Best source for 550 Dampers?

[harrykul]

My 550 is in need of new dampers (I believe). It's sitting lower than it should be and is crashing through bumps as opposed to absorbing them. Does anyone have a recommendation for replacement items and where to buy? I want to stick to OEM and keep the car original- it's got the Fiorano Pack BTW. Also, would it be worthwhile replacing top mounts while I'm there? It has been the case in other cars I've had...

Thanks in advance

Harry

[Mogul]

It sounds like you need to find a tame specialist....

Presumably you don't have the suspension warning light (linked to problems with the actuation of the speed-sensitive 'Skyhook' shock absorbers) but have you found any fluid leaks?

I would say it sounds highly unlikely that any shock absorber issue could lead to a 'reduction ride height' and also unlikely that they will ever give you a sensation of 'crashing through bumps'.

Deltavee in the US offer a shock absorber rebuild service that comes highly regarded but it would appear that they don't do exchange units and you would have to send them your shocks!

http://deltavee.net/shop/services/ferrari-550-shoc...

The engine mounts are a known weak point and if shot, you could experience some 'crashing' sensations...

The suspension on all of the Maranellos is adjustable (within limits) and European FHP ride height is lower than the standard chassis. In the US, FHP ride height is unchanged (too many steep ramp angles to negotiate). The precise ride height can be adjusted in-situ to either European FHP or standard specification (or to taste - because race car etc.) with either the standard or the FHP springs.

There is no such thing as FHP-specific shock absorbers - they are identical (year for year).

P.S. The FHP springs on the 550 are certainly stiffer than standard and while great on smooth tarmac, you pay for the privilege of better fast road / track performance in terms of an overall lower level of refinement on poor road surfaces, motorway expansion joints and the like. Horses for courses etc.

Edited by Mogul on Thursday 14th January 10:42

[harrykul]

Thanks for your reply. Whenever I purchased the car, I knew that it was sitting visibly lower that the car should as standard. I've had the car with my specialist after purchase and he said the same thing before looking at it. Once in the air he said that it needed shocks, so presumably there must have been some signs of leaking/wear.

Either way, the car is never going to be at it's best on a set of 17 year old dampers, so I have no problem replacing them- just need to find out where from...

[Hurricane52]

Forgive me if I'm incorrect, but if they are the same or similar to those on the 456, I had mine rebuilt by Bilstein UK. They provided a good service at a reasonable cost. Only downside is all the fun you miss while waiting for the refurb with the car off the road.

[Davo456gt]

Bilstien UK do a refurb service, and they made the rear self levelling dampers on the 456GT, so could be your source of a fix..

ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Technical Centre UK for Special Projects and Damper Service
UNIT 3, Swannington Road, Broughton Astley, Leicester
Leicestershire LE9 6TU
United Kingdom
Tel.: [phone] for special projects, 0044 01455 283407 service work
Fax.: [phone]
E-Mail: richard.anderson(at)kruppbilstein.co.uk

[Mario149]

Wasn't there an issue a few years back whereby Ferrari stomped on Bilstein for refurbing shocks because technically Ferrari "owned" the product and they wanted you to buy new off them?

[harrykul]

Has anyone had theirs rebuilt before? I'd been advised that they don't always turn out so well.... was a 355 in that case though...

[R36vw]

Eurospares would be my first port of call for replacement. If they're Bilsteins you could try the refurbishment option. Address as listed previously. I tried getting mine done and couldn't pin them down how long it takes, which having my car up on a ramp, it would have been too much to have it stuck there for 12 weeks or so, which I've seen on previous posts that can be the case. They only do the seals valves, internals and do not clean up the externals as well. There was a listing on fchat of a specialist in the U.S that do a complete/like new overhaul. Other than this there are shocks specialists that may do the work but mine were gas filled which they weren't so keen on. Used ones may be an option. Again eurospares, prosport even ebay but care they are genuine parts. If your struggling, just put it to your local dealer/specialist to sort, they should have a number of options. DIY on these doesn't save much tbh, as labour to replace the rears is about 3 hours.

Edited by R36vw on Thursday 14th January 16:06

[Mogul]

The picture on your profile doesn't look particularly slammed. Do you have any good side on shots?

[Jagmanv12]

When I needed one last October for my 456 Bilstein said they could rebuild my existing one. Couldn't take them up on it as the body had burst and they didn't have any bodies, only seals, etc.

[harrykul]

Maybe this will show it better- the rear looks low in relation to the arch:

[Mogul]

Not sure this will help but worth a read!

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/456-550-575-spons...

[Davo456gt]

I used Bilstein in 2011 to refurb my 456GT rear shocks, and the cost was relatively cheap about £40 each, and took about 3 weeks.
I think the self levelling design is flawed, as they are known to leak again after a few years. Mine haven't to date.
The whole system is very similar to a BMW 7 series of the similar period, which is also known to have the same issues.


Another thought if they don't refurb any more is, this guy for refurb:

Ian Gardiner, I G Racing, near Silverstone – Tel . [phone]
rebuilt/resprayed my front Koni's for my Diablo SV - took a while due to a fire in the Koni factory mind you!
He said he could have suggested more modern replacements as well - depends whether you want to stay original or improve ?

Edited by Davo456gt on Thursday 14th January 22:52

[harrykul]

Thanks for the information and link guys, will investigate it a bit further... Another pic showing the height:

[mon the fish]

Does look a bit low at the back to me.

Have a look at the Slades website - all the 550s they have for sale you get a side-on pic, so you can compare the heights. Some do look lower at the back than others

[phib]

Does look a bit low

Enlarges if you click on it
Phib

Edited by phib on Saturday 16th January 17:43

Edited by phib on Saturday 16th January 17:43

[Paracetamol]

Hi OP. I had the same issue on my 550. The shock absorbers have a platform that can be adjusted for height. You seem to have 2 separate issues..

1. Perhaps leaking shock absorbers
2. Ride height set too low.

I would confirm no. 1 first with the mechanic and then source new shocks or send yours for refurb (I have not tried the latter)

Once new (or refurbished)shocks are fitted, then send it for correct alignment and standard ride height.

My car also needed new acutators...but thats another story...