Anything below 0 Celsius is cold, really anything under 4C. In reality, it is more about the difference from one temperature to another but for things that have worn over time often they are less noticeable when things contract due to cold. Lubricants, thinking grease, are also more sold thus changing the feel of things. Now if you're just making fun of the fact that I am freezing my a** off and cannot drive my car because of the salt on the roads, well then cold is about when hell freezes over.
-7C is chilly but alas for us this time of year it is not uncommon. These cars have good heaters! Alas, with the crud (sand, salt, and snow) on the road, I will not be out in the 308 for a while. Ciao
Yes, it's not the time to drive a vintage Italian supercar! We will have better times. I tested the steer two months ago, then I sent car at the bodyshop and there it still is. Ciao
Also check the bushing and rod (steering Column Plug Extension) where the steering rod goes through the floor in the car. To eliminate the play I changed the bushing, fixed the sliding surface on the rod and rebuilt the steering rack with a new bushing made of aluminium bronze.
The 2 bolt cover plate opposite the pinion has shims under it. You can reduce that shim to tighten the rack but you could end up with a tight spot over-center....or not and maybe get perfection....maybe. Trial and error and time consuming to dial in possibly with a trade-off. Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.
I solved the problem: new steering gears ("scatola sterzo" in Italian, or "steering box") and now the steer is perfect. No more play at all, zero ciao