wishbones - to change or not

[Robs-se]

Those of you that have changed your wishbones, what made you do it ie what symptoms were you getting.

Rob

[TonyDTM]

did both sides on mine only for the smiple reason that mine had worn bushes and probably would fail the MOT the following year. Plus you can get them from motor factors at silly prices...think I paid around 35 + vat per side and did them on a sunday afternoon.

[RobbieV]

Last time i changed my wishbones was on the advice of the last MOT it had (split rubber) and cheap to replace the whole unit plus replaced anti roll links as well.

Didn't have any symptoms that i could remember but after changing the car felt a lot better to drive [img]/smile.gif[/img]

[markie]

i fitted poly bushes into mine because i was replacing the standard ones every 6 months.the poly bushes were a nightmare to fit but made a big difference to the driving of the car also when you brake it feels a lot more stable.also in the long run it works out a lot cheaper.

[Robs-se]

Are they easy to change then. Any special tools like joint splitters needed


Rob

[markie]

yes they are straight forward to do all you need to remove the wishbone is a 16mm socket + a ratchet better using a half inch drive also you will need a 13mm spanner or socket to undo the anti roll bar link but be carefull not to snap the bolt or you will have to fit a new link aswell.a 17mm ,18mm,19mm spanners to undo the nut for the ball joint after the nut is of lever down the arm and give the knuckle a sharp knock with a hammer. when you fit the new ones remember to fit the spacers up into the centre of the new bushes.

[RobbieV]

Better of fitting new anti roll links if you fit new wishbones [img]/smile.gif[/img]

[Robs-se]

thanks guys will give this a go. the bushes look pretty old and not too good.


Rob

[BazV6er]

i may have to look at getting my ball joint done as i have a big clonk so i think myself and the father in law will have a go at doing them.

(especially now that ive heard we have a garage near the flat,but took someone 4 yrs to let us know we had a garage)

[Twangy]

Never changed them myself! But my bro in law is an ex vaux mechanic and he suggests using the proper tool to fit bushes (on a Vectra at least).

[sinbrad]

I was getting a clunking sound from the front of the car when going round corners. Did post the symptoms on a thread earlier this year. Took the car to a local mech who told me the wishbones were shot. Ordered some from ebay, which only cost me £21.99 + £14.99 delivery for the pair. Took them to the local mech to fit them, who only charged £20.00 and the clunking disappeared. Just to add, when I told the mech how much they cost he couldn't believe it as he said they were better than the one's that he get's direct from vaux!