Ferrari 360: Ball joints and rear tie rods wear out fast — pre-2002 wishbones worst
Ball joints and rear tie rods wear out fast — pre-2002 wishbones worst is a very common suspension fault on the Ferrari 360 on the 1999–2005 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $2,500 to $7,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 7 documented faults on the Ferrari 360.
- Vehicle
- Ferrari 360
- Years
- 1999–2005
- Fuel
- petrol
- System
- Suspension
What you are looking at
Example of the part — not this vehicleA separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.
What goes wrong
The upper and lower ball joints on the 360's wishbones wear quickly, enough that Ferrari introduced revised wishbones in 2002 to slow it down, and the rear tie rods go the same way. A worn joint knocks over bumps, lets the steering wander and can fail a warrant of fitness, and because the joints were originally pressed into the arms Ferrari's fix was a complete wishbone each side. Specialists now fit replaceable upgraded joints (Hill Engineering is the well-known one) that last, so a car that has had that done is a car that will not keep coming back for it.
What you would notice
- Knocking or clonking from a corner over bumps and speed humps
- Steering that wanders or needs constant small corrections
- Uneven wear on the inside or outside edge of a tyre
- A creak or squeak when turning the wheel at parking speed
- Warrant of fitness or roadworthy failures for suspension play
How to check it
Where to look. Upper and lower wishbone ball joints at all four corners; tie rods on the rear suspension
Drive it slowly over a rough patch of road and a couple of speed humps with the windows down and listen for knocks from each corner, then take a quiet straight road and notice whether the car tracks true or wanders.
Look at all four tyres for uneven edge wear.
With the car parked, push down firmly on each corner and listen for a creak as it settles.
Ask whether the ball joints have been replaced and with what — the answer you want is upgraded serviceable joints or the later wishbones, with an invoice — and whether the rear tie rods have been done.
If a workshop inspection is possible: have the joints checked for play with the suspension unloaded.
What it costs to put right
$2,500 to $7,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.
Ask the seller
- “Have the ball joints or wishbones been replaced, and were upgraded joints fitted?”
- “Have the rear tie rods been done?”
- “Has it ever failed a warrant or roadworthy on suspension play?”
Now check the Ferrari 360 you are actually looking at
Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.
Where this comes from
- Club Challenge Stradale — 'Ferrari 360 Modena buyers guide'
- Collecting Cars — Ferrari 360 Buyer's Guide: Problems and What To Look For
- Ferrarista Club — 'The ultimate guide to Ferrari 360 Modena options and versions'
Ferrari 360 buyer questions
Is ball joints and rear tie rods wear out fast — pre-2002 wishbones worst serious on a Ferrari 360?
We rate it major and very common on the Ferrari 360. The upper and lower ball joints on the 360's wishbones wear quickly, enough that Ferrari introduced revised wishbones in 2002 to slow it down, and the rear tie rods go the same way. A worn joint knocks over bumps, lets the steering wander and can fail a warrant of fitness, and because the joints were originally pressed into the arms Ferrari's fix was a complete wishbone each side. Specialists now fit replaceable upgraded joints (Hill Engineering is the well-known one) that last, so a car that has had that done is a car that will not keep coming back for it.
How much does it cost to fix on a Ferrari 360?
$2,500 to $7,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.
Which Ferrari 360 years are affected?
Our research records this fault on the 1999–2005 Ferrari 360. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.
How do I check for it before I buy?
Drive it slowly over a rough patch of road and a couple of speed humps with the windows down and listen for knocks from each corner, then take a quiet straight road and notice whether the car tracks true or wanders. Look at all four tyres for uneven edge wear. With the car parked, push down firmly on each corner and listen for a creak as it settles. Ask whether the ball joints have been replaced and with what — the answer you want is upgraded serviceable joints or the later wishbones, with an invoice — and whether the rear tie rods have been done. If a workshop inspection is possible: have the joints checked for play with the suspension unloaded. Look here: Upper and lower wishbone ball joints at all four corners; tie rods on the rear suspension