Hi,
Apologies if this has been asked before, but could someone point me in the right thread direction on how to remove and swap the suspension arms please, my step-daughter has the 2011 Fiat 500 Lounge, I was about to swap them both out over the weekend but it seems the rear bush is encased in the sub frame with no access, albeit seemingly having to take the subframe to bits, can someone please help
Thanks

Not sure 100% on the removal as I haven't gotten around to mine yet. Look around recent threads relating to it.

I do know that you have to remove the front bumper and unbolt a section of the frame to gain access to the entire wishbone.

Hi
Thanks, that's very helpful, bumper off it is then

Look for 'Rear suspension bushing separation ' thread about 3 pages back, I put some good points on re this as I've just done them.

John202020 said:

Look for 'Rear suspension bushing separation ' thread about 3 pages back, I put some good points on re this as I've just done them.

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That's the thread! I couldn't remember the name of it. I plan to do mine when I return from my break away. Should have done it before really but the weather isn't very forgiving.

Here's the you tube link to remove the bumper


and the link to the topic, and its the FRONT bolt that's concealed behind the front strut extension, bumper off, front lower cross member off( it can actually be left on I found just bolts out), strut extension off, lower arm of on etc.
https://www.fiatforum.com/500/439332-rear-suspension-bushing-seperation.html - look at the second page too re keeping the wrench straight.

THe's pics may help

Oh and torque figs, note front cross member bolts(4 each side ) are only 30ftlb!

When tightening the three bolts on the strut extension (nearest front control arm bolt) tighten the two that go upwards first only then put the small horizontal one in.
Don't forget to reconnect the bumper lights when putting it back on!
I put the Torx bit in a suitable socket and wrench to remove the bolts, care and a degree of force is required .
Drivers side you need to move, but not remove the washer bottle to get the extension out, more rusted nuts!
Grease every nut bolt screw you put back, and check the general condition of the suspension parts, discs pads etc that's how I noticed my leaking rusty shocker

John202020 awesome, many thanks, very helpful - I have already done the discs and pads, so it's now wishbone and suspension strut next - again thanks for the links and text

chinwan said:

John202020 awesome, many thanks, very helpful - I have already done the discs and pads, so it's now wishbone and suspension strut next - again thanks for the links and text

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I've got new springs, shockers,drop links, bump stops and top 'cups' ready to fit, thinking about it most bolts should come out OK but the top nut that sits in the cup (of water often) could be a nightmare, so too could be getting the wiper arms off in order to remove the plastic trim under the screen. I have an idea to drill down the side of the top nut where it meets the central rod, then split the nut vertically with a cold chisel, you think that's a reasonable idea ?

Yes, I did notice the nightmare rusted nuts ! Your idea sounds good, I currently have them swimming around in release fluid, I even contemplated putting a pair of grips on the piston to try and hold it and then impact wrench the nut, but yours sounds much safer