458 rear diffuser crack: How common & DIY Fix?

Really common when you hit something with it. Easy fix is to replace it with a cool aftermarket carbon fiber one. Expensive fix is to get a new factory one that must be painted.

 

I had the same damage on my car when it was shipped from Chicago to me here in Tacoma. The shipping company denied doing it so the dealership and I split the repair cost. I believe the total bill was approximately $2000 (so $1000 each). I went with a factory piece and made them paint both pieces in order to be sure they matched.
I was told there is a bolt under there that when the cars are shipped and the truck hits bumps, the suspension allows the two pieces to hit each other.

HTH,
GG

 

Frankly unless it bothers you I would be inclined to leave it. Wait until the scrapes underneath add up or you get a few more cracks and then replace it.

 

That can be easily fixed by a decent fiberglass shop.

 

This was a few years ago but I bought a paint marker for mine and have did just that, just basically sharpie it and you couldn't see it. I want to say i got it from dr colorchip or some place

 

What I would do is buy a new one and never put it on until I sell the car. That way my brain knows I could theoretically replace it at any time, but I can drive in peace without having to worry about damaging it again. FWIW, I only *quickly* glance over my CF diffuser because I don't want to look for anything wrong, haha

 

I’ve replaced one. It’s a bit of a mission, as you need to pull the bumper away from the car to get to all of the fixings. Certainly the weak point where they go if the diffuser is tapped or someone over ugga duggas the bolts for the diffuser.

 

It’s not the diffuser. It’s the fog light surround. Mine cracked same spot while tied down in trailer during transport.

I’m so to pull the rear bumper and install a pair of carbon surrounds.

 

Indeed. The diffuser bolts to and hangs from it. If the diffuser is knocked, it’s the first place to give on the surround.

I did think about back filling the void in the new part to make it stronger before fitting. I would certainly do that if repairing a cracked one.

 

Very common. I have the exact same crack.

 

Wait until the rear fog light is cracked ($1300 repair) or needs replacement, then fix them all at the same time to save labor costs.

 

any boat repair/fiberglass shop can do the diffuser. Happens frequently on the F8's because that piece (the bottom fins) sits even lower. They pull it off, repair, repaint. About $1200 here in LA.

 

Crack = bump

 

My prior 458 did the exact same. It annoyed me until I realized it was a common issue. Then somehow I tolerated it.

 

Both of mine cracked...I had a good body shop fix and paint them for 500$

 

This crack is very common in 458s. I had the same problem (not noticeable) and the Ferrari technician said they have repaired many cars over the years due to this complaint. This diffuser crack is not caused by the impact, but rather by the fact that the lower covers were removed and reattached during maintenance and a support washer was not put in between. You don't have to buy a new part to fix this problem. With good materials and paint work, it becomes like new, I did that and it is perfect, but of course don't touch it if it doesn't bother you too much.