Replacing wishbone bushes

[kangaroo 0]

Got some new tyres at the weekend, but couldn't get the tracking done because of extremely worn bushes on the front wishbones.

 

So I've phoned several garages for quotes, and some wanted to replace the whole wishbone arm, while others say that's unnecessary and they can simply replace the bushes (the slightly cheaper option I may add).

 

Personally I don't see why the whole thing needs to be replaced, but maybe I'm missing something? What's the best option?

[Supercharged 2]

Much easier to replace the whole wishbone and it costs about a fiver more than the bushes seperatley and will save loads of labour time!

[coolrado 0]

yep i changed mine using the arms with the pre-fitted bushes and it only took a couple of hours. could you not just order the arms with the pre-fitted bushes and find a garage or mechanic to fit them for you?

or if you dont mind getting your hands dirty do it yourself it really is quite easy

 

http://www.vwspares.co.uk/corrado_suspension.html

£38.81 each side

 

i also changed my bottom ball joints at the same time and combined it made a big improvement to the handling

[kangaroo 0]

Hmm.. i think one of the garages were having me on then. They quoted around £70 per arm with bushes fitted! :shock: That's without labour! Could they have quoted me genuine parts or something, not aftermarket ones? or are they just ripping me off?

 

If replacing wishbone arms has a Haynes spanner rating, what does it get? (Bearing in mind i only have the tools and skill to probably do a "2-spanner" job :? )

[2cc 0]

Ripping you off springs to mind. IIRC OE ones for my valver were about £40 ea or so. Fitting is not difficult but sometimes the front bolts will have seized in and can shear off; then you need a long drill bit to get the remains out and (probably) retap the captive nut (can be done in situ, I have done it). You also need to lift the drivers side of the engine because the sump is in the way and stops you withdrawing the bolt on that side. (not a problem on a valver). Oh yeah, as coolrado says, do the ball joints as well (and if you are like me you will do the drop links and ARB bushes at the same time). Enjoy

[Kevin Bacon 5]

But the gentleman concerned has a VR6 so the WBs will be more expensive. Any garage that says the WBs need replacing are too lazy or not skilled enough to change the bushes and if that's how they operate, go elsewhere. There is absolutely no need to change the WBs unless they are bent. Any skilled mechanic that has a press will be able to fit the bushes to the WBs in about 30 mins per side (both bushes).

[kangaroo 0]

Okay, after looking into how to replace bushes myself I've decided its a bit beyond what i'm capable of, and I don't have the tools. Even replacing a wishbone I don't trust myself with.

 

On the plus side I called another garage who were happy to replace the bushes in the orignal arm, even agreed with me that a whole new WB was unnecessary. They quoted £75, for both bushes on both sides, that includes labour. Doesn't sound too bad. They're a VW specialist too. If I can't find it cheaper I'll go for it.

[2cc 0]

Good point Kev, they will undoubtedly be more costly. Might ask my dealer just out of curiosity now.

kangaroo, that sounds pretty good and vag too so will know about the bolts etc.

[dan 0]

http://www.vwspares.co.uk/corrado_suspension.html

£38.81 each side

 

That looks a good site, cheers 8)

[Neil VR6 0]

I'm getting new wishbones (with bushes), ball joints and drop links & bushes fitted with my new coilovers soon. Can't wait! The car handles like a bag of bolts at the moment so I can't wait to get it all overhauled. I got my bits from GSF and said I was a member of the forum and the guy gave me 10% off! Cost me £118 I think in the end which I thought was very good value. I tried http://www.vwspares.co.uk but the website didn't work and the phone rang off the hook.

[Bally 0]

seems like a good site.. looking to change all the front bushes etc & the top mounts as they are knocking at some point..