IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1985 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 1985 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

High-Pressure Hydraulic Braking Accumulator and Mineral Oil System Failure

SeriousBrakes

The SZ generation employs a complex Citroën-licensed dual-circuit hydraulic system operating at over 2,000 psi to power the braking system and rear self-levelling suspension. The nitrogen-charged brake accumulator spheres lose pressure over 5 to 8 years, resulting in a rock-hard brake pedal, prolonged pump cycle times, and reduced reserve braking capacity. If brake fluid types are mistakenly interchanged (such as adding standard DOT fluid into mineral oil systems), internal rubber seals dissolve, triggering catastrophic system failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,200–£3,000
Warning Signs:

Brake warning lights illuminate or take over 30 seconds to extinguish after starting, Hard brake pedal feel accompanied by severely reduced braking assistance, Rapid clicking noise from engine-driven hydraulic pumps under braking, Mineral hydraulic fluid puddling beneath engine bay or transmission tunnel

What to Inspect:
  • Perform the standard accumulator discharge test by pumping the pedal 40 times with ignition on
  • Inspect the hydraulic distribution valves and brake accumulators for fluid leaks
  • Verify in maintenance history that only approved mineral fluid (RR363 or Castrol HSMO) has been used
  • Check the time taken for low-pressure warning lights to extinguish from a stone cold start
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Rear Hydraulic Suspension Gas Sphere Deterioration and Ride Harshness

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The hydropneumatic rear self-levelling suspension relies on two nitrogen-filled gas spring spheres connected to rear hydraulic struts to provide spring compliance and damping. Over time, nitrogen gas permeates across the internal rubber diaphragm, reducing the gas volume until the sphere hydraulically locks solid. This eliminates rear suspension compliance, transmits harsh road shocks directly into the monocoque body, and causes rapid failure of rear subframe bushes and lower shock absorber mountings.

Est. Repair Cost: £650–£1,600
Warning Signs:

Excessively harsh and bouncy ride quality over minor road irregularities, Rear suspension bottoming out loudly over speed cushions or railway crossings, Rear vehicle ride height sagging noticeably after parking, Hydraulic fluid misting or weeping around rear damper struts and gas sphere unions

What to Inspect:
  • Push down firmly on the rear bumper to verify compliance; a rock-solid rear axle confirms depleted spheres
  • Inspect the rear gas spring spheres and connecting hydraulic hard lines for corrosion and fluid seepage
  • Confirm that the self-levelling valve linkage to the rear anti-roll bar is intact and moving freely
  • Review invoice records for replacement of the nitrogen spheres within the past five to seven years
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Exhaust Manifold Cracking and Gasket Blow-By

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

The 6.75-litre L-Series V8 produces substantial thermal load within a heavily enclosed engine compartment. Over thousands of heat cycles, the cast-iron exhaust manifolds warp and stress their mounting studs, causing the composite manifold gaskets to blow out or the cast manifolds to develop hairline fatigue fractures. Remediation requires extracting seized or snapped studs from the aluminium cylinder heads in extremely tight engine bay clearances, demanding substantial specialist labour.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£2,200
Warning Signs:

Loud rhythmic ticking or puffing noise on cold engine start from the wheelarches, Exhaust smell inside the engine bay and through cabin air vents when idling, Ticking sound temporarily diminishing or disappearing as the engine warms and metal expands, Visible black soot staining around exhaust manifold ports and cylinder head studs

What to Inspect:
  • Listen carefully inside the front wheelarches during an absolute stone-cold startup for manifold blowing
  • Inspect exhaust manifold flanges with an inspection torch for hairline cracks and soot deposits
  • Check cylinder head manifold studs for broken fasteners or missing mounting nuts
  • Review service history for previous exhaust manifold resurfacing or stud replacement work
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 1985 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

  • Verify that both dashboard hydraulic pressure warning lights illuminate on ignition and extinguish within 30 seconds of starting from cold
  • Check that the braking system and rear self-levelling suspension use the correct specified mineral oil and show no cross-contamination
  • Inspect lower outer sills, rear wheelarches, and the front windscreen scuttle panel thoroughly for signs of bubbling or structural corrosion
  • Operate all electric seat adjusters, window lifts, and the complex bi-level climate control system to confirm full electrical functionality
  • Test drive the car over uneven road surfaces; a bouncy or harsh rear axle indicates depleted nitrogen in the hydraulic suspension spheres
Check a 1985 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit by Registration