While I am at it disease - suspension rebuild. Have some questions.

So, after I found out that my leaking tire was really a leaking wheel and that my left rear brake had a serious leak, the '77 GTB went up on the jack stands.

Right now, calipers and discs are off on all four corners. I was just going to send out the rear calipers to PMB for rebuild but am leaning towards doing all four so the look the same. LOL.

Discs are going to the local machine shop to see if the can be cut and stay within spec. If not, I will probably get the new discs from T Rutlands.

Inspection shows that all my bushings look nasty and rotted so time to redo the suspension. Steering rack is also leaking (a lot) on passenger side so think I need to rebuild that as well.

Car is a 49k mile '77 GTB.

Questions:
1) Bushings: Best source for all bushings? The Superformance kits look like a good deal with sway bar, drop link, and inner bushings.
2) Shock bushings: Probably do those as well.
3) Outer rear wishbone bushings: How do I check these? Do they normally need replacement?
4) Ball joints: How do I check these? Do they normally need replacement? Best source seems to be about $500 for all four.
5) Tie rod ends: How do I check these? Do they normally need replacement? Seem to be cheaper so may just replace them anyway.
6) Steering rack: I have been following all the threads. What is the best way to remove.

Any other tips would be appreciated. Car is a fun driver so not looking to go all out for performance right now. Funds will dictate a lot. Probably sticking with the 14" wheels for now.

Also, going to do the belts (5 yrs, 9000 miles old). Previous change used the Hill bearings. Do I need to replace those? Cheap insurance I guess.

 

I recently performed a complete suspension rebuild on my 85 QV. I used the bushing from Superperformance-no complaints. Read the forum section on suspension for tips. Its really helpful. I replaced everything, including shocks. The only item I found that was definitely bad were my front shock bushings. I had rebuilt the steering rack a few years earlier. I found the outer A-arm bushings were slightly worn (grooved) and replaced them with Superperformance parts as well. My .02, as long as you have it apart, replace all bushings and wear items. Don't forget to replace the brake lines too.
Get a 4 wheel alignment from someone who knows Ferrari's afterwords. My local Ferrari dealer was actually reasonable- $260. Good luck.

 

Maseratisource on ebay supplies the original style suspension bushings at good pricing. Make an offer rather than purchasing outright.

Even though they are Hill bearings, I would change them.

 

Has anybody bought the new steering racks that are being offered on eBay? Some are ~$200, some at ~$400. The Pantera guys are reporting good results.

Info here: http://pantera.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1510042044/m/3971061656

 

For me personally it takes a few more years, before I purchase a steering rack 'Made in China.'
But who confirms it's made in China. It's almost too cheap to be Made in China. It could also be made in India at that price. For suicide I would rather buy a rope. Much cheaper. And my wife could sell my undamaged car then.
There are many things, I purchase made in China, but a steering rack would be the last thing.

Best Regards
Martin

 

BEWARE steering racks purchased via internet. There is a very recent thread on this topic, which I will flag when I have time to find it. The poster (not me) said that some of them "have the structural integrity of ladies underwear".

 

I've had one of the internet racks for two years, seems ok, although there is some play (which with experience is something I would have adjusted out before installing it as there was a little play from the box).

As the OEM 40 year old british made rack is nothing to rave about from a quality nor quantity standpoint I'm really not too concerned about a modern chinese product. I'm no engineer but I didnt see any signs that it was weaker or stronger than the oem (again, I'm no engineer).

I'm actually surprised that there isnt a quality aftermarket rack that can be made to fit our cars. Surely, there is an option somewhere.

 

You don't see, what material was used. You don't see, how the heat treatment of the highly stressed parts was performed. And so on.
It would be possible to re-engineer and manufacture such a rack with western standards. But it would be too expensive. As long, as there are folks, who are pleased to get a chinese or indian waterpump at GBP 85.00, there's just no market for a high quality product.
But at least a leaking waterpump is not comparable with a failing steering rack.
I have seen broken Fiat track rod ends made in East Europe. They have looked and feeled great out of the box.

Best
Martin

 

I have been researching Ferrari steering racks for over a month, yet I have found no answers. It's time for Dave Helms (Scuderia Rampante) to emerge from a telephone booth wearing his blue suit with an "S" on the chest, don't you all think?
I don't want a piece of crap product determining whether I live or die when driving at 8/10ths on a mountain road.

 

Completely agree. Although i'm not convinced my early- mid 70's British built cam gears rack was well designed or built - 1970's Britain was industrially forgettable. And are those 40 year old components safer?

Surely there is another option - someone like?

High Performance Motorsport Engineering | Titan Motorsport

Apparently they have built racks for Panteras.

http://pantera.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1510042044/m/5021064156/p/2

 

I have recently replaced all bushings on my 328. Used Energy Suspension bushings and a set of poly bushings from someone on this list (Dave Helms?) that I've bought a few year ago. That means suspension arms, drop links, sway bars and steering rack bushings, all poly. I'm very happy with the result! Feels much better and very precise handling.

I took the opportunity to refurbish the steering rack, shocks and brakes. Suspension arms and sway bars were powder coated. All the steering rack needed was a good cleaning, adjustment and new oil.

Replaced all wheels bearings for new ones that I had bought quite a few years ago. The car is now 96.000Km and it has never felt better!

You can see a few pictures here (and the following pages). Sorry if it is in Portuguese, but it does have comments in English
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/portugal/193134-restauro-do-328-gts-d-41.html