Hi -

I fitted new front lower wishbones recently to my 2004 JTD, purchased from eBay (item 220568938152). Just noticed today whilst changing a wheel that there is a lot of movement (on both sides) which doesn't seem right.

With the roadwheels fitted and fully loaded (eg no jack) it is possible with a hard shove to roll the wheels backwards and forwards, demonstrating a good 10mm of movement front to rear. As each roadwheel moves (red arrows in pic, o/s) you can see the rear arm of the wishbone moving approx 10mm backward and forward (blue arrows).

The rear bushes are intact and appear sound, they just seem to be too soft to restrain the movement. The rubber arms of each bush are aligned front-to-rear, so they are not directly bearing the movement force (see other pic).

If someone can tell me this is normal, then I'll be very happy. But it looks wrong to me. Any comments or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

The movement your describing could be a result of a worn track rode end and not the new wishbones you've installed.

Shadeyman said:

The movement your describing could be a result of a worn track rode end and not the new wishbones you've installed.

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Hi Shadey,
Thanks for replying, but I can't see how that would explain it. The roadwheel is moving forward and back, rotating on the front wishbone bush (green blob). The rear wishbone arm visibly moves as marked by red arrows.

The track rod can't be intended to restrain that movement, surely? The steering rack couldn't handle suspension forces being transmitted through it, and the track rod has a swivel joint which deliberately allows lateral & vertical movement.

My understanding is that the wishbone should hold the hub in a precise position, and the track rod should apply turning force only - eg rotating on the knuckle joint. Or have I completely misunderstood.....?

Best wishes, and my sanded, araldited rear bushes are still fine!

Is the rubber in the front bush compressing or is the metal tube in the center of the front bush moving. There are 2 different front bush tube internal diameters, 12mm and 14mm. If you've fitted the wrong wishbone with a 14mm bush to a car that should have a 12mm bush and bolt, there could be movement.

The rubber front bush does allow some movement but 10mm seems excessive to me.

Steve148 said:

and my sanded, araldited rear bushes are still fine!

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So you purchased brand new wishbones then altered them by gluing(araldite) in some other bushes?

Davren said:

Is the rubber in the front bush compressing or is the metal tube in the center of the front bush moving. There are 2 different front bush tube internal diameters, 12mm and 14mm. If you've fitted the wrong wishbone with a 14mm bush to a car that should have a 12mm bush and bolt, there could be movement.

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Thanks Dav - at the front it's a 12mm bush with a 12mm bolt. I was aware of the spec change and I checked it before fitting. The only movement there is the little flex available from the rubber component.

The free movement is definitely at the rear bush, as in the first diagram. If I hold the roadwheel and firmly roll it forward and backwards, it moves about 10mm relative to the wheelarch. I can see the rear bush flexing enough to allow that movement, as the blue arrows in first diagram.

My guess is that the rear bush is made of the wrong grade of rubber, and/or it has been pressed in at the wrong alignment to the suspension forces. But these were new parts from a reasonably established supplier, and I don't want to jump off the wrong end of the stick... (?).

Shadeyman said:

The rubber front bush does allow some movement but 10mm seems excessive to me.

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The 10mm movement is only at the rear bushes - the blue arrows in my first diagram. The front bushes appear to be functioning correctly.

Shadeyman said:

So you purchased brand new wishbones then altered them by gluing(araldite) in some other bushes?

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No, I bought complete new wishbones and installed them without any alteration. The araldite reference was about the back axle's bushes which I replaced earlier this year with great support from you - sorry for the confusion!
(https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/268211-stilo-rear-bushes-one-mans-struggle.html)

I'm guessing you've bought a poor copy of a geniuine FIAT part. Though even on the genuine article, that bush is 'voided' round its circumference to allow movement - i.e. it's not a totally solid piece of rubber...

Just checked mine, there's no movement in the bush when trying to rotate the wheels fore and aft. I fitted new genuine Fiat wishbones about 10,000 miles ago.

Davren said:

Just checked mine, there's no movement in the bush when trying to rotate the wheels fore and aft. I fitted new genuine Fiat wishbones about 10,000 miles ago.

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Thanks Dav - I don't think there should be movement, and I'm going to replace them. I have messaged the supplier to ask if they wish to provide new parts or a refund.

Quick footnote - installed proper quality wishbones today from Shop4_Parts, and that's fixed it - no movement at all. Cost twice as much unfortunately, but you can't cut corners on a part like that.

Glad you got it sorted Steve. A timley reminder to all of us that in some areas, so-called cheapo parts on eBay and the like are a false ecomony...

who did you get them off on ebay and have they contacted you back

Firstline now supply bushes for Stilo wishbones. Has anyone any experience of fitting them?

i had similar problem i've got 2003 jtd but all i figured out was the cheaper the arm the poorer quality of the rubber in the bushes, only lasted me a few months then had to replace them when i changed my shocks, springs, and droplinks lol, but the new ones i put on where about £40 each and still i feel the bushes have failed (DAMN POT HOLES) but we'll find out when i put it through its mot shortly, my only problem now is i feel the car has a rocket up its rear end and going through the fuel 2 quick as only returning roughly 45mpg, doesn't sound that but but it looks it as its only 80bhp version i've got but it feels like the mondeo i had and it had 130bhp lol, n av no modded it in any way

fifeplumber57 said:

i had similar problem i've got 2003 jtd but all i figured out was the cheaper the arm the poorer quality of the rubber in the bushes, only lasted me a few months then had to replace them when i changed my shocks, springs, and droplinks lol, but the new ones i put on where about £40 each and still i feel the bushes have failed (DAMN POT HOLES) but we'll find out when i put it through its mot shortly, my only problem now is i feel the car has a rocket up its rear end and going through the fuel 2 quick as only returning roughly 45mpg, doesn't sound that but but it looks it as its only 80bhp version i've got but it feels like the mondeo i had and it had 130bhp lol, n av no modded it in any way

Click to expand...

Has the wife bought you new shoes?

Artful53 said:

Has the wife bought you new shoes?

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god that would be a first if she did lol

Digging up an old thread. I need one wishbone as the Stilo failed the MOT, and I wonder if shop4parts' wishbones are ok. I plan getting a pair anyway.

They are branded "Ocap" and sells for £40 each. Optionally I can take the ones marked "Genuine" (Fiat perhaps?) for £135 each. I don't want to do this again after a few km. The mounted pair has been on the Stilo for 10 years, and driven 100.000 km.

But... the "Genuine" marked has another OEM part number 50705083, and checking with ePer they are made of sheet metal, and not directly listed for my 2002 model. The "Ocap" part number is 50700797, and is listed for my Stilo.

Can anyone show me the light here? I am willing to pay a fair price for these items as they are vital. New arms (pair) from Fiat cost £550 in total here in Norway.

Regards, Morten.

Recently I was looking for it, and found this at www.frap.it:


They have detailed part lists. Just search in the catalog.
Might be of help.