Is Cali Steering Wheel vibration normal?? | FerrariChat

Is Cali Steering Wheel vibration normal??

Discussion in 'California/Portofino/Roma' started by BeachDad, Jan 12, 2016.

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  1. BeachDad

    BeachDad Rookie

    Jan 10, 2016
    24
    Hi guys. I'm looking at buying a used 2011 Cali with only 10k miles however the steering wheel vibrates pretty significantly. The dealer said this is fairly typical and can be fixed with idle rpm increases etc. This is my first Ferrari and I plan to use it as a daily driver. Has anyone faced this issue? Is it something to be worried about? Any other advice for a "first timer" Cali owner? Thanks in advance!!!
     
  2. andy355

    andy355 Karting

    Jul 18, 2004
    80
    UK
    I don't remeber that on my 2010 and certainly not on my "T"

    I would get a drive in another to compare
     
  3. Fly4Ree

    Fly4Ree Formula Junior

    Apr 18, 2015
    362
    Wichita
    Full Name:
    Don
    That is precisely what I would do also.
     
  4. BeachDad

    BeachDad Rookie

    Jan 10, 2016
    24
    Thanks guys....really appreciate your help!!
     
  5. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 3, 2011
    9,142
    virginia usa
    my 2011 cali did not have any vibration any different then any other car. many things could cause it , could need new tires , out of balance , bent rim, alignment etc.....
     
  6. Tireman

    Tireman Karting

    Nov 13, 2011
    198
    Canada
    Vibrates when idling or moving?
     
  7. jochem00

    jochem00 Formula Junior

    Jun 19, 2014
    344
    Netherlands
    no vibration at all in my 2010.
     
  8. BeachDad

    BeachDad Rookie

    Jan 10, 2016
    24
    Thanks again for responding. The vibration issue is only at idle....not so bad when moving so I know it's not tire wear etc. The dealer says that all Cali's have some vibration at idle but it should lessen as the car warms up and/or they bump up the rpms or adjust the software? I LOVE the car but just want to make sure I'm not buying a bigger problem (even though the dealer inspection and car facts all come up clean). Am I crazy?
     
  9. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 6, 2003
    24,957
    Las Vegas, NV
    Full Name:
    Ryan Alexander
    Are there aftermarket exhaust or cats contributing to idle vibrations?
     
  10. DK308

    DK308 F1 Rookie

    Aug 13, 2013
    2,738
    Europe, way north.
    Full Name:
    AB
    I've driven a few Calis and never experienced any noticeable vibration what so ever. Try another car for comparison.Seems odd for sure and the engine being a flat plane is not an explanation. Ferrari build their engines very well and they are well balanced.
     
  11. sg69

    sg69 Karting

    Aug 23, 2009
    193
    VA
    No vibration at all in my 2009, or 2014... Sounds like a wheel balance issue at least...
     
  12. DK308

    DK308 F1 Rookie

    Aug 13, 2013
    2,738
    Europe, way north.
    Full Name:
    AB
    If it's there when the car is stationary?
     
  13. BeachDad

    BeachDad Rookie

    Jan 10, 2016
    24
    Yes...most noticeable when NOT moving.
     
  14. Brumma

    Brumma Karting

    Jan 24, 2015
    119
    West Hollywood, CA
    Full Name:
    Christopher
    When you feel the vibration in the wheel, look at the RPM gauge... Did it drop to around 750? If so, then it is the rough idle and all Californias exhibit it to some extent. As others have mentioned, it has to do with it being a flat plane crank and the fuel management system at idle. Perhaps you're just very sensitive to it. That being said, there should be NO vibration when moving other than normal road feel.
     
  15. BeachDad

    BeachDad Rookie

    Jan 10, 2016
    24
    THANK YOU for the feedback. I will take a look and let you know but that sounds like it could be it.
     
  16. rgdonnan

    rgdonnan Rookie

    Sep 18, 2010
    47
    SW FL USA
    Full Name:
    R Donnan
    Both my 2011 and 2013 Californias had a distinct engine vibration at idle, on the occasions that the idle dropped below 700 rpm, and at around 1,700 rpm. I believe that the roughness at those rpm levels was the result of the flat-plane crankshaft and just the nature of the beast.
     
  17. Brumma

    Brumma Karting

    Jan 24, 2015
    119
    West Hollywood, CA
    Full Name:
    Christopher
    You're quite welcome, Bambi. Best of luck!
     
  18. BeachDad

    BeachDad Rookie

    Jan 10, 2016
    24
    Thanks again guys...this forum is terrific! Appreciate the input!
     

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