Initial Issues / Minor Concerns

[Alex72]

Posted new car in Newbies a few days ago, loving it so far, but it hasn’t arrived trouble free.

One bad wheel repair hopefully getting rectified.

And handbrake doesn‘t work, or barely works. Dealer has put me in touch with Sam Hill, a specialist place in Uttoxeter. He said it might be the separate pads that are worn or degrading, might need discs as well if not in good shape and he can’t calibrate new pads for handbrake. Dealer sorting all this apparently.

I’m also going to ask Sam to give it a once over, just see if there is anything else obvious. Maybe take a look at the front subframe, if it’s easy to see up on ramp?

One or two other minor niggles that I’m not sure are something or nothing. Steering wheel makes a tiny squeaking noise, that sounds localised. Assuming a bit of lubrication applied in the right place would sort?

Also, at low speed there are a few creaks and groans from behind me somewhere. Not too loud or severe. Not exactly sure where or what it is. Is it normal for the car to make a few noises like this? Not owned any secondhand car for a few years, never mind one like this, so not used to the issues that might arise.

 

[Alex72]

Actually after driving again with not much noise, it sounds like suspension, so likely worn suspension bushes

 

[allandwf]

Actually after driving again with not much noise, it sounds like suspension, so likely worn suspension bushes

Maybe just dry suspension.

 

[Alex72]

Maybe just dry suspension.

Are creaks and groans from suspension normal on GT’s? There’s no knocking or loud noises. Maybe I’m just being over cautious?

 

[HenrysDad]

My GT had a similar sounding problem. It was solved by Autoshield. As I understand it the suspension bush bolts are a different metal to the arms and this creates an electrochemical degradation and eventually failure. Replacing the bushes and bolts has worked a treat. I would totally recommend Autoshield to deal with any issues. You aren't that far away across the lovely peaks.

 

[Brendan]

Creaking suspension is pretty common with old cars, I hear it going over speeds humps sometimes, but I’m more concerned about bottoming out.

 

[Alex72]

My GT had a similar sounding problem. It was solved by Autoshield. As I understand it the suspension bush bolts are a different metal to the arms and this creates an electrochemical degradation and eventually failure. Replacing the bushes and bolts has worked a treat. I would totally recommend Autoshield to deal with any issues. You aren't that far away across the lovely peaks.

Thanks, do you have a link to autoshield?

 

[Sam McGoo]

Posted new car in Newbies a few days ago, loving it so far, but it hasn’t arrived trouble free.

One bad wheel repair hopefully getting rectified.

And handbrake doesn‘t work, or barely works. Dealer has put me in touch with Sam Hill, a specialist place in Uttoxeter. He said it might be the separate pads that are worn or degrading, might need discs as well if not in good shape and he can’t calibrate new pads for handbrake. Dealer sorting all this apparently.

I’m also going to ask Sam to give it a once over, just see if there is anything else obvious. Maybe take a look at the front subframe, if it’s easy to see up on ramp?

One or two other minor niggles that I’m not sure are something or nothing. Steering wheel makes a tiny squeaking noise, that sounds localised. Assuming a bit of lubrication applied in the right place would sort?

Also, at low speed there are a few creaks and groans from behind me somewhere. Not too loud or severe. Not exactly sure where or what it is. Is it normal for the car to make a few noises like this? Not owned any secondhand car for a few years, never mind one like this, so not used to the issues that might arise.

I imagine some of this is being fussy due to getting a new car and being unsure about it. However, I wouldn't expect a 2017 to have many squeaks and rattles, My old MY2011 didn't and my current MY2014 certainly hasn't got any.

The rear handbrake shoes are known to be made of chocolate, and very often seize on if you park with the handbrake on on a damp day, so would advise pressing the 'park off' button before switching the car off on most occasions. just cycle it on and off a few times a week to keep all the bits moving.
Regarding yours not working - could be worn and need replacing as due to the above often delaminate.
They could have been wound off the drums a bit (using the usual screwdriver through the hole in the drum) as they can be a bit noisy sometimes at slow speeds.
Or, the whole parking brake mechanism could have been wound off using the emergency tool in the boot due them being stuck on, or if it'd had a flat battery at some point etc... This would need resetting with specialist equipment.

Your suspension creaks are very likely to be worn buses. Again, the bushes are a known weak point and at 41k miles you're right in the 'needs replacing' window if they haven't already been done. This will cost a few £K if you have them all done.
Other tell tale signs will be tyres worn on the inside, steering a bit vague over bumpy roads and quite bad tramlining.

Subframe - 2017 car should be OK, but definitely get it checked and protected.

All the above things are pretty common, but if you don't know, you don't know. I'd recommend getting someone who knows these cars in particular to have a look over yours.

