GT4 SUSPENSION FORK WONT BUDGE

Hey people, Getting ready to do new rear bushings. The driver side Bushing bolts are facing opposite one another, one hits the clutch cover the other the rear frame. Ok so ill take the forks off. The front one slid out easily. The rear one has been 3 days double nutting smacking with a hammer, PB Blaster pipe wrench etc. The only thing I haven't tried is a M80. It is the 4th right? Only other option is to cut the bolt on the bushing and replace with a bolt installed opposite than original. Any Thoughts. Thx

 

More PB blaster, electric impact wrench, beer, more PB Blaster, impact wrench, beer, more...

 

Try getting some heat in there if possible

 

Jet lag. I gotta say the beer was the way to go!!
Though it was for a good friend of mine who twisted the control arm
To gain access to the bolt past the frame! I was afraid to do that cause
I didn't want to bend anything. So the fork is slightly bent at the end. No
Biggie I'll just bend it back to the same size as the front most one. I did the same
On the passenger side and got it all done in one hour. Waiting for the bushings now.
But I may go with the originals since I ordered the ES As a note there are tiny and
I mean tiny pins that hold the washers on the hub assembly and there are only three
On each side. Does it matter or is it just to hold the washer in place.
Jet lag rocks!

 

original bushings will require welding, and you need to torque them down while the suspension is at riding height. That's why so many go with the ES (or at least that's why I did). I think the tiny pins that you are talking about are part of the outer bushings that have a small pin that keeps a washer with a small hole from turning; except there should be 4 each side (2 upper and 2 lower). If so, you may want to consider replacing the outer bushings as well. You may be able to salvage part of your outer bushings; some do. I just replaced everything because I have 95k on a 36 year old car, and a couple guys with far more knowledge than I suggested it. My car runs and handles so good right now I do not regret a penny that I spent to get it there - just got back from a 2-hour drive

check out: 'Upper & Lower Outer Rear Wishbone Bush Assy. Set' here: Suspension Parts for Ferrari 308 - Superformance. good luck!

 

funny thing is there was only three pins on each side . And no I didn't drop any. So you like the ES bushings? Mine are on the way

 

S/F has the tiny pins (100796) and yes, you need all four on each side, despite what the last mechanic did. They also carry the rubber seals (105432 and 106343).
You will probably need to replace the Teflon coated metal bushings (100787), if you really search these can be had for around $10 each (or you can pay $100 each if you like!) just make sure to get a current price quote as many of the parts dealers show one price on their website then charge you a different price when you order, not cool...
Usually all the other parts can be cleaned up and re used, the full kits are very expensive

 

Nielsk. Question who is s/f? And also this has never been apart in 40 yrs. Guess they were short pins in Maranello that day in Jan 1975!

 

S/F = superformance
How can you determine it has not been apart since it was built?
The fact that the fork bolt was installed the wrong way round is an indication someone has worked on it, not very likely the factory did that and left out the pins...
I Myself I have had to remedy a surprising amount of incompetent work done by mechanics, not to mention finding and fabricating parts that were simply not put back on

 

Nielsk, I figured out superformance thx. I purchased the car from the second owner who bought the car in 78-80? Id need to look, I have a folder with all the History. I bought the car in 2001. Also the car was maintained by Autosprint in Chicago. Giovanni at Autosprint knows everything about this car. He even gave me the original steering wheel that the previous owner had swapped for a thicker Ferrari one. Giovanni had my Wheel on a shelf !! He did the engine rebuild in 98 or 99. Also all the bolts, control arms, and hub upright are all painted over with no tool marks. Even under the caliper bolts the original paint is still there now. All the bolts are installed per the shop manual. Next question Paint or powder coat the control arms?

 

Unless you're going to show the car/ compete, I'd stick with something like Por-15 (actually I did). Powder coat looks nice, but is over-kill for most of these cars, and a reliable Ferrari guru recently noted that powder coating can hide cracks that should be seen if they are there.... Just my opinion. There are plenty of places to spend money on these cars; it's up to you where to allocate it.

 

Thx jet lag. I liked the paint idea better. Was curios as to the thoughts
Outer bushing..... Press out the thin inserts leave instead of the whole bush?

