458 Suspension (leaking struts) | FerrariChat

458 Suspension (leaking struts)

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Howard458, Oct 3, 2024.

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  1. Howard458

    Howard458 Rookie

    Jan 19, 2019
    28
    Canada
    Full Name:
    HOWARD POUNALL
    Please advise… Hello all. I am currently running my OEM struts with Novitec springs on my 458. Prior to installing the Novitec springs the service manager at Ferrari said two of my rear struts were sweating and that I should keep an eye on them. 4 years and 5,000 km’s later @ 35,000 km the car went back into Ferrari yesterday for a service appt. They re-confirmed that I now have 3 struts leaking (the two initial rear and now one front). It was suggested for me to go with an aftermarket (KW Coilovers) instead of replacing my OEM struts as they too might leak in the future. Has anyone ever been in a similar situation with after market springs with OEM struts? Your thoughts please! KW & BC racing were both recommended.
     
  2. Eric C

    Eric C F1 World Champ

    Mar 20, 2009
    10,952
    St. Louis, MO
    Full Name:
    Eric
    Ferrari recommended aftermarket struts? Wow.

    If you go with aftermarket struts, you will lose control over your suspension. You'll also need suspension deletes to keep the suspension light from coming on.

    I'd personally stick with OEM.
     
  3. Howard458

    Howard458 Rookie

    Jan 19, 2019
    28
    Canada
    Full Name:
    HOWARD POUNALL
    Thanks much. Definitely would prefer not to have any lights on the dash as well.
     
  4. Trev450

    Trev450 Formula Junior

    Mar 11, 2024
    529
    UK
    Full Name:
    Trevor H
    I have no affiliation with this company but Nagengast can supply rebuilt OE shocks at a fraction of the price Ferrari charge for new units.

    https://magrides.com/
     
    Boiler Inspector likes this.
  5. squires

    squires Karting

    Jan 21, 2017
    59
    Los Angeles
    OEM for sure. I had the same issue ..replaced them with OEM plus novitec springs. … remember OEM shocks made by Ohlins which is the best
     
  6. Need4Spd

    Need4Spd F1 Veteran

    Feb 24, 2007
    6,678
    Silicon Valley
    OEM. The handling might be ok with aftermarket, but unless you replace with magnetorheological shocks, your ride will be very compromised. The magnetic particles in fluid of the original shocks are fairly abrasive, which is why in time/miles the seals leak. But they supply the magic in being compliant-riding while providing excellent control.
     
  7. AhmetUz

    AhmetUz Karting

    Aug 11, 2022
    147
    Hello,
    to be honest, I haven't heard much about leaking shock absorbers on 458s. Is this a common problem on 458s? Or is it a matter of chance or does it happen on almost every vehicle after a certain mileage?
    Also, if I were you, I would prefer the OEM part.
    Have a nice day.
     
  8. Trev450

    Trev450 Formula Junior

    Mar 11, 2024
    529
    UK
    Full Name:
    Trevor H
    As @Need4Spd described it is a design issue so will happen eventually.
     
  9. AhmetUz

    AhmetUz Karting

    Aug 11, 2022
    147
    It's not good to hear this, but if we love these cars passionately, we have to put up with some of their quirks :)
     
    Trev450 likes this.

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