Loose Steering on my 330

[Steve Meltzer]

I replaced my tires (and wheels) about one year ago and have been noticing a gradual decrease in steering competence over that time. Seems like these two things would be related, but I'm not convinced they are. The tires are Sumitomo's and the problem feels like the front end's movement is only vaguely related to the steering input. This is worse when the car is made to go anywhere but straight, and only at highway speeds (ie: not present with in town driving in traffic). So a hard turn on the street is not a problem, but a fast sweeper on the freeway is frightening. With the car parked, the steering wheel can move nearly 20 degrees with no drag or resistance. Not sure if this helps or not, and I don't see anything obvious on visual inspection. thanx steve

[Rudy van Daalen Wetters]

Steve,

Have you adjusted the steering box play? That is quite a loose setup
you have going on there!

Rudy van Daalen Wetters
1963 GTE s/n 4001
1966 330 GT s/n 8705

[Steve Meltzer]

Rudy, that makes sense and reminds me of the adjustments I made on my '62 'Vette. Is there a protocol for this or is it listed in the owners manual? thanx again. s (BTW I had hoped to meet you at the Quail, but didn't see you at Tom's tent..probably afraid he's try to rope you into a purchase!)

[Rudy van Daalen Wetters]

Steve,

Check the owner's manual, it should be quite basic.
Sorry I missed you at the Tom's tent. I hovered there
on and off all day, just to aggravate Tom as he nervously
observed my every move.

Rudy van Daalen Wetters
1963 GTE s/n 4001
1966 330 GT s/n 8705

[330GT]

Just be careful and check the resistance from lock to lock. All of the wear occurs near the straight ahead steering position. When you tighten the adjusting screw, you can remove all of the play in the center, but it might be too tight off center during a turn. I didn't realize that so the first turn during my test drive was interesting.

See http://www.parrotbyte.com/kbc/ferrari/SteeringBox.htm for more information.

[steve lapp]

Steering box center play is a good start, but if that is not the problem, I suggest you do not drive the car until it is sorted out. There are many more serious problems that loose steering could be symptomatic of and you don't want to loose your steering. King pins, trunnion pins, failing wheel bearings, loose A-arms, frame cracks, etc. all should be checked for if steering box play is not the culprit.

cheers

[Rudy van Daalen Wetters]

I highly agree with Steve Lapp. If it's not in the steering box
that car should not be driven at all. I have been there!

Rudy van Daalen Wetters
1963 GTE s/n 4001
1966 330 GT s/n 8705

[Steve Meltzer]

Thanx again guys. I found the adjustment instructions for the steering box and will start on that this weekend, the "honey do list" allowing!
I completely agree that the car goes on the lift for a very careful inspection if this fails. Regards. steve

[tyang]

Hi Steve,

Like Kerry said, be careful how much free play you adjust out of the steering box. With what you describe, it should be pretty obvious what is wrong with the steering.

Good luck.

Tom

[enio45]

Steve, also check the u-joint under the dash on the steering shaft and the one outside the car as well. This is a typical u-joint looking part and may have some slop in the bearings.

Good luck....

[250GT]

Hallo Steve, I would guess you must retight your borrani wheelbutterfly nuts- I had this several times its offen the most easy failure -or look if the balanced weights have fly away.
other wise i would tip on the wheelbearings.
ciao
Cornelis

[250GT]

To check the bearing liftup your car and put your hands in the 12/6 hour (clock) possition and try to move. lateral movement
to check if something wrong with the steering components the 3/9 hourposition and let somebody else fix the other side.(transversal movement)

ciao
Cornelis

its only a hobby here( but about 200000 km experience in 25 years) only 250gt