Sootywg
A2OC Donor
Having read many threads on this issue I have always kept an eye out for corrosion on the wishbones and always asked at MOT time for them to take particular note of examining the wishbones.
Despite this today my offside wishbone fractured whilst I was driving, fortunately it was at low speed and I limped home (less than 1mile)
Heaven knows what would have happened if It had gone on the motorway.
Having got it home there is no way I would drive it to a garage so the garage cost of replacement would now include a recovery vehicle!
So a DIY replacement is on the cards if I have the courage.
I knew this was a job that would come up sooner rather than later and I had always felt I would go for cast arms but most of the recent threads describe difficulty in fitting the cast ones due to oversize hex shafts.
I am anticipating the problems experienced by others in removing the arms because of corrosion of the bolts, plus problems reassembling, I really do not embrace the idea of having to remove the consoles as I will only be working with the vehicle on axle stands.
Given that the failed arm has been on the vehicle for nearly 20yrs I think pressed steel replacements will outlast the car especially if a little corrosion protection is undertaken before fitting?
ANYONE WITH PRESSED STEEL ARM THAT HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED BE AWARE THEY WILL FAIL. even the youngest ones are approaching 20yrs old.
I know there are many threads on this subject but if anyone is up for giving me some advice before I purchase new arms and start to disassemble please chip in.
Despite this today my offside wishbone fractured whilst I was driving, fortunately it was at low speed and I limped home (less than 1mile)
Heaven knows what would have happened if It had gone on the motorway.
Having got it home there is no way I would drive it to a garage so the garage cost of replacement would now include a recovery vehicle!
So a DIY replacement is on the cards if I have the courage.
I knew this was a job that would come up sooner rather than later and I had always felt I would go for cast arms but most of the recent threads describe difficulty in fitting the cast ones due to oversize hex shafts.
I am anticipating the problems experienced by others in removing the arms because of corrosion of the bolts, plus problems reassembling, I really do not embrace the idea of having to remove the consoles as I will only be working with the vehicle on axle stands.
Given that the failed arm has been on the vehicle for nearly 20yrs I think pressed steel replacements will outlast the car especially if a little corrosion protection is undertaken before fitting?
ANYONE WITH PRESSED STEEL ARM THAT HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED BE AWARE THEY WILL FAIL. even the youngest ones are approaching 20yrs old.
I know there are many threads on this subject but if anyone is up for giving me some advice before I purchase new arms and start to disassemble please chip in.