Hi all ,thx to my reliable car it’s been a while since I posted
I’ve had this problem with my rear suspension for a while now ,I put it down to the shocks.(I re-newed) them last weekend).
My rear suspension is very harsh going over a pot hole is like hitting a brick
Going over a speed bump feels like it’s bottoming out .
Having rear passengers is very uncomfortable for them and me .
Has anybody got any ideas, when I did shocks the springs looked ok,Rusty yes
But ok.

Probabaly rear beam axle bushes are gone. Not an easy job, sadly:

https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo-guides/269439-diy-stilo-rear-bush-replacement.html

Unfortunately this will be the problem, it's very common. Had the same problem with mine twice and due to time restrictions had pay to get repaired. Have a few quotes fist. Hope you get this sorted soon.

I bought the bushes on fleabay and the proper fitting tool (I think they all came to about £50 altogether).... and then bottled it and gave it to a garage to do. Ahhhh

They charged me aboot £130 a couple of years ago and said the job was a bit nasty so it's maybe not one for a casual DIY-er, unless you're young and a bit reckless.

One top tip (in the guide too) is to reduce the diameter of the casing (emery paper or machining) a bit which makes them a touch easier to squeeze into the axle beam.

Also note that the notches in the casing need to go in with a particular orientation.. the guide isn't too clear about it... but the Fiat service bulletin in Post #13 shows it better.

Also also note that the axle has to be tightened up with the suspension at the normal ride height, otherwise the bushes are under a load when the car is back down on it's wheels, even before there's any suspension movement... which is why I think a few people find they need doing "all the time". My Fiat ones lasted aboot 135,000 miles.. replacements on 50k so far, touching wood.


Ralf S.

Worse case scenario then damn ,well it had to be them or springs,I was hoping
You were gonna say springs . I will get a price on it , depending on price the car might be a gonna ! Thx lads I’ll let you know outcome

Had a quote from a local fiat specialist for £180

I think it’s looking like the old girl has got to go ,she also needs a new exhaust, and timing belt/pulley kit /pump etc / also clocks repairing .
It would be crazy to spend an estimated 8-900 quid on a 2004 car.
The only thing that bugs me is there isn’t another fast fiat to replace it unless I get a girly 500 Abarth , unless there is a more modern fast fiat I don’t know about , it would be interesting to hear anyone’s thoughts.
Thx for your prompt replies.

If the rest of the car is in good health, then spending that money could well get you another few years of motoring.

Ralph—. If the bushes have to be put in in a certain orientation then they must be torsion bushes , so why does it have springs then ? Why does it have torsion bushes when it has springs. The springs determine the ride height.

I purchased the fitting tool off eBay and the bushes. Then gave them to a garage to sort out and it cost £150 to get them fitted and it's like a new car now.

Yes thanks lads ,I’ve decided to get it done , got it booked in with a local specialist £180 all in.
It needs a new exhaust next probably next month, I don’t want a standard one , can anyone give me advice on what to get and where from . Cheers

Just wonder what happens if you need a second set of bushes. Fiat say you can only do one replacement. Is it easy to find a complete rear axle?

cliffy71 said:

Ralph—. If the bushes have to be put in in a certain orientation then they must be torsion bushes , so why does it have springs then ? Why does it have torsion bushes when it has springs. The springs determine the ride height.

Click to expand...

The spring and damper just absorb the shocks and then damp the movement as in a normal suspension system. You would still need those regardless of the type of bush at the pivot end.

The bushes themselves are liquid filled and don't perform any major suspension damping. As I read/remember they are designed to allow any or all of radial, axial , torsional and conical movement of the trailing arm bolt, relative to the beam axle. The liqud inside the bush presumably damps the movement within the bush and/or allows some fine-tuning of the movement of the bush.

Anyways, the hydraulic bush allows the swing arm a degree of freedom and more compliance compared to a more rigid bush or mounting... leading to better wheel control/handling (and a reduction of vibration or harshness) from what is otherwise quite a conventional (even low tech) suspension system.


Ralf S.

jim cooper said:

Just wonder what happens if you need a second set of bushes. Fiat say you can only do one replacement. Is it easy to find a complete rear axle?

Click to expand...

I think in theory, once you have replaced the standard and then the replacement bushes, the bush apperture in the axle will (according to Fiat) be too enlarged to securely hold the third set of bushes. The bushes are an interference fit and the bush casing can't be "loose" otherwise the bushes would rotate.

Realistically, bushes last forever. I'd expect that two sets of bushes would be good for at least 160,000 miles (my factory Fiat bushes lasted to 135k and the cheapo second set have 50k and counting). A third set probably won't be needed in the lifetime of the car.

Secondly, if you do need some bushes.. everyone says they are a Mo-Fo to fit... to the extent that it's a "tip" to shave the casing a little, to make it smaller... so I'm not as convinced as Fiat that the apperture in the axle is really likely to be so loose with age.

You can always loctite the bush in place (I can't remember the goo that Loctite recommend for this kind of job... but they do have one). So... ignore Fiat's best intentioned advice and just fit the third set.


Ralf S.

Hi guys , I got my rear bushes done a couple of weeks ago and you were right, my car is like a different car , no more spine jarring when I go over a speed bump, thx for all your excellent advice .
I have a new weird problem with the front suspension, but I will start a new blog ( if thats what you it ! )