Hi All Im hoping to purchase a 2012 FF here in the UK, due diligence checks has shown that it had all 4 suspension shocks/struts replaced and all 4 brake discs replaced, both at Ferrari, at the same time back in 2019 and 37k miles. Is it normal to see leaking shocks on an FF at that age and mileage, so Id expect it again in a few years or 30k mikes (car will be used not garages) and also, I thought CC discs would last a lot longer than 37k miles, what are other owners seeing with theirs? I dont know why the discs were changed, maybe a main dealer seeing opportunity, the same dealer did a service a couple of months ago and report discs 30% worm despite them being replaced in 2019, it’s done around 8k miles since. Track car perhaps? If used as a normal daily with no track use will discs be finished in another 30k miles? Anything specific at that age, it’s had cam cover gaskets changed, fuel pump changed, spark plug service completed 2019 from memory, recently had a wheel hub replaced. Other than some tyres (my choice) it seems pretty sorted in terms of big costs, unless it all happens again in 20-30k miles? Thanks Carl
I'd suggest that the disc and shock wear is symptomatic of a car which has been on the track or driven very very hard on the road. It's also possible that the car was retailed as used/approved in 2019 and in order to meet the required sales standard, had the shocks and discs+pads replaced if the life left in them was marginal. If the selling dealer did all the work, ask them if it has been on the track or has any accident history - they'll know. Ferrari claim around 80k miles life in a set of discs when used normally and you'd be getting through 3 sets of pads per disc. Are you sure the dealer didn't confuse pad wear with disc wear when he gave you the 30% number? We've just bought an F12 (2013) with 25k miles on it and the front discs are 15% worn and the rears are 19% worn. If the discs really are 30% worn then the remaining 70% life should give you 56k miles under normal driving conditions. Another factor in disc and pad wear is the manettino setting. Comfort, Wet and Snow will intervene much more and they accomplish this by braking the wheel which is about to lose traction. That's why rear pads and discs will wear out faster if you drive aggressively in those modes. Bear in mind that the wear statistic is based on the number of braking applications - I don't think that pad pressure is taken into account. So a jerky stop-start driving style or intermittent riding of the brake will lead to a much higher recorded pad and disc wear than normal or is actually the case. The only true way to measure disc wear is to weigh the discs. And finally, yes, main dealers will always recommend component replacement before the part wears out. I had rear pads replaced at 20k miles because they told me the inside pad was getting low - even thought the pad wear warning light had not illuminated. Given the cost difference between pad and disc, I took the 'early' pad replacement as the safest option.
Thanks for the replies guys, I didn't think track use was likely either. I spoke to the dealer that did the work but they aren't willing to say why the discs and pads were changed and the owner didn't own it at that time so doesn't know either. There are bills for a number of PTU oil pipe replacement, low pressure warning light etc. too but nothing on the most recent service report. Doesn't look like the PTU was ever changed but I'm not 100% on that.
does seem it a little supsicious. where are u buying it from? drop me a PM if easier, i have an FF based in Kent UK
Im not sure how to judge it to be honest, good thing that its all done or bad thing that its had a very hard life. Will PM you, thanks
DCT is a potential issue on FF as well https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/f12-gearbox-light.654200/
If track use is unlikely, what do you suggest could cause the discs and shocks to deteriorate to such a state that they needed replacement after so few miles? The only other thing I can think of is persistent use of an acid based wheel cleaner which will kill the discs - but most probably not the shocks.
