Hello All,
I need to do lots on my Panda Pop and need some advice please.
I need to replace at least one of the front strut top mounts but when I search suppliers, I seem to come up with two options that look different. One is the Monroe MK095 which looks different from the Maxgear 72-2197. Any guidance welcome.
I also need to replace the wishbone and one motor factor told me there were two options but this doesn't seem to be the case with the online shops. I was slightly puzzled that the right side is more expensive than the left (of course it it the right side I need).
The motor factor said that the track rod ends were different for each side but the online shops say they are the same.
Finally the top bush on a rear shock absorber has gone but can't seem to find the bush only, just complete shock absorber.
Any advice very welcomed.
Thank you
Richard.

Just got some prices from a friend who is a mechanic and it turns out that there are two options for the wishbones, pressed steel or cast. Mine has the steel ones which are more expensive. Does anyone know if they are interchangeable?
Thank you.
Richard.

richardblack said:

Just got some prices from a friend who is a mechanic and it turns out that there are two options for the wishbones, pressed steel or cast. Mine has the steel ones which are more expensive. Does anyone know if they are interchangeable?
Thank you.
Richard.

Click to expand...

Ask for prices from shop4parts

Forum discount is helpful..and at least they should fit

Pretty sure that the post 2012 Pandas have all had pressed steel wishbones. The cast ones were used on the older (169) model and are rather different. See here (where both sides are the same price): https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=...V_(2012_to_)_1.3_MultiJet_16v_Suspension_Arms

Their replacement requires the removal of the front section of the subframe (to access a bolt that is inside), which in turn requires the front bumper to be removed. Easy-ish I'm sure if you have access to a lift, but maybe not something to try with the car on a trolley jack and axle stands.

The different top mounts may be owing to 2- and 4-wheel drive variations?

Thanks very much for that. I'm taking it round to my friends for him to give me a price on it. Hopefully I can afford it as it will be difficult for me as I would have to do it on axle stands on a muddy drive!
Thanks for all your help.
I'll let you know how I get on.
Thanks,
Richard.

richardblack said:

Thanks very much for that. I'm taking it round to my friends for him to give me a price on it. Hopefully I can afford it as it will be difficult for me as I would have to do it on axle stands on a muddy drive!
Thanks for all your help.
I'll let you know how I get on.
Thanks,
Richard.

Click to expand...

Did LHS wishbone on my 4x4 63 plate (MOT failure on lower ball joint). While it was time consuming it is doable on an axle stand. As stated above the front bumper and supports (subframe front end) have to be removed to access the wishbone bolts (which are Torx bolts so best to get the right socket). On the 4x4 (maybe all versions) the sump guard covers one of the bolts for the chassis frame that has to be removed. Not proud of myself, but it was easy enough to bend the guard back at the corner to remove the bolt (rather than battle with all the sump guard bolts).

There are YouTube vids for 500 wishbone replacement that give you a sense of what's required.

Like you I was originally offered two options for the replacement part but the reality is that its a pressed steel wishbone. At the time (with sale discount) Eurocar Parts were cheapest but I would nonetheless recommend Shop4Parts who usually offer OEM parts.

One word of caution; if you have driving and fog lights in the bumper either try to reach under and remove the connections or carefully support the weight of the bumper as you remove it since the cables aren't long enough to allow it to reach the ground before the cables snap...