McLaren P1 Shock Absorber 12B0073CP

the part number 12B0073CP identifies a Front Shock Absorber (Damper) for the McLaren P1.

This is not a standard damper; it is a core component of the RaceActive Chassis Control (RCC) system. This hydraulic system is what allows the P1 to lower itself by 50mm in “Race Mode” and provides the extreme spring stiffness required to handle the car’s 600kg of downforce.

1. Technical Identification

• System: RaceActive Chassis Control (RCC).

• Position: Front (Left and Right are often interchangeable for the damper body, but check the specific side-linkage).

• Type: Dual-stage hydraulic actuator.

• Function: It manages both damping and heave (vertical movement). In “Race Mode,” the hydraulic pressure is increased to such a degree that the car essentially runs without traditional mechanical springs, relying on the fluid pressure within these units.

• Critical Maintenance: The RCC Flush

  By 2026, original P1 dampers are over a decade old.

  • Seal Failure: The most common issue with 12B0073CP is internal seal degradation. Because the system operates at pressures exceeding 200 bar, even a microscopic seal leak will cause the car to “sag” in one corner or fail to enter Race Mode.

  • The “Accumulator” Connection: If the front end of the P1 feels excessively bouncy, the issue is often the Nitrogen Accumulators rather than the shock itself. However, a failed accumulator often leads to “hammering,” which eventually destroys the internal valving of the 12B0073CP damper.