Steering column spline won't re-assemble | FerrariChat
Buy

Steering column spline won't re-assemble

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by JIMBO, Nov 23, 2008.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. JIMBO

    JIMBO Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2003
    1,357
    Bradenton, Florida
    Full Name:
    Jim DeRespino
    #1 JIMBO, Nov 23, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Dear Ferrari Gurus:

    The refurbishment of the 512TR dash is nearing completion, and after weeks of restoring the hacked wiring harness and a full day adjusting the glovebox door to perfection, I have met an impasse with the steering column. I can't get the splined end to feed back into the column. It slid out easy enough. Is there a secret trick to reassembly of which I am unaware? I thought this would be a no-brainer. HELP, please...
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  2. blown daytona

    blown daytona Formula 3

    Feb 6, 2008
    1,679
    maryland
    #2 blown daytona, Nov 23, 2008
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2008
    Some cars (other brands) have a keyed spline, where it will only go back together one way. Try rotating the spline one notch at a time to see if it will slide together. Another thing you can try is take a small file an lightly file each edje of the spline (both male and female sides) You may have a small burr that is holding you up. Good Luck
     
  3. JIMBO

    JIMBO Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2003
    1,357
    Bradenton, Florida
    Full Name:
    Jim DeRespino
    #3 JIMBO, Nov 23, 2008
    Thanks. I tried that yesterday, but I will give it another go with a cooler head.
     
  4. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,221
    Twin Cities
    Full Name:
    Tim Keseluk
    #4 2NA, Nov 23, 2008
    Likely there is only one correct answer to this problem. There is probably one spline that is different than the others.

    The good news, if it came apart obviously it will fit back together.
     
  5. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #5 Shamile, Nov 23, 2008
    Dear Ferraristi,

    Jimbo....looking very nice !

    So....how come it's taken you this long? :D


    The only thing I can think of....assuming the U joint is in place in on the steering rack, the joint is just not in position or at the proper angle to slide down. Before you have it in place, can you take the off the lower spline and test fit it in the column on the bench....or is that hung up too.

    If it's hung up on the bench, perhaps a one spline at a time fitting. I've seen where if it doesn't go ( the logical position ) a 180 Degree twist usually lines things up.

    I know you really know your stuff....just thinking off the top of my head.


    Shamile

    Freeze....Miami Vice !
     
  6. JIMBO

    JIMBO Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2003
    1,357
    Bradenton, Florida
    Full Name:
    Jim DeRespino
    #6 JIMBO, Nov 23, 2008
    Randy in the technical thread had the correct answer.

    There is a compression collar on the end of the steering column (female splined end). All splines are identical. It took two modest taps with a dead-blow hammer to overcome the resistance and the splines slid right in. The compression collar allows the splines to slide in and out easily until it reaches the end of travel (almost out), where it meets resistance, so it can't just slide out.

    Take that, devious Ferrari engineers! Another one of your annoying secrets is revealed for all of FerrariChat to read. hahahaha! And, to make this humble victory even sweeter, all electrical connections and the rewired dash pod seem to be functioning perfectly. The old girl even started up on the first crank after what... 6 or 7 weeks?

    Oh yes, my friends, life is good. I believe I will stop here for the day and raise a frosty mug of Michelob in toast to my FerrariChat friends. You are the best. Salut!

    ...Jim
     
  7. Mr.Chairman

    Mr.Chairman F1 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2008
    2,987
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Robbie
    #7 Mr.Chairman, Nov 23, 2008
    Cheers my friend.. To Victory..

    R
     
  8. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #8 Shamile, Nov 23, 2008
    Dooooon't anger the Ferrari gods!

    They may strike without warning at the most inopportune time.

    ....like not letting your TR start in front of a bunch of pretty girls in front of a trendy restaurant. :D


    BTW,

    Great Tip....thanks for posting the answer.



    Shamile

    Freeze...Miami Vice !
     
  9. JIMBO

    JIMBO Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2003
    1,357
    Bradenton, Florida
    Full Name:
    Jim DeRespino
    #9 JIMBO, Nov 24, 2008
    HA! The Ferrari gods can kiss my Tubi. They owe me big time after all the agony and frustration they have put me through. I scoff at their feeble attempts to thwart my DIY projects and dare them to bring it on if they're not chicken. They may have the power, but I have an even greater force - FERRARICHAT. May the force be with you, too, Shamile.
     
  10. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,220
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    #10 PAP 348, Nov 24, 2008
    GREAT to hear you got it sorted Jim!! :):)

    And yes, life is good my friend! :D:D
     

Share This Page