[relkeel]

Hi All

I think it is a common problem on 550's and 456's, that over time the driver and passenger window glass 'drops' a little inside its mountings or whatever, meaning that the door is never fully sealed against wind noise etc when fully wound up. It becomes really noising at 140mph !

Is it possible to take off the door panel and fix this myself, considering I am not much of a mechanic, or is it best left to a professional?

if it is possible, any advice?

Thanks

Alex

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by relkeel

Hi All

I think it is a common problem on 550's and 456's, that over time the driver and passenger window glass 'drops' a little inside its mountings or whatever, meaning that the door is never fully sealed against wind noise etc when fully wound up. It becomes really noising at 140mph !

Is it possible to take off the door panel and fix this myself, considering I am not much of a mechanic, or is it best left to a professional?

if it is possible, any advice?

Thanks

Alex

It is definitely a common problem on both. I tried to sort it myself once on the 456 GT. Effort was not successful and I ended up taking it to a pro.

[Gcalo]

From what I understand it is a quite involved process and expensive to fix. I have heard $5K-$7K!

There was a posting somewhere about a shop in Florida that has it worked out.

I'll see if I can find that post and info.

Ok try this:

The shop is called Formula 1 Imports and Exotics located in Naples, Florida.
Tel. (239) 430 2206 Jason is the contact and Erik is the technician.

[Gcalo]

Check with Rik Granucci.

He's the resident 456 expert.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by Gcalo

From what I understand it is a quite involved process and expensive to fix. I have heard $5K-$7K!

There was a posting somewhere about a shop in Florida that has it worked out.

I'll see if I can find that post and info.

Ok try this:

The shop is called Formula 1 Imports and Exotics located in Naples, Florida.
Tel. (239) 430 2206 Jason is the contact and Erik is the technician.

Above is for a permenent fix. Your local shop should be able to realign the window which will work for 6-12 months before the problem re-emerges.

[JazzyO]

A very common problem on the 550. My specialist has corrected my windows twice in the last 18 months, last time 15 months ago. It's a 10 minute job and he has done it for free on both occassions. I have no need for a $5k solution.


Onno

[Granucci]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Above is for a permenent fix. Your local shop should be able to realign the window which will work for 6-12 months before the problem re-emerges.

+1

Permanent: NO.

There is a wheel/pulley inside the front portion of the window that makes the glass slide fwd/backward even after the fix, given time. I have some info on the fix.

My 456 had the official Ferrari window treatment which if done on one's own cost in the near $8/for both windows. But that wheel wears after time due to more use.

That is why, in my research, I've seen the driver's side always be the problem the most, RHD vs LHD it is on the driver's side. Passenger's side as in mine is NOT a problem.

I will try to post, some of the pictures, hijacked from 'another site' sorry, it's on the web now and privacy aside, well, tough...open territory.

I'll bet even after your fix, if you put one palm on the inside of the glass and the other palm on the outside of the glass and press palms together with glass between them you can manually move that glass fwd/backward in the up position on the troubled window, while on the 'good/better' window it has less play.

The 'fix' requires taking off the inner panel and replacing the wheel in the front, upper portion of the glass channel and that will make for a tight seal.

HOWEVER, check the B-pillar for loose or poorly done stripping too as that can cause problems.

rik

[Gcalo]

Ouch!

I thought only Ford had these problems!

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by Gcalo

Ouch!

I thought only Ford had these problems!

No, it was a major issue on the 456 GT when new. Not as common on 550s or 456M GTs. No problem builing a car that will do 180 mph, but getting a window to seal properly, that was a major issue. Goes back to Enzo philosophy, I sell engines.... you get the body for free (which in many cases was fair market value).

[relkeel]

Originally Posted by JazzyO

It's a 10 minute job
Onno

I like the sound of that. So can I do this myself, or better still left to the experts?

My only work I have been able to do on the 550 myself was snipping the seatbelt warning sensor. Best thing I ever did!

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by relkeel

I like the sound of that. So can I do this myself, or better still left to the experts?

Per my personal experience ----experts

[agp22]

got rid of this stuff by changing the whole mechanism, about 1.000 euro
Now the car is silent inside

[JazzyO]

Originally Posted by agp22

got rid of this stuff by changing the whole mechanism, about 1.000 euro
Now the car is silent inside

Sounds great. Could you elaborate a little more on what was done? Who did the work? I'd be interested to have this done next time my window goes out of kilter.


Onno

[agp22]

This is the mechanism that was replaced. The job was done at the dealership, the unit cost about 500Euro plus labor plus VAT, altogether about 1k.

[JazzyO]

So did you replace the normal mechanism with a new Ferrari one, or is it a new system (as in new solution) ?


Onno

[agp22]

it's a replacement Ferrari unit. the other one had some barely perceptible play, but enough to prevent adequate sealing.

[agp22]

This is what's on the box

[Gcalo]

Looks like a smart way to go for a permanent fix.

[212Export]

Originally Posted by agp22

it's a replacement Ferrari unit. the other one had some barely perceptible play, but enough to prevent adequate sealing.

Hello agp22, how are you doing ?! Great to have you back after quiet some time!

[agp22]

Originally Posted by 212Export

Hello agp22, how are you doing ?! Great to have you back after quiet some time!

Hi 212. OK Thanks.