BAD TRANSMISSION | FerrariChat

BAD TRANSMISSION

Discussion in 'California/Portofino/Roma' started by doccharlie954, Jun 29, 2016.

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  1. doccharlie954

    doccharlie954 Formula Junior

    Jul 27, 2010
    256
    When to dealer to have top lubed. Had the dealer check a whine in the rear end. It happens at about 60mph. When you lift of the gas you hear it. Now the bad news, bad bearing in tyranny. $25,000.00. Thank God I bought a Ferrari warranty. Dealer advised it could be new or rebuilt from Ferrari. 3 to 4 weeks to get this done. By the way, car has 6,000 miles on it and not raced. It's a 2012. Dealer advised all transmissions from 2009 - 2012 were not the good ones. They went to the newer style at the end of the 2012 cycle. Hopefully this will fix my problem
     
  2. tomc

    tomc Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 13, 2014
    25,865
    DFW, Texas
    Full Name:
    Tom C
    #2 tomc, Jun 29, 2016
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2016
    First Mario, now you. There's been a rash of sickly Calis on F-chat. Hope they can fix it fast and you're back on the road...T
     
  3. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    $25K to replace a BAD transmission bearing???

    I am in the wrong business.

    I understand it's complicated, but, if it's just a bearing, that's maybe a $2500 part if it's in the little yellow box. The balance $22K+ buys a lot of Ferrari mechanic time in the USA at $190/hr.

    Am I wrong, am I missing something?

    And either way, PHEW, on having the warranty.

    D
     
  4. doccharlie954

    doccharlie954 Formula Junior

    Jul 27, 2010
    256
    Dealer advises the factory will not replace the bearing in the transmission. Factory advised dealer to replace rather then fix. They advised transmissions are non-fixable. Go figure. God help anybody out of warranty.
     
  5. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    So, it's not just the bearing, they are replacing the entire transmission?

    What part of the world are you in? Just curious if this is a USA thing or an out of the country thing.

    D
     
  6. doccharlie954

    doccharlie954 Formula Junior

    Jul 27, 2010
    256
    Yes, in the USA. As stated, bad bearing in tranny, non fixable. Replacement of entire unit. I know it's crazy but that's ferrari wisdom. Rather have a new one then just taken apart and fixed
     
  7. TheMayor

    TheMayor Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    98,541
    Vegas baby
    This is a problem with low mileage cars from 2009-through 2011. They are no longer under warranty. I say low mileage because the problems only show up with use. Many cars had them replaced under warranty if it happened in the first 3 years. Now, it's past that time.

    The dealers are not even supposed to open them up. They are supposed to send them back to Ferrari to be sent to the gearbox maker for remanufacturing.

    There is no way around it. But it's not the only Ferrari ever made with a similar chronic problem.

    458s have the exact same issue as they use the same gearbox.
     
  8. MDEL

    MDEL F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2016
    3,558
    Southern Europe
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    Mario
    What I thought might have been a serious problem with my Cali gearbox/transmission had an "happy" ending after the conclusion of a complete check-up which was finished yesterday by my dealer under the supervision of Ferrari (more detailed information about that on my thread). During this process I was told that in the first years every time there was a gearbox/transmission problem with a Cali under Ferrari warrantee the option was always to put a new transmission. Apparently the reason for this type of procedure was the fact that GETRAG didn't allow anyone to open their gearboxes. In the meantime things have changed quite a lot and today there are dealers like mine which are fully qualified and trained to open any Ferrari gearbox and make the necessary repairs under the supervision of F. Maranello. I might be wrong but a transmission bad bearing substitution principle should be possible to do by a qualified dealer with this specific training. Because you have your warranty like I do, if Ferrari is so generous and approves a complete transmission substitution that's no doubt a better option than repairing it.
     
  9. 4th_gear

    4th_gear F1 Rookie

    Jan 18, 2013
    4,425
    Full Name:
    Michael
    My dealer in Toronto does DCT repairs.

    They also have mechanics who support their Challenge 458s (and future 488s) on the racing circuit. You can imagine how expensive it would get if they had to replace entire transmissions every time they developed a problem.

    If you have a DCT problem you need to use a dealer who can quote a repair price in addition to a replacement for $25,000.
     
  10. Peter P

    Peter P Karting

    Dec 22, 2011
    129
    Boston area
    Wild thought - I've heard that it's possible to retrofit a standard transmission into a California, and that a handful of owners of other Ferrari models have done so. I recall that it was a big number - something in the $60k range, but would make you're Cali quite unique IF you'd personally value having a more retro standard versus the DCT. Personally I'd consider it if I didn't have the warranty, had a failed DCT and would be out of pocket on the repair. Obviously in your case, the repair is covered, so nothing more than musing... I'm sure that a retrofitted standard could be a tough sell after the fact, but there are those who might pay a premium. Porsche is theoretically bringing back a special edition GT3RS standard to satisfy a niche market -- Ferrari, where are you?? There's definitely a market, based on comments on this forum.
     
  11. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    #11 dm_n_stuff, Jun 30, 2016
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2016
    I guess given the circumstances (warranty coverage) I'd rather have a new/factory rebuilt unit installed rather than have the dealer crack the tranny open. (edit. Upons some reflection, "Crack the Tranny open" sounds a little odd. I apologize to any LGBTQ folks here who may have taken offense at my remark.)

    On the other hand, if I was going to be out of pocket 25 large, I'd find an independent to do the repair who would open it up and do a $3-5K repair instead.

