Ok guys, I've just got back from my local garage due to alot of rattling from the front suspension. They advised me that the lower arms have corroded. They've quoted me £250 (which i dont have at the moment!) to replace both. Just wondering if this is a good price or if I should look around. I also assume I should not be driving it until this is sorted? Even at low speeds you can hear the rattling quite alot!

do you know what part has gone, ie the ball joint or the other 2 rubbers. If its jsut the rubbers that have perished then it will probally be ok, but i suspect your ball joint is shot which i would strongly advise not to risk. Arnt the ball joints and rubbers mounts replaceable on the stilo? or is it one complete item.

roy lovelock said:

do you know what part has gone, ie the ball joint or the other 2 rubbers. If its jsut the rubbers that have perished then it will probally be ok, but i suspect your ball joint is shot which i would strongly advise not to risk. Arnt the ball joints and rubbers mounts replaceable on the stilo? or is it one complete item.

Click to expand...

I may be wrong but I think it is a complete item. There were some on ebay. Might still be there.

Its all one unit Shop4Parts about £50.00 each+vat+post.

£250 fitted can't be uncompetitive

Well, I'm biting the bullet to get it sorted. Left is in great need of attention and right is on it's way out, so getting both changed. I can't imagine it's over the odds, but even if it is, I need a car and this is the quickest solution!

nightsmith said:

I may be wrong but I think it is a complete item. There were some on ebay. Might still be there.

Click to expand...

Yes your right, the ball joints are welded to the arm (i looked earlier, what a pathetic design on an wear and tear item. Fiat really know how to hit its customers in the pocket lol.
£250 fitted seems pretty reasonable considing the cost of the arms, why not have a crack yourself though?, its only the ball joint that would cause any problems without the correct tools. Other than that after you remove the wheels its only 1 nut and bolt (13mm by the looks of it) on the ball joint and 2 17 or 19 mm bolts in the back, mind you these WILL be VERY tight and will take a long arm to move them. but all in all its looks like a straight forward job that i wouldnt think twice over having a go at. Just try the ball joints first, if you cant get them out then take it down for a pro to do.
best of luck
roy