Hi All, I’m new to the forum and was hoping to understand if anyone had personally experienced (not heard about from a third party) any issues with 458 brakes. I can see some historical posts on the forum regarding problems/failures, but they are all many years old, and none seem to have any follow up info. Has anyone had issues that have been followed up or addressed directly with Ferrari? I’m particularly interested in instances where there was still a pedal, no excessive travel, but little or no braking force experienced. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
The older 458 failures seemed to mostly be small amounts of brake fluid leaking into the brake vacuum booster. However, several 488's, including mine, which share the same brake master cylinder/vacuum booster have had complete loss of brake fluid into the vacuum booster resulting in absolutely ZERO braking ability. The 488's are being followed up with Ferrari at this time. I suspect the 458 failures may likewise be addressed as they use the same part numbers.
If it is carbon brakes, I have had several car present in the shop with very little stopping power. The first one I drove, I actually drove into and intersection because it just would not stop. There were no other cars and nothing happened. The rotors were glazed and had zero grip. I heat cycled them several times. Just stopping and starting. I got them very hot and then let the car sit. The difference was so dramatic that my client returned as soon as he drove off and said the brakes were grabbing. He had just purchased the car pre owned (first Ferrari) before bringing it to me. He had no idea it was supposed to stop that well. Once we drove it together and I explained he had almost no brakes before, he was pleased as he then commented that he was less than impressed with the braking of the Ferrari. Try heat cycling the rotors. It may surprise you. I have a back road near my shop and I just stop and go from 40ish MPH and get the rotors very hot (haven't measured the temp) and then drive back to the shop and let them sit overnight to cool. The braking grip is usually much improved after that.
