How to rebuild a power steering rack F355 | Page 2 | FerrariChat

How to rebuild a power steering rack F355

Discussion in '348/355' started by yelcab, Nov 15, 2015.

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  1. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #26 yelcab, Nov 28, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Now the metal spacer goes on top of that seal. I measured the distance from the spacer to the top of the housing BEFORE I took it out, and it was 2.520 inch. So that is how far to install it. FIrst, toss the metal spacer in the freezer for 10 minutes. While you wait, heat up the housing where the spacer is supposed to go, to about 150F. Drop the metal spacer in from the top, drive it in place with a deep socket to exactly 2.520 inch (or whatever you previously measured the distance to be). Firm taps will do.
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  2. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #27 yelcab, Nov 28, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Install the white spacer into the far end of the rack housing. Drop it down, and then drive it in place with a socket and a 1/2 breaker bar as a rod.

    Then, wrap the rack teeth with saran wrap to protect the seal, install the seal on the far end of the rack (spring side facing the fluid side, not the grease side) then remove the saran wrap. Insert the rack with the seal into the housing and firmly push it all the way into the far side. The seal will be in the right position.
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  3. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #28 yelcab, Nov 28, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Prep the other end by installing the oil o ring on the large plastic plug, and push it on over the tip of the rack, and into the end of the rack housing. Position the plug so that the hole for the clip is visible through the hole in the housing.

    Insert the bent end of the clip into the hole, rotate the plastic plug (WD40 helps) until the clip slides all the way into the housing.
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  4. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #29 yelcab, Nov 28, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  5. yelcab

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    #30 yelcab, Nov 28, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  6. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #31 yelcab, Nov 28, 2015
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  7. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #32 yelcab, Nov 28, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  8. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #33 yelcab, Nov 28, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  9. yelcab

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    #34 yelcab, Nov 28, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  10. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #35 yelcab, Nov 28, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    And that is the end of the illustrated steps. I will leave you gear heads to re-install the rubber boots (I got to get new ones), and refill the rack with ATF fluid using a syringe, then attach the hard metal lines with new copper seals.

    It is time for a glass of celebratory wine, left over from Thanksgiving.
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  11. WATSON

    WATSON Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #36 WATSON, Nov 29, 2015
    Nice. Very, very nice.

    Thank you for the time & effort to post.
     
  12. ernie

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    #37 ernie, Nov 29, 2015
    Bravo!

    Well done Mitchell.
     
  13. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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    #38 cf355, Nov 29, 2015
    Great post :)
     
  14. PAP 348

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    #39 PAP 348, Nov 30, 2015
    Excellent job mate! Thanks for sharing. :)
     
  15. roadracer311

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    #40 roadracer311, Dec 2, 2015
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  16. RaginBull

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    #41 RaginBull, Dec 2, 2015
    Nice work Mitchell, I love these posts! :)
     
  17. INTMD8

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    #42 INTMD8, Dec 2, 2015
    Great thread! Thanks for the details and pictures.
     
  18. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #43 yelcab, Dec 8, 2015
    So, I am finished with this rack and thought about keeping it as a spare. But I will not need it for ... a few years. I am going to throw it on the for sale section as an exchange service. You send me yours and I send you mine, no waiting.
     
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  19. Fredmec00

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    #44 Fredmec00, May 31, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Mitchell,

    I think you may be able to help me with an advice. I have a F355 and I found a massive play on my steering rod. The play does not come from the track rod end, but possibly from the inner rod. Driver side is fine, passanger side (right), is the problem.

    I circled in red circle the part I suspect the play comes from. I haven't taken anything apart yet. The picture attached was originally from you.

    Does that piece has adjustment? If not, can I replace just the inner rod without taking the steering rack out? I have been told that is a major job, tight access.

    Any help will be welcome.

    Thanks,
    Fred
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  20. SoCal1

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    #45 SoCal1, May 31, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Never tired it so I dont know access

    You can try an inner tire rod removal tool
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  21. yelcab

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    #46 yelcab, May 31, 2016
    Fred

    That big knob thing is round, and screws into the end of the rack. That part of it has no play. The other side of the knob is attached to the inner rod (the left hand side of that picture). If there is any play at all, you replace the inner-tie rod. There is no fix.
     
  22. Fredmec00

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    #47 Fredmec00, May 31, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    True, that play has to be removed and the inner tie rod has to come out. The movie below shows how bad the play is.

    https://youtu.be/eLS7EfUHP5o

    I don't think the removal tool SoCal1 has mentioned would work. That round knob thing has no place to grab. How can I unscrew it? See attached picture.

    I tried to turn it with a pressure plier but it didn't work. Maybe I should try harder, but I am not very experience with suspension and steering components, at least not as much as with engine rebuilds and major assembly maintenance.

    Thanks for your feedback,
    Fred
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  23. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #48 yelcab, May 31, 2016
    You are going to have some access problem with the rack still in the car.
     
  24. Fredmec00

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    #49 Fredmec00, Jun 1, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Good news folks, the inner rod from my F355 steering is out. It was tight, but manageable to remove with the steering rack in place.

    Mitchell, tanks for your guidance. Your thread and the specific advices motivated me to do-it-myself. The workshop manual does not mention much about this sort of service.

    This forum can be a great source of knowledge for DIY.

    Pictures attached.
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  25. Fredmec00

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    #50 Fredmec00, Jul 8, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
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