MOT failure - steering

[pjl4200]

Dear all I have a 52 plate 4200 coupe cambiocorsa with 41K on the clock and on Friday it failed it's MOT on one item, which was steering play. The MOT was organised by a Maserati main dealer and following return to their premises and an inspection they have advised that the bearings on the steering column are worn, cannot be adjusted (by tightening) and thus needs a replacement part. They have further advised that a complete column (circa £400 for the part alone) is needed and will have to be sourced from Italy next week. Has anyone else experienced a similar problem with the complete steering column needing replacement? Seems slightly odd to me, so would appreciate your input. I've had the car almost since new, so I know it's history and it's always been driven well.

many thanks, Peter.

 

[2b1ask1]

Hmmm... I'd take it somewhere else for a second opinion. That sounds wide of the mark to me.

 

[conaero]

Never ever heard of this so would advise getting a used one from David Askew or as Newton says just get another MOT done. For the sake of £45 it might be your best bet.

Obviously, if it is a genuine cause for concern, get it replaced.

Main dealer for a 12 year old car is always going to be painful.

 

[2b1ask1]

Sad if a main dealer is pulling sucker punches but that is my hunch.

 

[Parisien]

Take to an indie for confirmation, then as Matt says source a 2nd hand quality part....this will take considerable pain out of the whole exercise, plus give you piece of mind.


They are now of classic status, need constant attention...........not heard of this issue before


P

 

[safrane]

I was aware of issues with early 4200 racks that would develop excessive play on the knuckles. Maserati did a repair kit for a while but stopped in 2008. Ebay may provide a replacement but to be honest £400 is not too bad.

 

[ENZ525]

May be worth getting clarification on exactly what part(s) need replacing, steering racks certainly do wear, steering column, not so sure...
£400 for a new part does not sound that bad (depending on what it is), I paid £420 to get my steering rack reconditioned a few months ago,
the cost of a new one is approaching £3000. Certainly a second opinion would be a good idea.

 

[Parisien]

Enz....what were the symptoms for the steering rack issue?

P

 

[ENZ525]

Mine had play on the off-side P...and was leaking fluid, thats how I first noticed it

 

[Parisien]

So whine from pump as fluid drained....and other noises?

P

 

[ENZ525]

No noises at all on mine, I noticed some fluid on the garage floor and investigated...
took it to my indi and when we got her up on the ramps the play was very noticeable on the offside...

 

[Parisien]

Ok...cheers for that.........


P

 

[ENZ525]

Oh, just remembered P,
I used to get the occasional 'click' or 'clunk' (felt through the steering wheel rather than an actual loud noise), when on full lock...
not all the time, but once in a while...I did some research and put it down to the ackerman effect...after the rebuild, no 'noises' at all

 

[doodlebug]

I vaguely remember this may have been a recall issue on early 4200s although my memory is a bit rubbish these days. I have an invoice where my steering column was replaced either under warranty or on recall and I can't see any charge for it on the invoice. Mine's an early 2003 with no external aerial. It was done before I bought the car so sorry to hear of your troubles. Hope it is sorted soon.