 

Another question guys. Im gonna send rear calipers to pmb.
Were the ate calipers zinc/gold. Or clear silver. ? Thx appreciate the help guys. Also what I meant about the outer bush was swap out the inner race since that is what the bolt rides on. Or swap the whole bush? Thx

 

I went with replacing the whole bushings. There are special Ferrari press aids for the part of the bushing in the control arm. I had a mechanic that specializes in Ferrari do the pressing (out & in) for me. I also had him do the hub bearings at the same time. New outer bushings have a coating on them that you need to pay attention to not to mess up, which is why I had a pro do it, and some of the roller part of the bearings may require a little polishing. I had two that required considerable polishing to get them in.

At firsst I was only going to replace the inner bushings with some ES bushings I bought back in 2009, and a couple worn seals on the outer bushings; but it is such a PITA getting things apart and back together I decided to do it right - I'm glad I did. The car handles great and I don't have that 'I should have done this or that' in the back of my head all the time.

When you put your car back together double check the torque specs with someone who really knows. At least one of the WSM out there has 10 kgm (72 ft-lbs) for the caliper-to-hub bolts - it even lists the right thread; I destroyed 3 of the 4 Heli-coils in my hubs before finding out that it should have been more like 57 ft-lbs.

Working on these cars is a constant exercise in 'unique' problem solving; you will be surprised how often you accomplish the seemingly impossible. They can challenge your patience, but they are such a joy to drive when they are running and handling properly - it really is all worth while. Good luck!

 

Jet thx for reply. I know about the Teflon coating or what ever. I'm doing the same thing in regards to should of done thus or that. The car is in great shape for its age. I spent four years dabbling in knowledge about the car after the body work and paint in 2001. I understand a lot about the parts and what should be done. But the shoulda thing makes me come to the forum for advise. Which I really really appreciate. The caliper thing is good to know thx for sharing the info. My Es bushes will b here tomorrow I think I may send them back. I have a friend that is a mech (super visor) for idot illinois That has a press and all that stuff so we can do it original. This 09966 Dino I own is a great running car. And the chokes work perfectly!! I need to go back to originality on Beatrice ( say with Italian accent like the movie Il Postimo). This is an original Avorio car. I have all history and window sticker including tools which I think are original ( I may have lost one or two cause I thought they were cheap junks) idiot! Also I painted it argento met. Cause I didn't know how long I could afford the car, so I did it in Argento because I thought it would be easier to sell. So yes I know about shoulda coulda. Any thoughts on the original caliper color for the Ates? Thx

 

Was gonna send photo but don't know how!!

 

Guys i have some interesting marks on the hubs. But I don't know how to post photo on the forum. I'll try from a computer later instead of my phone.

 

below the message box choose 'go advanced'
in the 'attach files' box choose 'Manage Attachments'
Another window will pop up, click on 'choose file'
choose the files/ pictures you want to upload, and then choose the upload button.
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Thx. If I can't do this maybe I shouldn't touch a Ferrari or a yugo

 

Very nice 308 btw

 

Found the photos and hit upload and then reviewed. Not seeing go advanced. Photos are found but not previewing. Interesting oval marking on hub with a line running through the center

 

Well, just got done pressing out old bushings. I gotta say it went great. the real trick is supporting the arm. I was worried about bending the arms and wasn't sure if the welds were under the lip of the bushing welded to the arm. Question, on the outer bushing, the sleeve that the bolt goes through should rotate freely correct?? so if I change the inner race of the bushing and the bolt sleeve , why replace the bushing itself? Please advise.

 

I'm hoping some of the members with more experience chime in here. I have a total of one suspension job under my belt. Several guys on this board have done dozens.
Except for 2 worn seals and one washer that spun where it shouldn't have my outer bushings seemed to be in pretty good shape; however, the inner races did have more play than they do now with the new everything. A couple members on another chat board that I have great respect for suggested I do it right since I'm in there anyway. Also living near Seattle I am surrounded by Boeing engineers (read over-build).
Good Luck!

 

To all that helped with info and advice Thank You. The rear is all done. Now to start the front.