it was more solid. I changed the steering rack in 2012 and it did not affect this behavior.

    I see no movement down at the bulkhead. It almost feels like metal under the dash flexing rather than something loose. I have checked the bolts highlighted in green below and all are very tight.

    Any ideas or opinions on this?

    Regards
    David
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  2. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky F1 World Champ
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    #2 tbakowsky, Jun 6, 2014
    That entire bracket moves. Silly as it seems. It's a completely under engineered part.
     
  3. robertgarven

    robertgarven F1 Veteran
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    #3 robertgarven, Jun 6, 2014
    You may want to check it again as that is the part that locks the movement. Maybe something else like the bracket is loose or broken?
     
  4. Brian Harper

    Brian Harper F1 Rookie
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    #4 Brian Harper, Jun 7, 2014
    I've assumed that the bracket's lack of robustness was a safety feature to make sure it gave way in an accident. It sure does seem like it could be quite a bit more stout.
     
  5. dflett

    dflett Formula 3

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    #5 dflett, Jun 7, 2014
    Thank you for the suggestions guys. I'll take another look today.

    David


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  6. Skippr1999

    Skippr1999 F1 Rookie
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    #6 Skippr1999, Jun 12, 2014
    Mine does this also. Really annoying. Any known solutions out there ?
     
  7. dflett

    dflett Formula 3

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    #7 dflett, Jun 12, 2014
    I checked the bolts and welds and everything looks fine. It's just the bracket flexing a little. A beefier bracket is needed perhaps


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  8. kerrari

    kerrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 kerrari, Jun 13, 2014
    Mine's the same - might be worth asking is there anyone who DOESN'T have this play?
     
  9. Skippr1999

    Skippr1999 F1 Rookie
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    #9 Skippr1999, Jun 13, 2014
    Ok, does anyone Not have steering column play ?
     
  10. mcfarlin

    mcfarlin Karting

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    #10 mcfarlin, Jun 13, 2014
    I have some, but is tightened everythink up a bit when I re upholstered the dash last winter. It's much better now.
     
  11. robertgarven

    robertgarven F1 Veteran
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    #11 robertgarven, Jun 13, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  12. dflett

    dflett Formula 3

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    #12 dflett, Jun 13, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    But does the GT4 have the same bracket arrangement as the GTB/S?

    I think we do have the same steering rack bushings tho :)
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  13. robertgarven

    robertgarven F1 Veteran
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    #13 robertgarven, Jun 13, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  14. dflett

    dflett Formula 3

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    #14 dflett, Jun 14, 2014
    Does that bolt go into the chassis or another bracket? On the GTB it attaches to another bracket made from thin folded steel and it is that that is flexing.


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  15. ScuderiaRossa

    ScuderiaRossa Formula 3
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    #15 ScuderiaRossa, Jun 16, 2014
    My GTB has a tiny bit of flex (with exertion) but not really any vertical movement. Can anyone explain how to remove the lower dash panel to get at the nuts that might need tightening? Thanks.
     
  16. dflett

    dflett Formula 3

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    #16 dflett, Jun 16, 2014
    Yes, flex with exertion is a better description.

    The lower panel just covers the steering column. Mine was held on with four screws. There is a bolt hole in the middle though on my car there was no bolt in it. Here is a pic if it makes it any clearer.

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  17. ScuderiaRossa

    ScuderiaRossa Formula 3
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    #17 ScuderiaRossa, Jun 16, 2014
    Thanks for the photo but my lower cover doesn't look like that at all. It has side wings that capture the column part of the cover. There are four linear holes bit no screws (sorry, not at home to take a pic). I'm wondering if this is an early 328 carry over from a 308? I'm thinking there are clips in there holder the upper and lower covers together?
     
  18. dflett

    dflett Formula 3

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    #18 dflett, Jun 16, 2014
    Sorry. Did not see you have a 328. Mines from a 308.

    David


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  19. Ffinally

    Ffinally Formula Junior

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    #19 Ffinally, Jun 16, 2014
    My 87 328 GTS has the same cover that you describe but with 2 screws in to the bottom of the dash structure. They were a bit tricky to find but not horrible.

    And no, it has never flexed vertically, even after I adjusted the steering wheel angle.
     
  20. ScuderiaRossa

    ScuderiaRossa Formula 3
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    #20 ScuderiaRossa, Jun 16, 2014
    Thanks!
     
  21. robertgarven

    robertgarven F1 Veteran
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    #21 robertgarven, Jun 16, 2014
    The GT4 just has one large middle screw. The bracket looks exactly the same as the one pictured above.
     

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