308 QV transfer case and gears

I was out driving with a buddy of mine and after about 2 hrs. smoke started to come out of the engine bay. Well unfortunately, it turns out that the top gear in the transfer case became loose and ate through the case, never properly tightened, as a special tool/socket is needed to tighten the nuts. The mechanic said that the shaft also is out about 1/4 inch. Is there a retainer to keep the shaft in on top and does anyone know where to get the gears and possibly a new case cover(I was told they are specific to each bellhousing and could require some machining if it does not line up perfectly. This guy is bummed as the car has been a bit of a money pit.

David,

I'm sorry to hear about your friends; problem, and a bit surprised to hear that his 308 QV has been a money pit, as the cars...if properly maintained are quite durable.

As to the problem at hand. First off, the damage that is seen may be the least of the problems. All of those alu and metal filings are now in the transfer case sump and in the transmission!

"The transfer case nut came loose because the nut was not tighten with the correct tool...." Hmm, this is what happens when non-qualifed, poor repair techniques are used on these cars. No disrespect intended...just the unfortunate fact.

In my opinion, the transfer case should be removed...and disassembled. As this was the primary source of the filings, the bearings should be carefully inspected, as well as the front half of the case where the input shaft is. The purpose of the nut, that fell off is not only to retain the transfer gear, but to provide pre-load on the front and rear input shaft bearings.

Without a doubt, the transaxle should be flushed and drained...a few times to (hopefully) get all the metal out. Personally, I'd drop the pan to be safe.

The gear(s), bearing(s), seal(s) and special nuts...as well as the rear cover likely can be obtained from Ferrari-UK.

Although this is not a particularly difficult repair, any shortcuts...or quick fixes without careful inspection of all related components will lead to serious dollars.

Regards,
David

Hi David W, welcome.

I'm also sorry to hear your of your friends situatation. Certianly doesn't sound like a cheap fix.

I wouldn't worry about the matching of the cover & misc. pieces, yes they were machined for each other, but using standardized procedures and are interchangable. The gears come as a specific matched 3 gear sets, but in a real desperate situation can be mixed, however they would likely be noisy. How noisy? A low whine to a very annoying howl, depending.

Like DaveF mentions "THE BEST" source is Ferrari UK, followed by GT Car Parts, then Rutlands and the The Ferrari Parts Exchange.

I don't really understand what is meant by "shaft is out by 1/4'".....?

My guess is that any & all problems are related and a result of whatever came adrift, and all such 'out by ' problems will be cured when assembled correctly the next time around.

Depending on the damage, it might be possible to weld & re-machine away some of the damage to mitigate cost?

HTH's

Regards, JRV

Thanks to both David and JRV. David you are right QVs are durable, mine has 57K and is as stong as any I have ever seen regardless of mileage, mine looks like these 15K mile cars, if not better. His car is going to be strong just had some a-holes work on it by previous owner(s) The last person must have been a hammer mechanic. The mechanic I sent him to showed him the case and said it looked as though somone had used a chisel to tighten the nuts - absolutely shamful. I am trying to help him out as he does not have much experience with exotics.

I did contact Jeff at Ferrari UK he does not have all 3 gears, have found another source for them and the mechanic has some sources. Certainly when the repair is made all things will certainly be throughly flushed, as should be. Shame is he just had the fluid flushed and changed 2 weeks ago.