Wishbone bushes

Mr Whippy said:
Pretty sure my Z4 has never had drop links and it's on 9yrs/110k miles so I'd say go for BMW ones... I did the ARB bushes last summer all round and the garage that fitted them said the old ones look still ok too!

Dave
Click to expand...

They are cheap as chips (<£20 a [pair) and you'd be suprised how much movement is in the old ones when you remove them compared to new.
 
I take it that is bushes not the drop links for the ARB?

Given my experiences with poly stuff I'd stick to OEM all the way with anything suspension bush related unless you have a very specific build in mind (ie track car).

Dave
 
Dave

There is a drop link on each end of the arb and the centre pivot section is clamped with 2 rubber bushes in reusable U clamps.

I do all 4 points for a refresh
 
Yeah I replaced those the other year. I think it was about £25 for all four from BMW (front and back pair).

I'm wondering if it's a ball joint on the drop links that is rattling on mine on rougher roads... hmmm... MOT tomorrow so they might find it when waggling their bars around on the suspension bits :D

Dave
 
Generally the control arm bushings (originals) wear out in about 40000 miles. The suspension arms somewhere between 100000 and 120000 miles. The drop links are cheap and don't influence alignment. Consider mileage and annual driven miles, decide if you want to swap out the entire front end. Heck, buy a brand new car every 6 months.
 
Right so finally going to order the parts and get this done. I just noticed this advisory on the last MOT:

mot.jpg

This is referring to these wishbone bushes I assume?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230928252213

Also, does anybody have the part numbers or link to diagram on REALOEM for the drop links and ARB bushes? I can't find them and having read a few threads want to go OEM for those.
 
I just called my local indy and he quoted 3 hours to change all three parts (the wishbone bushes, drop links and ARB bushes.) Does that sound fair?
 
I'm off on a long drive to Wales at the weekend so want to get this sorted before then. I've just bought the parts from BMW, I was seeing too many mixed reviews of non-genuine parts with regard to ride so thought it best to go OEM. I've just called another local garage for an estimate and they also quoted 3 hours. Is it really that hard to replace these 3 simple parts? Some people here seem to think it's a simple DIY job so I don't see how it can take a garage with a proper lift so long. Any comments on the labour time before I book it in tomorrow?
 
The breakdown:
The lower control arm bushes took me 30 minutes replacing them. (My mechanic who's into race prepping BMW's actually demonstrated me it took him less than 10 minutes with proper tools).
ARB bushes really are a 10-15 minute job and the drop links were about the same time. Charging you 3 hours is steep. Including cocking about and coffee, 2 hours sounds reasonable for a garage.
Really, why don't you DIY it, it's not hard to do at all.
 
Thanks, appreciate it. It's the kind of job I would happily have a got at myself if I had anywhere to do it, but sadly I don't. I'll give them a call and ask if it includes an alignment. Cheers.
 
I picked up the parts this morning and I got my indy to fit it all today. Both rear wishbone bushes were completely crumbled, the drop links also looked pretty worn, apparently the bushes still seemed OK but glad I did them anyway. Not a cheap job, just over £300 all in including OEM parts.

However, just took it for a quick test drive and what a difference! :driving: My front end has gone from a rattly, shaky mess to firm, soft and controlled. It's like a new car going over speed bumps, I can't believe what a huge difference it's made. Well worth doing.

One final question - the indy seemed pretty adamant that a 4WA wasn't necessary. He seems to know his stuff but thought I'd see what you guys think. It has always driven fine, no pulling to the sides or wheel wobble etc.
 
Well actually it should have at least a front wheel alignment. Especially if the car has had an alignment with part worn bushings already. Given the alignment is cheap, I wouldn't do without.
 
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