The wheel bolt inserts on my 355 have developed cracks. Does anyone know if these can be fixed? The wheels are now out of production apparently adn I really don't want reconditioned wheels (mine are in great shape) or to change the wheels and the look of the car.
If you are in the Uk (Leeds ?) ask Hill Engineering - standard p[roblem : http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355/349071-weird-cracks-355-mag-wheel.html
Yes, I am in Leeds and Hill Engineering can supply the inserts. Are they easy to replace? Do I need a specialist to do this? The car is with Ferrari at the moment who won't fit the part (they want to sell me a new wheel set - not the correct 355 wheels).
Hills engineering, I did mine a few years ago. You have to check the diameter, 22mm or 23mm. I believe the earlier wheels are 22mm. You can see the old and new bush on my wheels. I bought new wheels before I found out about this, oops. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I bought some new inserts from them - just be aware theres 2 different sizes so measure your existing ones first Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
To replace them, you just turn the wheel over and gently tap them out with a suitably sized socket and extension. Then turn the wheel back over and gently tap in the new ones with another larger socket, the end taped over so it won't scar. Or you could also use a suitably sized piece of wood or hammer end to tap them in. That works too. They are not really that tight a fit. That's all there is to it. I have a good used 23mm set for sale if anyone needs them.
We have them in stock here: Ferrari Parts : WI-355 F355 Aluminium Wheel - Seat Inserts : Ricambi America 1994 through mid-year wheels use 22mm inserts. Later cars use the 23mm insert. Normally, folks should press out an insert from each wheel to measure and validate the size needed. After all these years, too many cars have replacement/refurb wheels so there is no guarantee the wheels on your car were the ones actually delivered with it from the factory.
