Ferrari Transmission Service: What You Need To Know

When it comes to racing pedigree and heritage, it’s difficult to think of a more iconic brand than Ferrari. With their recent triumph upon their return to LeMan, the excitement around the prancing horse has returned and spurred many owners to pull the covers off their corsa rossa to hit the track again. While most owners would have serviced the engine, many would have neglected an equally important part of the drivetrain, the transmission. Our Ferrari mechanics discuss all you need to know about a Ferrari service.

What Makes A Ferrari Transmission Service Different

On most cars, mechanics can get away with servicing the transmission while it is in the car, but that is often not possible on a Ferrari. When designing a Ferrari, every extra pound of weight comes at the cost of performance. So Ferraris are designed to be as compact and light as possible, which often leads to the transmission being an integral part of the structure of the vehicle, and there simply not being any space to work with the transmission still in the car.

Ask any Ferrari tech about servicing the transmission, and they’ll tell you the same thing, the transmission has to come out. If you’re really unlucky, that might also include the rear quarter of your car coming apart too.

Transmission Fluid

Whether you have a manual Testarossa, an F1-inspired flappy-paddle F430, or a modern DCT, the first and most important part of the transmission service is changing the fluid. This includes drawing the DCT and gear oil fluids, where applicable. With the torque Ferrari transmissions are expected to handle, the fluid absorbs a lot of heat and degrades faster than a commuter car would. Freshening the fluids also introduces new additives that can prolong your clutch and gear sets’ life span.

Fresh Gaskets

Mid-engined Ferraris often have had some creative decisions made to the design of their transmission pans, and the drain plugs don’t always allow for all the fluid to be drained. Being Italian, it’s also not uncommon for Ferraris to leak out some of their vital fluids.

This being said, it is common practice to see a Ferrari Technician remove the entire fluid pan during a transmission service, as it allows them to ensure all the old fluid has been drained and to fit a new gasket seal to prevent future leaks.

Filters and Sensors

Any time fresh fluid is put in a car, the accompanying filter should be changed too. It has also become common practice to open up filters on Ferraris to inspect for any shaving that might indicate a future problem. On DCT transmissions, we also recommend changing the CCP temperature sensor with the filter, as these often go bad and can hide a developing issue or a potential transmission rebuild.

Ferrari Service Center In Pompano Beach

If you’re looking for the best place to have your Ferrari service and repair work done, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it would have to be Maranello when in reality, it’s Pompano Beach! Foreign Affairs Motorwerks is the go-to place for all your Ferrari and super car needs. From services and repairs to track prep and one-of-a-kind builds, we’ve done it all. Our team of ASE-certified techs could put any F1 team to shame. So don’t delay, book your Ferrari in today by calling us at (954) 746-0488!