Hi Everyone, My car has recently come home after a long time away and I've noticed something strange with the steering. It happens only occasionally and I haven't been able to find a sequence of events that will produce this effect. What's happening is the steering gets "sticky" or maybe "resistant" is better. There's free movement around the middle of a couple of degrees + and -. And then there's this resistance in the wheel in both directions. I find myself pushing past the resistance only to find that I've pushed too far and have to correct. And in so doing, I would over-correct in the other direction and this would go on for quite awhile as I'm seesawing down the road. The next time behind the wheel and the steering would be normal. Actually, it's normal most of the time. But every now and then, this situation would return. Has anyone else experienced this? My rack was rebuilt back in about 2001/2002. I was recently told that the rubber steering stoppers are missing. Might steering too far cause what I'm experiencing? Manny
One way this could happen is if the rotational interference is coming from somewhere along the steering column shaft. Have a quick inspection of the front trunk area; remove the spare tire and the "batchboard" trim that covers the brake booster and steering column area. Look for the steering column U-joint and the lower clamp on its extension bar. If the U-joint/sleeve have contact with the fiberglass tub then that could impede rotation of the steering wheel. Look for witness signs that the U-joint or steering shaft have been hitting something. Here's a photo of the correct amount of clearance. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=138340934&postcount=31 If that is not the source of the problem then I would check: 1) the tie rod ends for looseness 2) that the steering rack mounts are secure and tight (aka these bolts http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=138341012&postcount=34)
Check the knuckle joints on the steeering arms (inside the rubber gaiters) also check the pinion on the rack. It could be partially seized causing over correction
I has a similar problem after the rack was rebuilt and found the knuckle joints had become loose when the car came back from being re-tracked. The cause was when the fitter adjusted the track rod ends on the car, he inadvertainly undid the knuckle joints as well!! Excessive pinion end float can cause the rack to semi seize when on half lock. Check it isnt dry as well, no oil and things get sticky. I did away with the oil and packed mine with high grade grease. tony
