Transmission Mount Failure

2005 Ferrari F430

Transmission Issue

Miles: 35,000
Date of First Occurrence (D/M/Y): 21/12/2019
DTC Codes (if any):
Parts List:

Transmission Bushing - 237531 - https://www.ricambiamerica.com/237531-gearbox-support-pad.html

Hill Engineering Busing Removal / Installation Tool - 95973219 - https://www.ricambiamerica.com/95973219-installer-remover-trans-mount-upper.html

Approximate Cost to Fix: $350

Description of Issue:

The transmission mount (transmission bushing) on the F430 and 360 has a metal core suspended by rubber, and the rubber will begin to degrade over time. Once it's in bad enough shape, the metal core will be completely separated from the rubber and be "free floating" effectively causing no support for the transmission. This will decrease shifting performance and cause more vibrations from the drivetrain.

Resolution if Known:

The process to replace the transmission mount is somewhat a pain in the butt. You need to support the transmission with a jack from the bottom, so you will need to remove the bottom panel. You will also need to detach the drivetrain cradle from the top. Removal of the old bushing requires a special tool which you can buy from Hill Engineering on Ricambi America's website. You also may need to cut out the old bushing. First drill or cut out the rubber so you have enough room for a Sawzall or hacksaw. Then you make a relief cut in the outer metal band of the bushing, while being careful not to cut too far into the actual transmission housing. Then then bushing will come out easily.

Installation of the new bushing is also difficult as it's a compression fit. It's recommended to put the bushing in the freezer overnight to help shrink it a bit. You can also heat up the housing a bit before attempting to install. Using the special press tool, you need to make sure it's as perfectly aligned as possible otherwise it will not go in easily.

We documented this on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/rI32wX6hzec