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Anyone tried these wishbones? worth a punt?

5K views 53 replies 22 participants last post by  Mymatemarmite 
#1 ·
#42 ·
@FoxtrotOscar

So what is the solution looking long term... is the a way to install a new wishbone that will be trouble free for 3 years example ?

Applying amount of grease, before installing is a long term solution, no mater it is a OEM or some else?

I have the same problem with squeaking with my 147, and it is not nice when some one hear the sound, it really makes bad impression. SO before i solve the problem i am looking for a long term solution.

Please look at my #28 post.


Thanks for your time
 
#43 ·
The lubrication issue is a good point. Once and only once have I bought (dealer) suspension bushes (for a Hyundai) and they came supplied with a tube of silicone based grease.

Good point also about the ball joints - these are a weak point in both the original and aftermarket parts simply because of their exposure to road spray as a result of them being positioned right above the tyre face. Maybe people should be looking to the amount of wet/winter driving as a contributing factor to the lifespan, and I am also suspecting that nearside joints (on RHD cars) suffer more deterioration due to that side running near the gutters.

I experienced something similar with my Jaguar X. Pre 2004 models had a tendency for ABS failure due to the left-hand rear reluctor ring cracking. This was due to the part of the driveshaft it was attached to corroding and expanding and causing the ring to fracture. The problem occurred more often on the left because that was the side experiencing more salt spray in winters. Incidentally in that case the problem was solved by fitting a later model CV joint that had a rustproof coating on it...
 
#44 ·
...and I am also suspecting that nearside joints (on RHD cars) suffer more deterioration due to that side running near the gutters.

Agreed ( :eek: ;) ) - when I swapped all of mine, the nearside were WAY more shot than the offside ones.
 
#45 ·
Yes, on RHD cars the n/s bushes generally seem to wear quicker; as well as running in the gutter, there is also the "roundabout efffect". And 20v diesels wear their lower wishbone bushes faster than anything else, presumably due to the combination of increased weight and greater torque.

@Toso
I have never heard of the "Optima" brand, so can't comment on them. The only other German manufacturer I know of is Lemforder, whose products are generally of good quality, but expensive; I don't use Lemforder 156 wishbones as I can source TRW/original ones cheaper.
If you're looking for a long-term solution, OEM is really the only way to go in my opinion. Additional lubrication prior to fitment won't hurt, but you must use a grease that won't degrade the rubber. Silicone grease is best as it's very resistant to water (bear in mind the position of the wishbones), and won't soften the rubber; Loctite 8104 is excellent, but relatively expensive.
 
#46 ·
Thanks FoxtrotOscar for your time.

I am not sure that will be able to find Loctite 8104 where i live, so will some other silicone grease do the work? Is the some specification silicone grease that i have to follow, or just any silicone grease will do the work?

Is there any picture where and how exactly should silicone grease be applied?

Many thanks,
Toso
 
#50 ·
WOW! first time ive checked the thread in a few days, seems things got a bit heated! thanks for all the advice. still unsure what to do as funds are realy tight and the cambelt needs replacing soon. I may just go for the cheap ones as im fitting them my self and i will insure they are well lubricated.
If they faill i will pay for it later! and during the process letting people know how im getting on!
 
G
#54 · (Edited)
I've always used EBSpares for all of my required Alfa parts.
They are generally cheaper than going to Alfa, but you are either getting OEM items, or very good quality non original items. Their service is excellent, and they have always had what I have needed in stock.

They are also happy to take unrequired items back and issue you a credit note.

Great service, quality parts, and a no quibble returns policy.......I'd never use anyone else :)

EDIT:I've just checked the sealed bags that my lower wishbones came in....TRW.....what a MASSIVE saving over going straight to Alfa:)
 
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