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How long do wishbones last?

5K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  alfaitalia 
#1 · (Edited)
Hello guys. Im just doing a little research - how long do your 159's wishbones last? Also what type of engine, wheel and tire sizes, year of manufacture, poor or good roads, spirited or calm driving? Overall are you satisfied with owning a 159? Thanks in advance
 
#2 · (Edited)
2 pairs of genuine alfa ones in about 50k for me. Or 3 pairs if you include when I had Powerflex bushes in a pair.
 
#5 ·
We’ve done uppers and lowers once in 120k miles. Uppers at about 80K, lowers at about 100k. The rear bushes of the lower are now poly. So better than 156s, but not perfect.

One thing I would say is that they tend not to fail like a 156. The 156 model is “make a god awful noise suddenly, followed by a rapid drop off in handling”. The 159 ones have a more gradual failure - they start to feel a bit flabby at the front, while still passing MOTs and not making any noise. Once they start making noise, they are utterly knackered.

Car is a 2.4 diesel, AHM remap, 19” rims, driven like it is stolen over a variety of roads.

Overall very happy with the car - its economical enough, goes like stink, and while it is thrown some chunky bills, it is a big map on it and it is used hard.
 
#6 ·
wishbones are fine, the rubber bushes on the other hand.....;)

Genuine alfa ones I had did about 25k which is pathetic.

I have replaced with meyle HD which claim to be more robust so we shall see. Same price and comes with 4 year guarantee so will see how that pans out.
 
#7 · (Edited)
When mine fail I will get some strongflex bushings on there.
I'm just wondering now if I should only replace the front ones, or just do all 4 corners.

A. Original replacements will also have limited life.
B. The strongflex ones are SO easy to replace when they crap out.
C. They are cheap.
D. Why throw away the arm when just the bushings are gone?

What is the wear like on the rear ones? Are only the front ones problematic? or can the rears be an issue as wel?

I did a full round set on my E46 a few years ago. I think they cost me 220,- for all 4 corners. I had the red ones, didn't feel any different from the originals (less worn) and once the orignals were out it was just a bolt in job. Too bad only 4 bushings actually needed replacing. Could've saved myself a lot of money/time/effort.
 
#10 ·
Quote "kid1988"

D. Why throw away the arm when just the bushings are gone?


Because in the upper wishbones the bushes last about five times as long as the ball joints that's why!...and you can't replace them. Never had a bush fail on the tops...
 
#12 ·
To qualify I do have much lower and stiffer suspension than stock if that affects things....but yes on both the top bones I have replaced on my car the ball joints were worn to the point of rattling while the bushes were still tight. Been the same on a couple of friend's 159s I helped with too. I don't doubt that others will be along to say that they have never had a ball joint fail and it's always the bushes...but I can only speak from my own experiences.
 
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