Marios at Autosheild - https://www.autoshieldmaserati.co.uk/
Matt at Sports Italia - https://www.sportsitalia.co.uk/

 

[Chiveroni]

My 2011 GTS knocks / clunks when I go over bumps (but only then). Has been diagnosed as bushes and they are up to be replaced in a couple of weeks. I hope that solves the issue - will let you know.

 

[Alex72]

Thanks for the advice all, will ask them to look at suspension bushes on Friday.

I’m not sure I want to drop a few k in into a car I’ve only just bought, but I’ll wait and see what they say.

This car is doing its best not to be my friend though. Just nipped out and it started throwing it down. Turned windscreen wipers on and after a few sweeps the drivers side one just fell off! Stopped it quick before metal swept across screen.

I then get out to try and fix it back on and my car key falls off fob where it attaches and goes under the car. So in torrential rain I’m lying on the floor, recovering the key, and then refitting wiper that must have not been clicked in place properly when replaced. Grrrr.

 

[Alex72]

My 2011 GTS knocks / clunks when I go over bumps (but only then). Has been diagnosed as bushes and they are up to be replaced in a couple of weeks. I hope that solves the issue - will let you know.

Thanks. Do you know how much you are paying for them? Just a rough idea, even if they aren’t the problem for me right now, sounds like they will be soon!

 

[madmanmart]

I’ll vouch for Sam Hill, he’s just changed the subframe on a friends GT.

Stradale Italia | Ferrari & Maserati Specialists

www.stradaleitalia.co.uk

 

[Chiveroni]

Thanks. Do you know how much you are paying for them? Just a rough idea, even if they aren’t the problem for me right now, sounds like they will be soon!

Sorry ALex72 - it's under warranty. I'll let you know once I have a price.

 

[Alex72]

I’ll vouch for Sam Hill, he’s just changed the subframe on a friends GT.

Stradale Italia | Ferrari & Maserati Specialists

www.stradaleitalia.co.uk

Thanks, reassuring to know

 

[Alex72]

Sorry ALex72 - it's under warranty. I'll let you know once I have a price.

That‘s interesting, so they’re saying suspension bushes are covered under warranty? Was this a standard/statutory warranty on a car you just bought, or a purchased additional warranty?

 

[Alan Surrey]

Thanks for the advice all, will ask them to look at suspension bushes on Friday.

I’m not sure I want to drop a few k in into a car I’ve only just bought, but I’ll wait and see what they say.

This car is doing its best not to be my friend though. Just nipped out and it started throwing it down. Turned windscreen wipers on and after a few sweeps the drivers side one just fell off! Stopped it quick before metal swept across screen.

I then get out to try and fix it back on and my car key falls off fob where it attaches and goes under the car. So in torrential rain I’m lying on the floor, recovering the key, and then refitting wiper that must have not been clicked in place properly when replaced. Grrrr.

She's just teasing you. She wants to know quickly whether you will look after her and treat her well.....
You need to make a few big gestures now, get things off on the right foot and then you'll find she rewards you immensely.

 

[Alan Surrey]

Ah. Bushes.
They go through them like other cars go through brake pads.
You have to think of them in those terms. They are a " wear" item. The alternative seems to be a nervous breakdown.
But get the front subframe checked. If there are any signs of wear (rust) get it well and truly fixed at once, waxoyled or similar and checked annually.
But above all, enjoy driving the car.

 

[Alex72]

Ah. Bushes.
They go through them like other cars go through brake pads.
You have to think of them in those terms. They are a " wear" item. The alternative seems to be a nervous breakdown.
But get the front subframe checked. If there are any signs of wear (rust) get it well and truly fixed at once, waxoyled or similar and checked annually.
But above all, enjoy driving the car.

I can try and think of them like that, but at the moment I can’t find anything that gives me an idea on cost. Several thousand as some have suggested will have me running for the hills!

 

[Scaf]

Your car is under warranty as you have just bought it from a dealer.

Get the car inspected by a trusted specialist and present the findings to the dealer.

These are cars that need to be maintained and a lack of on going maintenance can present a problem (£££’s) to a new owner.

 

[Alex72]

Your car is under warranty as you have just bought it from a dealer.

Get the car inspected by a trusted specialist and present the findings to the dealer.

These are cars that need to be maintained and a lack of on going maintenance can present a problem (£££’s) to a new owner.

That’s my plan . Concerned that previous owner got out just before a load of big jobs are due.

Not going to main dealer, but spoke to workshop manager at Colchester Ferrari/Maserati yesterday about something else (long story) and I mentioned suspension bushes. He said just get them checked, it isn’t just mileage, but age as well, and in reality they could be fine right now.

Will soon find out