Wishbones

[Cupra Tommy]

Quick question,
How can u tell if the front wishbones need changing,??? as to be honest I've only really ever changed them on my old golf because it failed mot on them!!

Cheers

 

[old 'uns]

i'd change the wishbone only if i twatted the kerb or similar.
now wishbone bushes....get it up in the air and have a poke around for play?

 

[Cupra Tommy]

Ok cheers,just I'm getting a vibration through the steering wheel at about 50mph and I've had all the alloys checked for roundness and had them balanced,just wondering maybe that the bushes are worn an that's what causing it??

 

[Dave_R]

Quick question,
How can u tell if the front wishbones need changing,??? as to be honest I've only really ever changed them on my old golf because it failed mot on them!!

Cheers

They the same wishbones! The mk2 ibiza is the same as the mk2 golf

 

[Cupra Tommy]

They the same wishbones! The mk2 ibiza is the same as the mk2 golf

I know there same wishbone,I had a mk3 though,so looked identical except were about an inch longer!!
But I only changed those because I had too,to pass my MOT!! So it wasn't because I noticed something wrong with them!! So I'm just wondering as to what I should be looking out for?? If u get me

Cheers

 

[Slimy]

As old'uns said, changing wishbones is only done if they've been physically damaged, as they are just a lump of metal. The wishbone bushes on the other hand could probably do with being changed if you've done decent mileage.

But bushes won't cause a vibration at speed, that's more likely to be wheels (which you've checked) or brake discs. When was the last time they were changed?

 

[Dave_R]

I have had a problem with the steering playing under full load when I fitted my polyflex bushes. Turned out the rear bush wasn't fitted tidy and had a lot of play! So worn bushes could cause steering problems.

Basically driving with no throttle (down a hill) the steering would be fine until I put my foot down and the wishbone would actually pull back!

 

[Cupra Tommy]

Cheers for all the help and information!!!
I think best idea is to get it up in the air an have a closer inspection of the bushes themselves!!

Tommy

 

[Dave_R]

Only reason, I had my wishbones with polyflex bushes fitted already off eBay new £80 for the whole lot!

But if bushes are worn it's just changing them not the actual wishbone. Like it's already been said unless you have a bump you never really need to change the actual wishbone.

 

[Cupra Tommy]

Cheers,tho Ill probably just buy a new wishbone with bushes already fitted as I don't have access to a hydraulic press to put new bushes in,plus its not as much hassle lol

 

[Slimy]

Cheers,tho Ill probably just buy a new wishbone with bushes already fitted as I don't have access to a hydraulic press to put new bushes in,plus its not as much hassle lol

Yep, that's a perfectly valid approach. A garage would probably do the same, any extra cost for the wishbone itself is offset by the much reduced labour costs. You don't really need a press though, it can be done without.

Check whether the new wishbones come with new balljoints or not. It's not hugely necessary, but you'll want to know what bolts you're removing.

 

[Cupra Tommy]

Well its £4 extra to get the wishbones with balljoints,and as I've just replaced both front wheel bearings I know that the ball joint clamp bolt is going to be easy to get off,so for piece of mind i might aswell swap it them over for new joints!!

 

[CraigW]

Im sure I got 2 wishbones with all the bushes and 2 new ball joint for 17 quid each.

 

[Slimy]

That's pretty decent, I would expect nearer the £30 mark each side, with balljoints.

 

[CraigW]

With carriage on top and 2 wishbones including ball joints came to £40.