Klive
Junior Member
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The 3200/4200 rear track rod arms are known for developing play in them. This will be an MOT failure at best or a serious accident at worst.
You can get them replaced the Maserati way, which is to replace the whole wishbone. This was my first route and I can tell you it ain't cheap.
Alternatively at least 2 of our popular independents offer a bearing replacement service. They'll take the existing arm, push out the old bearing and push in the new. Much cheaper and maintains the original design.
A second alternative was posted by Boomerang on Maseratiforum from Maseraticlub.nl the Dutch forum which I chose to try out. As I had both of mine replaced the Maserati way there was no rush so I've had time to investigate the bearings and check the dimensions needed to ensure, in my opinion, it will be a longer lasting unit.
First of all I acquired some FLURO-Gelenklager GMBH Motor Sport Rod Ends, covers and lock nuts from their UK distributor aptly named Autosport Bearings and Components.
Then calculated the rod and thread lengths required. Someone put some doubt in my mind that the thread wouldn't be strong enough, so I then reviewed this and can confirm that comparing the length of thread engaged against the minimum diameter of the thread the rod will break before the thread strips.
I have a friend of a friend with a lathe which is essential for me to ensure the thread was square. So the old bearing was hacksawed off, the rod faced off to length, turned to give an even diameter and a leading chamfer for the thread put on. The turning was not so easy as the rod is forged and is not particularly round, so only a minor skim was made to avoid going under size.
The thread was cut with a die, started in the lathe and finished in a vice as the material is pretty tough and the lathe clutch couldn't hold it. Plenty of cutting compound was used and after the final cut the thread was inspected to ensure it was adequate and fit for purpose.
The new bearing was screwed on to give a similar end to bearing centre dimension as on the original. Not so important to get this spot on as it's adjustable on the car. I'm within 0.5mm but I'll get this a lot closer before I use it as I have another original to compare against.
The fitting of the Protector Caps was probably the hardest part of the complete job as they are very tight.
So here's an old and new one together.
Before fitting to the car it will need an additional spacer to be used if the bearing thickness is important. This will be determined at the time of fitting. The Protector Caps may also need to be trimmed but these are very flexible and I'll want to maintain a good seal to prevent dirt ingress so we'll see.
Contact details are:
Autosport Bearings & Components
Unit 3, Shepperton Business Park,
Govett Avenue, Shepperton
Middlesex, TW17 8BA.
Tel: 01932 225777
Website: www.autosport-bearings.co.uk
Part No's and prices in September 09 were:
Bearing - G1XSW14MSD12 @ £29.22
Protector Cap - No.8 Rubber Dust Seal RDDS8 @ £2.40
Lock Nut - M14 x 2.0 RH @ £0.86
Prices are based on 2 of everything. I also bought a 4 oversize spacers that I may use but they'll have to be machined first. A washer wil probably do the job just as well.
All prices + VAT and delivery (was £5.45 for me).
If anyone wants any further details PM me and I'll either modify the post or let you know directly.
You can get them replaced the Maserati way, which is to replace the whole wishbone. This was my first route and I can tell you it ain't cheap.
Alternatively at least 2 of our popular independents offer a bearing replacement service. They'll take the existing arm, push out the old bearing and push in the new. Much cheaper and maintains the original design.
A second alternative was posted by Boomerang on Maseratiforum from Maseraticlub.nl the Dutch forum which I chose to try out. As I had both of mine replaced the Maserati way there was no rush so I've had time to investigate the bearings and check the dimensions needed to ensure, in my opinion, it will be a longer lasting unit.
First of all I acquired some FLURO-Gelenklager GMBH Motor Sport Rod Ends, covers and lock nuts from their UK distributor aptly named Autosport Bearings and Components.
Then calculated the rod and thread lengths required. Someone put some doubt in my mind that the thread wouldn't be strong enough, so I then reviewed this and can confirm that comparing the length of thread engaged against the minimum diameter of the thread the rod will break before the thread strips.
I have a friend of a friend with a lathe which is essential for me to ensure the thread was square. So the old bearing was hacksawed off, the rod faced off to length, turned to give an even diameter and a leading chamfer for the thread put on. The turning was not so easy as the rod is forged and is not particularly round, so only a minor skim was made to avoid going under size.
The thread was cut with a die, started in the lathe and finished in a vice as the material is pretty tough and the lathe clutch couldn't hold it. Plenty of cutting compound was used and after the final cut the thread was inspected to ensure it was adequate and fit for purpose.
The new bearing was screwed on to give a similar end to bearing centre dimension as on the original. Not so important to get this spot on as it's adjustable on the car. I'm within 0.5mm but I'll get this a lot closer before I use it as I have another original to compare against.
The fitting of the Protector Caps was probably the hardest part of the complete job as they are very tight.
So here's an old and new one together.
Before fitting to the car it will need an additional spacer to be used if the bearing thickness is important. This will be determined at the time of fitting. The Protector Caps may also need to be trimmed but these are very flexible and I'll want to maintain a good seal to prevent dirt ingress so we'll see.
Contact details are:
Autosport Bearings & Components
Unit 3, Shepperton Business Park,
Govett Avenue, Shepperton
Middlesex, TW17 8BA.
Tel: 01932 225777
Website: www.autosport-bearings.co.uk
Part No's and prices in September 09 were:
Bearing - G1XSW14MSD12 @ £29.22
Protector Cap - No.8 Rubber Dust Seal RDDS8 @ £2.40
Lock Nut - M14 x 2.0 RH @ £0.86
Prices are based on 2 of everything. I also bought a 4 oversize spacers that I may use but they'll have to be machined first. A washer wil probably do the job just as well.
All prices + VAT and delivery (was £5.45 for me).
If anyone wants any further details PM me and I'll either modify the post or let you know directly.
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