Boxer steering rack play...

This is a problem that I've chased for a long time...and recently has gotten to the point of annoying, making the car uncomfortable driving on the highway. From a point of reference, the BB sterring rack is essentially the same as what's used in the 308s. The basic problem is that there is (or sure feels like) excessive play in the steering wheel, when the wheels are point straight.

Specifically, if I turn the steering wheel 20 degrees, CW or CCW off center, the front wheels do turn, albeit, very, very little...and this "feels" like alot of play in the steering wheel. However, if I move the steering wheel, say 40 degrees off center, to start, and repeat the same test...there is almost "zero" play in the steering and the front wheel move much more directly in response to the steering wheel input.

All the normal stuff, including steering column u-joints are tight. The tie rods and end are tight, with zero looseness or play. My gut tells me that the rack is worn in the "center" and an adjustment is needed on the pinion depth and preload. I find this a bit odd, as the rack has less than 20,000 kms on it, but then again...it's a Ferrari. LOL!

So...If my thought process is correct, has anyone done these adjustments with the rack still in the car? Does the rack need to be disassembled, completely, to do these adjustments? The WSM isn't exactly alot of help here in terms of clarity.

Thoughts from those who have been down this path...

Regards,
David

 

Funny you say that...

This is the second rack I've installed in this car. The first rack I pulled after only 1,000 km of use, because it felt similar, but far less on-center play. The second rack, now in the car, felt much, much better initially...but still sucks in steering feel compared to my old 308QV which uses the same rack and similar steering geometry. Maybe those clowns over at TRW/Camgear just never adjusted these rack correctly to begin with...?

Regards,
David

 

Steve,

The very first rack was replaced due to a prior "curbing" incident...Fortunately, both steering racks that I (currently) have do have removeable plates/shims for adjustment purposes. Regarding adjusting for on-center at the risk of binding off-center; I believe that this is a real possibility. My other thoughts are to replace the rack and pinion internals with a quicker ratio one from ??? (the English company, name escapes me). I can't help but wonder if the Pantera owners go thru all this nonsense with these racks...

Looks like this Winter...out she comes anyhow, for a close inspection.

Thanks for your thoughts,
David

 

Greg,
Thanks for the info...I just couldn't remmeber where I saw the R&P. Other than the (obvious) quicker steeering, do you (still) have any numbness in the steering, when "on-center"?

Thanks,
David

 

Two-fold problem:

First: Rack mounts are toast...Even with the front wheels off the ground, the rack mounts (rubber isolation type inserts) move at least 1/8" each way within their housings, when the steering wheel is wiggled. I would imagine that the play is even worse when the car is on the ground and the rack is "loaded". From the parts catalogs, it look like Ferrari offers an improved rack mounting kit for use on the later cars...and uses this same kit on the 308's thru the TR's.

Second: As suspected, some looseness in the rack in the on-center position.

And the band played on....


Regards,
David