Suspension Bushes (**Yawn**- Again!)

D

DannyBoy

Active member
 South Manchester
Hi folks,

Having done a search on this I have sadly failed to come up with the answers required on the subject.

I intend to change the car this time next year but have just been advised, at service, that the front suspension bushes are “deteriorating” and will need replacing. The technician could not state when they would “need” to be replaced other than that they “should” be replaced.

My question relates to (i) what exactly does a front suspension bush do, (ii) will it have any particular adverse influence(s) upon the driving characteristics of the car should I choose not to have them changed and (iii) what estimated cost should I expect to pay for the parts and labour at an independent?

Cheers in advance to anyone able to answer. :)

P.S. I’m aware there are superior aftermarket bushes available, but for now as I intend to get rid of the car want to keep the costs down so will stick with OEM.
 
Car has done 35k, was registerd Jan 05 and has lived/slept outside for the past 2 years in suburbia with the occasional arguement with a sizeable speed hump(s). :)
 
DannyBoy said:
Car has done 35k, was registerd Jan 05 and has lived/slept outside for the past 2 years in suburbia with the occasional arguement with a sizeable speed hump(s). :)
Click to expand...


35k is nothing so in my view its a feeble attempt to generate workshop income. Get it checked at any MoT garage.
 
csmith319 said:
What are you going to change it for?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input Ian. :wink:

CS, was looking at the TTS this weekend and very impressed with the overall package Audi have put together so will probably pick up a 12 month old example, that said I've always wanted a Boxster but feel the maintenance costs to be slightly OTT. There is also the new Z4 that may feature. Next May is a while off yet so we shall see. :driving:

If anyone can answer the Qs above I would be grateful. :)
 
Suspension bushes is a very common issue on a lot of cars and just depends how many speedhumps etc your car has been a victim of.
I had my front wishbone rear eye bushes changed recently. The garage should be able to show you the wear. If the wheels have a bit of movement back and forth then this is a big sign. I expect they probably will need changing in the next year or so but don't worry about it for now.
 
DannyBoy said:
csmith319 said:
What are you going to change it for?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input Ian. :wink:

CS, was looking at the TTS this weekend and very impressed with the overall package Audi have put together so will probably pick up a 12 month old example, that said I've always wanted a Boxster but feel the maintenance costs to be slightly OTT. There is also the new Z4 that may feature. Next May is a while off yet so we shall see. :driving:

If anyone can answer the Qs above I would be grateful. :)
Click to expand...
I can't answer with any proper knowledge so I won't try! TTS does look good, my neighbour has one, but I would say the boxster would be my choice looking at those 3.
 
The TTS is a good option; the TTRS should put some downward pressure on values over the coming year so it should be a bit more reasonable by the time you're looking to change (i.e. reasonable for a 2.0 litre four-cylinder car!). That said, I often wish that they'd have made it more like the previous TT Quattro Sport, by which I mean more of a focused drivers version than simply a range-topper with all the shiney bits on. Still, with that level of turbo boost it'll be a real animal, and it's certainly a lot better value than a TTRS.

The Boxster's an arkward one for me; 987 3.2 S's are getting reasonably cheap now (£25k from an OPC) and even 3.4's aren't far beyond that, but the running costs really put me off. They're pretty much comparable to a Z4M, and the warranty is significantly more. Not really sure it's worth it.
 
Mine are being changed this saturday and my car has only covered around 18k but as said above the movement back and fourth in the front wheels is a big give away.They are known to need changing regularly on the early cars my mate who works for BMW will be putting better quality ones on while my car is in for her inspection 1.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom