Maserati vehicles, particularly older models made between 2008 – 2010 and 2014 – 2016, may often experience hydraulic suspension issues. Worn-out control arms and bushings, broken springs, damaged shock absorbers, fluid leaks, and wheel misalignment can all lead to compromised ride quality, unusual noises, and poor overall handling. If left unattended, these problems can become quite costly to repair, due to the complex design of your Maserati’s hydraulic system.
At Mark Douglas Motorworks, our expert technicians have specialized experience in exotic, high-end vehicle brands like Maserati. We recommend keeping a routine of scheduled maintenance that follows the suggestions in your owner’s manual (once a year or every 12,500 miles).
Maserati Hydraulic Suspension System Issues
Maserati hydraulic suspension systems are commonly referred to as Skyhook systems. These vehicles are known for their high performance, which leads to faster wear and tear on their hydraulic suspension, compared to normal cars. Routine maintenance is also important because filter changes and fluid level checks will help catch any likely issues.
These are the other most common issues we see.
- Air leaks in air suspension systems: Ride height issues can be caused by air leaks because some Maserati models have air suspension.
- Worn bushings and control arms: The bushings and ball joints in the control arms can wear out over time. This leads to instability and loose steering.
- Faulty shock absorbers: Shock absorbers that are worn, faulty, or damaged can result in poor handling, a bumpy ride, and bouncing after hitting bumps.
- Faulty control modules: The suspension system that is managed by the ECU, an electronic control unit, can malfunction and cause erratic behavior.
- Misalignment issues: Poor wheel alignment due to worn-out hydraulic suspension components can lead to inefficient handling and uneven tire wear.
- Faulty sensors: Defective sensors inside the suspension system can cause disruptions in the adaptive damping, which impacts stability and ride quality.
- Leaking fluids: A Maserati’s hydraulic system is susceptible to fluid leaks, so frequent checks can help identify any potential problems.
- Damaged springs: The Maserati’s ride height and stability can be drastically affected by sagging or broken springs.
Trouble With Your Skyhook System? Here Are Some Warning Signs
Does your Maserati’s steering feel loose or sluggish? Does your vehicle feel exceptionally bouncy after hitting a bump? If so, we recommend bringing your car in for maintenance. Here are some common signs to look for if you suspect your Maserati’s hydraulic suspension is having issues, particularly in models like the GranTurismo, the Quattroporte, and the Ghibli from various years.
- Odd Noises: Rattling, clunking, or creaking sound when driving over bumps.
- Improper handling: Extra body roll during turns, loose steering, and vehicle instability.
- Irregular tire wear: Noticeable wear patterns on your tires.
- Sagging Vehicle: A corner of the vehicle is sagging on one side.
- Bouncing After A Bump: Excessive or continuous bouncing after hitting a bump.
Recommended Repairs for Your Maserati
Depending on the severity of the issue, 
repairs may involve replacing worn components like bushings, shock absorbers, springs, or even the entire hydraulic system. With certified mechanics and years of experience, Mark Douglas Motorworks is your best bet for Maserati repairs.
Our technicians will start by diagnosing your Maserati with a visual inspection, followed by a diagnostic scan, and finishing with a pressure test. Once we know what is wrong with the hydraulic suspension system, we will guide you through the best service options for your Maserati, whether it’s a pump repair or replacement, fluid replacement, or replacing any worn components, such as sensors, hydraulic pumps, struts, and accumulators.
When components wear down in your Maserati’s hydraulic suspension system, it can cause poor handling, and poor handling can lead to an accident. At Mark Douglas Motorworks, we offer the best possible service to ensure your safety and keep your car in peak performance, so we recommend bringing your Maserati into our shop immediately if you notice any steering issues. We are proud to serve the following locations:
- Mission Viejo, CA
- Irvine, CA
- Laguna Niguel, CA
- Trabuco Canyon, CA
Visit our shop today to schedule an appointment. You can also schedule an appointment online at https://markdouglasmotorworks.com/appointments/ or call us at 949-472-8842.