355 Ferrari F355 Challenge Steering rack

Unobtanium these days. Speaking of which, what are people’s thoughts on removing the power steering and going to a 348 manual rack?

 

Seen a few threads on this out here historically so it has been done, I recall it was liked generally.

 

It was an option on '95 355's but almost nobody ordered it - same p/n as the 348. You'd probably want to align it with less caster to reduce steering effort. Personally I have no desire to have manual steering in a street car, and I find when actually pushing the 355 the steering weights up nicely, so I don't see the point. I'd send the factory rack out for rebuild unless you can find a challenge/fiorano rack.

 

I’m currently on the hunt for one. They are unavailable new. You can only source them used. I actually found a few, but they are pricey and it’s hard to tell if it needs rebuilding until you take it apart. Then finding the right people to rebuild them is another story. Only TRW in Europe or ZF (USA) can rebuild them properly.

Installing a steering rack is a big job. The last thing you want to do install something that might not be working 99%. Especially, something as important as steering.


Very early 95 cars in Europe came with a manual steering rack. I’m not sure if that’s the same one used in a 348 or not, but that item is also unobtanium new.

 

Since these were only offered on FHP equipped cars and challenge cars, they would only be removed for 2 reasons: It was leaking/had issues or it came off a crashed car indicating possible structural damage.

 

https://www.trwaftermarket.com/us/import-program-pc/chassis/remanufactured-steering-racks-and-pumps/

 

I survived a few of these rack removal jobs. I even rebuilt a 355 rack once. This is a job where I save only for my best of friends. Extremely difficult to do.

 

My new best friend

 

I wonder if TRW can convert a standard rack into a Fiorano quick steering rack.

 

Im also on the hunt for one lol

 

Never sell rare 355 parts

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/355-challenge-steering-rack.564410/

 

Hahahaha have to help those in need. I'm sure another will come up soon enough.

 

On a side note, the Fiorano steering rack must also be paired with the Fiorano pump to get the full effect.

 

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/f355-steering-rack-removal-and-replacement.397983/


My understanding is the early manual rack required even more turns lock to lock than the standard hydraulic rack. Might be better off doing a loop conversion on existing rack.

 

That is an interesting watch. It's about 50% similar to the 355 power rack. Knowing what I know now, I would not convert a 355 rack to manual for a street car.

To the OP, if the top of the center column is leaking (you can see this from inside the car), you probably can replace that seal without removing the rack. Plugzit did. If it is leaking at the bottom, then you would have to remove it from the car to reseal the whole thing.

I suggest you just replace the seals with the kit for a Volvo TRW rack, and put it back. I just sold my extra rack for $500 a few months ago. Good luck. The hardest thing anyone can do on a 355 is to replace the PS rack, the only thing that beats that is to remove said rack from a Mondial T.

 

I was going to mention this when somebody suggested a 348 manual rack. I would think it would have the opposite effect.
I love the steering feel of the 355, but the turns to lock is excessive. Tightening it up would be amazing.
You know how a lot of these 355 parts are shared from other manufacturers? I wonder if the steering rack has interchangeable gears that could be done at a steering rack shop?

 

My understanding is the majority of what makes a rack a quick steering rack is spec changes in the pinion and rack. Since TRW built the Fiorano rack, they should have that pinion and rack available.

Now I’m wondering if those parts can be ordered as part of a rebuild kit or if they offer a rebuild service, it can simply be built to Fiorano specs. Or someone can get a hold of an original rack, open it up and have said parts duplicated by a quality manufacturer.

 

348 and 355 mechanical steering racks have different part numbers.

 

https://www.trwaftermarket.com/en/about-us/remanufacturing/the-remanufacturing-process/

 

What country are you in?