    D
     
  12. 4th_gear

    4th_gear F1 Rookie

    Jan 18, 2013
    4,425
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    Michael
    I understand your sentiments but good luck on "...find(ing) an independent to do the repair who would open it up and do a $3-5K repair instead".
     
  13. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 28, 2004
    1,774
    Pacific Northwest
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    Bill
    So I just bought a low mileage 2010 California(still in transit to me) and now this! Luckily it comes with a one year Ferrari warranty. The big question will be to keep extending the warranty or gamble. Is there any mileage that once past you're safe? Any 50k plus mile early Californias out there without transmission problems?
    Ahh, the pleasures of Fcar ownership ;)
    ps I picked the California for dependability! LOL
     
  14. 4th_gear

    4th_gear F1 Rookie

    Jan 18, 2013
    4,425
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    Michael
    FWIW, my dealer's service manager claims they've only had a couple of DCT failures come through their shop.
     
  15. doccharlie954

    doccharlie954 Formula Junior

    Jul 27, 2010
    256
    My dealer has 1 tech just for transmissions. Does about 3-4 a month. Advises new or rebuilt one should not have any problems as it is updated with newer technology. I will keep my fingers crossed. Will buy extended warranty as long as I can. Here is the kicker when the replacement is in it is only guaranteed for the balance of the extended warranty. So if they put it in and u have 4 more months of warranty and it takes a dump after 7 months u get to pay out of your pocket. If you pay $25,000.00 they give you a full 2 year warranty, parts and labor. What's wrong with this. Talked to lambo tech and they hardly ever see a transmission go bad. Maybe VOLKSWAGEN should buy ferrari. Then we would probably have less problems. NEXT!!!!!!!!!
     
  16. MalibuGuy

    MalibuGuy F1 Veteran

    Sep 18, 2007
    5,280
    It is my understanding that with US cars, a new factory approved part comes with a 12 month warranty. So if the new tranny fails within 12 months, it's replacement including labor is covered.

    Please discuss this with a Ferrari authorized service center or FNA to confirm. I did this a few years ago with my Cali. I'm not sure if the policy has changed.
     
  17. DK308

    DK308 F1 Rookie

    Aug 13, 2013
    2,738
    Europe, way north.
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    AB
    You really want a single clutch tranny in your car? I've driven about 300 miles in an Aventador and it is absolute crap! I owned a Gallardo years ago and that E-Gear was not a picnic either. The Huracan is new, so we have yet to see what's what. The Getrag units have come a long way and are better and stronger than ever. The only other company I'd like to build trannys for Ferrari would be Porsche. I daily a 991 and have yet to see a better dual clutch system out there - they simply are that good.
     
  18. 4th_gear

    4th_gear F1 Rookie

    Jan 18, 2013
    4,425
    Full Name:
    Michael
    You may want to spend some time in a Lambo or on Lambo chat sites.

    Previous generation Lambos were pretty rough cars to ride in and while their V-10 is a lovely engine when it's working as designed it's also had its share of failures and problems.

    Gallardo owners also complain of premature clutch wear that are expensive to resolve. F1 trannies are bad news. Would you like to replace your clutch every 10-15k miles? Your Lambo tech should comment on those issues. The Getrag DCT uses wet clutches and should not experience clutch wear issues. OTOH, the Lambo LDF in the Huracan, like the DCT and PDK, does operate really nicely but is too new to determine its reliability.
     
  19. MDEL

    MDEL F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2016
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    Mario

    I don't follow Lamborghini issues regularly but I've read more than once that the Aventador', specially some with more than 45.000 Km, have gear problems - when shifting resulting in a lack of response, humming noises, gears slipping to neutral, etc.
    Lamborghini isn't certainly the example of virtues in what concerns gearbox/transmission ….
     
  20. doccharlie954

    doccharlie954 Formula Junior

    Jul 27, 2010
    256
    Was not talking about single clutch lambo transmission. The head tech at lambo advised the new dual clutch transmission is better then the ferrari transmission . With VW calling the shots it's my opinion that there will be less failures on lambo transmissions then ferrari. That said, I will still take a gamble on a replacement trannie on my cali. I will keep my fingers crossed
     
  21. iloveferrari

    iloveferrari Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 14, 2014
    1,760
    USA
    I agree! I test drove the huracan before deciding on the california T HS. I still remember how the huracan clutch was jolting the car at conditions in which my 991 GT3 would feel like it is a slice of hot butter. That huracan was like a hammer onto a wood or something.
     
  22. jochem00

    jochem00 Formula Junior

    Jun 19, 2014
    344
    Netherlands
    you can try paying a visit to a (indy) AMG Mercedes specialist as some models use the same tranny.
    in europe we've got specialists who can now overhaul these DCT transmissions. And looking at their drawings, they are not overly complicated.

    off topic, Porsche uses toyota gearboxes in their MT and Merc transmissions in their tiptronic. not sure where they got the PDK box from.
     
  23. Need4Spd

    Need4Spd F1 Veteran

    Feb 24, 2007
    6,645
    Silicon Valley


    I believe Porsche's PDKs are supplied by ZF.

    http://www.caranddriver.com/features/a-tale-of-two-porsche-seven-speeds-manual-and-pdk-tech-dept
     
  24. DK308

    DK308 F1 Rookie

    Aug 13, 2013
    2,738
    Europe, way north.
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    AB
  25. doccharlie954

    doccharlie954 Formula Junior

    Jul 27, 2010
    256
    Just an update. Dealer advises they have 2 california with bad transmission in front of me. Unbelievable..
     

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