348 - Shock Absorbers | FerrariChat

348 Shock Absorbers

Discussion in '348/355' started by m.stojanovic, Nov 16, 2022.

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  1. m.stojanovic

    m.stojanovic F1 Rookie
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    Miroljub Stojanovic
    #1 m.stojanovic, Nov 16, 2022
    My front suspension appears to sit somewhat lower after a couple of months of having the car on axle stands. Might be just my impression (forgot how the front was sitting before) but could this be because the gas has leaked out from the shock absorbers? On the 348, does the gas pressure help the springs in keeping the ride height or is it there for other purposes? Has anyone had experience with loss of gas pressure and how it manifests itself?
     
  2. fdekeu

    fdekeu Formula Junior

    Jun 19, 2008
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    #2 fdekeu, Nov 17, 2022
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2022
    Gas pressure is there to prevent foaming of the oil in the shock
    Ride height depends on the spring force and positioning
     
  3. m.stojanovic

    m.stojanovic F1 Rookie
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    #3 m.stojanovic, Nov 17, 2022
    Thanks for the info. I that case, I will just take the ride height measurements and adjust as needed to meet the spec. Otherwise, there are no signs of any oil leaks from the shocks.

    I was a bit concerned because, after I kept my Jaguar XJR on axle stands for a few months, its front dropped by about 1.5 in. during the first short drive. This was because the gas, for some reason, leaked out almost immediately after I put the car back on its wheels. In the case of Jaguar, the gas pressure provides significant contribution to the springs force, thus the 2 in. drop. New shocks reinstated the ride height straight away.
     
  4. fdekeu

    fdekeu Formula Junior

    Jun 19, 2008
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    #4 fdekeu, Nov 18, 2022
    Ride height of the my 348 is 12,5cm; 355 13cm
    Measured at the front lifting point
     
  5. m.stojanovic

    m.stojanovic F1 Rookie
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    #5 m.stojanovic, Nov 18, 2022
  6. fdekeu

    fdekeu Formula Junior

    Jun 19, 2008
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    #6 fdekeu, Nov 18, 2022
    Yes measured at the front driver side
    Lowest position of the steel
     
  7. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
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    #7 Mitch Alsup, Nov 19, 2022
    The last word should be "preload".
     
  8. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
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    #8 Mitch Alsup, Nov 19, 2022
    Ride height is measured:
    a) with the car on a flat level smooth surface
    b) with the tires at road pressures (3-5 PSI higher than you set them in the garage)
    c) drivers weight in the drivers seat

    d) from the flat and level surface to the centerline of the bolt passing through the bushing on the rear leg of the lower A-arm.

    Measured from the green circles in the image above tells you absolutely nothing.
    Nor does measuring the distance from the tire to the fender.....
     
    Qavion likes this.
  9. m.stojanovic

    m.stojanovic F1 Rookie
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    #9 m.stojanovic, Nov 19, 2022
    According to the manual, it should be two people on board and a full tank of fuel (page F18).

    I intend to take the Frank's height measured at the front jacking points only for a quick check (comparison) of my front height. Otherwise, I will perform the actual ride height settings according to the info in the manual at pages F3 to F6 and F18/19.
     

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