550 rattle in rear | FerrariChat

550 rattle in rear

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by bkdale, Nov 1, 2006.

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  1. bkdale

    bkdale Rookie

    Nov 10, 2003
    8
    My 550 has a persistent rattle/clunking at the rear of the car while going over any bumps or rough roads. I have removed the undercar trays and checked for any signs of contact and checked every nut and bolt. NOTHING appears loose including the exhaust. Has anyone had a similar problem? Any ideas of where to look?
     
  2. Motob

    Motob Formula 3
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 11, 2003
    2,389
    Frederick, Maryland
    Full Name:
    Brian Brown
    If you have checked all of the suspension fasteners/bushings and nothing is worn or loose, then the clunk is most likely a bad shock absorber.

    Is the noise worse when you first drive the car, when the shock oil is cold?

    Brian
     
  3. bkdale

    bkdale Rookie

    Nov 10, 2003
    8
    Thanks Brian: The noise is the same cold or hot. The car only has 13K miles. Could the shock(s) be bad already?
     
  4. Randy Forbes

    Randy Forbes Formula Junior

    Jul 14, 2006
    741
    Sarasota, FL
    Full Name:
    Sports Cars Plus,LLC
    I'd love to have the chance to get a good look at the rear suspension in the 550 (I've got a swell lift...), but taking a complete stab in the dark; is there any possibility that an emergency brake cable has slipped out of its retainer?

    That's a common malady on the M Coupe/Rdstrs, and causes their owners lots of undue stress.
     
  5. 4redude

    4redude Formula Junior

    Jan 13, 2005
    733
    Fungus Corner
    Full Name:
    Brian Keegan
    I drove one that had a tough rattle to figure out. Turned out to be wheels that hadn't been updated. Did the wheel recall apply to your car and was it done?
     
  6. Motob

    Motob Formula 3
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Nov 11, 2003
    2,389
    Frederick, Maryland
    Full Name:
    Brian Brown
    I have replaced a couple of 550 shocks that rattled and just diagnosed a bad shock on a brand new 612 that also rattled. Milage has nothing to do with it.

    Brian
     
  7. davehelms

    davehelms F1 Rookie

    Jan 3, 2004
    4,629
    Full Name:
    Dave Helms
    I found a couple of the 550's where there was slight play in the upper mounting joint to the chassis.
    Steel ball in a nylon socket.

    Dave
     
  8. bkdale

    bkdale Rookie

    Nov 10, 2003
    8
    Dave: Are you referring to the rear sway bar mounting? Bill
     
  9. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jul 14, 2003
    61,183
    In front of you
    Full Name:
    BCHC
    Sounds like a bad bushing.
     
  10. bkdale

    bkdale Rookie

    Nov 10, 2003
    8
    Hey "Darth": Which bushing are you referring to? Bill
     
  11. davehelms

    davehelms F1 Rookie

    Jan 3, 2004
    4,629
    Full Name:
    Dave Helms

    Geez what a flake, I cant even finish a thought when it comes to typing! The top of the shock has the ball and socket I was speaking about. Couldnt hear it outside the car but in the drivers seat it was loud.

    Dave
     
  12. bkdale

    bkdale Rookie

    Nov 10, 2003
    8
    Thanks Dave. Do I get to that by unbolting the two bolts holding the upper bracket in the wheel well? Bill
     

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