Steering rack torque specs | FerrariChat

Steering rack torque specs

Discussion in '308/328' started by rcraig, Feb 12, 2024.

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  1. rcraig

    rcraig F1 Rookie

    Dec 7, 2005
    2,960
    Maryland
    Full Name:
    Bob Craig
    I am installing a new steering rack in my 79 308 and am looking for torque specs on the nuts for the clamps that hold the rack. Because the rack is hollow my old motorcycle days ( it is very possible to over-tighten the clamps on fork tubes) tells me that it would be possible to over tighten the clamps to the rack itself and I know this could affect how the steering works.

    Searched the archives but couldn't find this specific info.

    I also can't find any info on the torque to bolt through the rubber clamps that hold the rack to the frame.

    I have a bunch of torque specs for the car but could find nothing on this

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,104
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    Brian Crall
    Apples to oranges. Triple clamps have no limiters on the travel of the pinch bolts and can be tightened to the point it will seize travel of the fork or break the triple clamp trying. On your steering rack it works against rubber bushings until nuts and washers bottom out on steel sleeves. That is required to get the nuts tight. Any further tightening will only put more pressure on the steel sleeves, not the steering rack tube. Just use the standard torque for an 8.8 grade 8x1.25 fastener.
     
  3. rcraig

    rcraig F1 Rookie

    Dec 7, 2005
    2,960
    Maryland
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    Bob Craig

    I had originally thought that when I looked at the exploded drawing before taking it apart but when I took it apart I got confused.

    80,000 miles ago I had a new steering rack installed at Algar Ferrari in Philly and all was good.

    When I started refurbishing the suspension I found the boots had failed on steering rack and a bunch of play.

    When I took the rack out and undid the circular clamps that actually hold the rack I found on one side there was only one of the spacers (see photos) and on the other side there was one thick and one thin spacer which made me think they were adjusting for clamping force somehow.
    Maybe just the inaccuracy of the clamping pieces.

    The drawing shows one on one side and two thick ones on the other side.

    Maybe I'm over thinking this but I'm not a great mechanic and can't afford to pay one so doing the best I can.
    I can't tell you how much some of you guys on here have helped me over the years. Retired on a fixed income but don't want to give up what has been a lifelong passion for me.
    Thank you so much for trying to get an old geezer get back on the road before I get too old to push the clutch anymore. LOL
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  4. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    If you read the legend below the picture #11 requires 4 of them.

    The picture is not intended to be an assembly guide, only to help you find part numbers.

    Do not ever use the parts book to help you assemble the car correctly. It will lead you wrong nearly every single time.
     
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  5. rcraig

    rcraig F1 Rookie

    Dec 7, 2005
    2,960
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    Bob Craig
    I figured there should be 4.
    I was confused because the Ferrari mechanic that was the top mechanic at Algar Ferrari for years had only one on one side and two on the other side that had one normal thick one and one that was super thin.
    He was the last one to touch it until I took it apart last week. The photos are from the disassembly process so I could remember how it was.
    Like I said, I'm not great at this so probably have 1000 photos just from the disassembly because I have found so many changes over the years.

    Would you suggest that I get the other 3 that I need and use all 4?
     
  6. bitsobrits

    bitsobrits Formula Junior
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    Nov 12, 2011
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    Omaha, NE area, US
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    Steve
    Interesting....my car had only one per side when I changed racks. Seems fine...?
     
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  7. rcraig

    rcraig F1 Rookie

    Dec 7, 2005
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    That's why I was confused and wondering if they need to be very carefully sized before putting the rack back in the car.

    Steering is kind of important.
     
  8. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    #8 Rifledriver, Feb 13, 2024
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2024
    It has been so long since I replaced a rack I do not remember with any specificity but the factory very clearly call for 4 and they are only available in one size.
    I do believe any other situation would be something I remember.

    As a shop foreman I told my mechanics regularly if we put them back together the way we found them why did we take them apart to begin with? Our job is to put them back together correctly.

    That type or mount would never use shims asymmetrically.

    I did find from another source there are 2 numbers available. A 2.9mm and a 2.8mm. A very small difference. Again they would not be used asymmetrically.
     
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  9. rcraig

    rcraig F1 Rookie

    Dec 7, 2005
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    Bob Craig
    Thanks Brian. I ordered a full set for reassembly. Really appreciate the input.
    I’ll update when I get it back together.
     
  10. Dockboy

    Dockboy Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    May 11, 2013
    607
    Maryland
    Same here...one per side and it came that way from the factory.
     
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