QP/GT front subframes - the truth

conaero

Forum Owner
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34,593
This is from a very personal level to explain in detail the issues we are seeing with these cars. I'd like to make it also clear that I am in no way pushing our corrosion treatment that we offer, its purely to highlight if you do nothing then cars will start disappearing due to being uneconomical repairs and scrapped, which for me, hurts.

Currently, if you do require a front subframe replacement (p/n: 261715), they are available from the factory as a reasonable £2.2k plus vat and the labour to change them is circa half that amount again.

As we all know with Maserati parts pricing structure, this price will go up as supply dwindles to a point where the subframes are NLA - No Longer Available.

Technically, the official guidance is that you are not to weld a subframe.

So where are the specific issues?

CHASSIS PLATES:
We have all known for years that they have a tendency to rot through here and in some cases, completely fall off. Now, this is basically a cover plate to stop jacking on the front from damaging the pipework that runs beneath. Its is not a structural item and can simply be unbolted, and either restored or replaced cheaply and easily.

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GENERAL SURFACE RUST:
Affecting the basic structure, this can be dealt with in situ by way of wire brush and treatment then undersealing. It requires constant monitoring and simple maintenance.

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UPPER WISHBONE MOUNTS:
This is the area of concern (along with some of the darker corners of the subframe). Basically, there is a triangular box section that holds water and rusts from the inside out.

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The below is from an 06 QP and the box section was peeled away by hand. This is what holds your upper front wishbone to the car.

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OUR ADVICE:
The hinge point seems to be 10 years old. Currently, 2009/10 cars are showing signs and are quite treatable but if left, over the next 1-5 years this is where the damage is done and major action is required.
Get your car into a recognised Maserati service centre and have them poke around the upper front wishbone box section between the inboard knuckles with a screw driver or other such implement. Regardless of not finding anything, you need to then have the subframe (and the rest of the underbody inc the rear subframe) wire brushed, rust remedied, painted then Waxoyl or other suitable inhibitor applied to the entire underside and have the box sections pumped too.

Costs range from £200-500 to have this done and in our opinion is the single most important job that you should spend your money on.

Our advice is get it done, the earlier the better and even on the newer cars.

If you have any specific question, please post below or contact me via pm or email: admin@sportsitalia.co.uk and I will answer.
 
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doodlebug

Member
Messages
913
Matt, I'm assuming this also applies to the 4200 Coupe as I've had to have what was left of both my front and rear sub-frames replaced. I used to use mine all year in all weathers so rotten sub-frames were inevitable.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Indeed, the 4200 issues are already know and yes, require similar treatment and maintenance but they do appear to hold out for longer.
 

montravia

Member
Messages
1,618
Con, I've been considering thelis for a while but struggling to find a reliable workshop a reasonable distance from me (Stow on the Wold ish). I'd be prepared to travel and leave for peace of mind.

My local dealer who otherwise has been more than reasonable quoted silly price around £3k. No doubt a classic Ferrari treatment but hardly warrants the premium.

Any advice welcome

Robin
 

tokyomb

Member
Messages
264
Having read the earlier reports on this, I've been thinking I do need to get mine treated - particularly as it was a daily driver earlier in its life - and as I do use it summer and winter. The OP just makes that need all the more real.

Have struggled to find anyone nearby who does rust treatment and protection in Shropshire / Herefordshire / Powys area (at least on anything more sophisticated than 4x4s). Will keep looking - but if anyone has any recommendations they would be gratefully received.
 

Motorsport3

Member
Messages
868
Great advise here. My mechanic done exactly that to my car last year and was very happy to see that the rust proofing was holding well a year later in my annual service.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Depending upon if welding is required or not and its simply a treatment, it could be done in one day.

If you require the tin wear and ARB's to be removed, shot blasted and powder coated all in, your looking at a week.
 

Wanderer

Member
Messages
5,791
Mine is a 2006, a DD for most of it's life, I've asked about the subframe when it's the shop and it's always been reported back as fine.

It's it like hidden tinworm or obvious from the initial inspection?
 

Doctor Houx

Member
Messages
791
As per my earlier thread on corrosion treatment, Rustbuster’s in Spalding, Lincs do a fantastic job of treatment. Pressure wash and dry, treatment with rust converter then Dinitrol all the underside plus inside box sections. Had an Alfa and my GC done for under £600 inc VAT and full photo record of the work over 2 days. Only connection is as a satisfied customer.

They then do an annual check and top up any damaged areas for £50!
 

Moz1000

Member
Messages
820
Emblem treated my GTS a couple of years ago, and I'm having an inspection and top up mid this month.
It's peace of mind in the end.
Moz
 
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Ewan

Member
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6,757
Mine's booked in to Emblem in two weeks for this work. Prevention is better than the cure.
 

Hurricane52

Member
Messages
1,211
Having read the earlier reports on this, I've been thinking I do need to get mine treated - particularly as it was a daily driver earlier in its life - and as I do use it summer and winter. The OP just makes that need all the more real.

Have struggled to find anyone nearby who does rust treatment and protection in Shropshire / Herefordshire / Powys area (at least on anything more sophisticated than 4x4s). Will keep looking - but if anyone has any recommendations they would be gratefully received.
Marios at Autoshield Manchester did mine earlier this year. Not too far from you and a top bloke.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Well done chaps for those who have had it done. Marios, Shiltech, Giallo and all the other SM service sponsors will gladly check it over for you.
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,114
A very Good write up Matt on a very serious issue.
Having changed a very rusty one this year highlighted how Dangerous it could be and how in a year they can go from passing the MOT to a Major Fail.
 

sionie1

Member
Messages
1,310
Marios at Autoshield Manchester did mine earlier this year. Not too far from you and a top bloke.
^^^this^^^ Marios did mine this year. One thing I didn’t ask ask is how often it should be topped up? Is it yearly or bi-annually? Or as and when?