[a1exander]

The left rear shockabsorber recently developed a leak (very small) from the space between the rotating gear and the shaft. Over a period of time the rear suspension started thumping when going over a series of bumps which was a clear indication that the oil level in the shock was dropping and that it was bottoming out on the bump stop.

I obviously explored the cost of a new shockabsorber from the local F agents but at a cost similar to a duplex in the Florida Keyes I decided to approach our local Bilstein agent for a solution.

He took the numbers of the shock and communicated with Germany only to be told that as it was a Ferrari product the solution would be a new shock from Ferrari. He pursued the matter with one of his contacts in the factory who promised him that on the next series production of that shock he would take 2 shafts from production to send to him which he duly did.

Cost of the 2 shafts $250.

I shall attempt to upload the fotos as well as a narative for those that may be interested.

[a1exander]

Next step was the removal of the splash guards and the removal of the upper control arm which requires that you first remove the 2 rear most bolts and then only the front one.
It is wise to support either the drive shaft or the stub axle with a jack so that when the control arm is removed the pressure from the shock does not press the lower control arm down on the fibreglass difuser.

[a1exander]

The 4 nuts at the top of the shock are the next to be removed before the bottom bolt is removed.
First the motor at the top of the shock needs to be taken of by pulling the slip ring and gently removing the motor.

[a1exander]

Final step remove long bolt retaining shock and be mindfull of the 2 spacers one on either side of the shock.

I have also added a foto of the my modification to retain the exhaust by pass valve permanently open

[a1exander]

The new shock absorber shaft/piston showing the bleed hole in the open and closed positions.

[a1exander]

Here a photo of the shaft