Technical Panda 4x4 2014 lower arm

[Wingnutt]

Has anyone changed a ball joint on a 2012+ panda 4x4? I understand that the whole lower arm has to be changed and with earlier models it was simply 3 bolts. With this model I can get to 2 bolts easily but how the hell do you get to the third bolt? Any help would be appreciated. Ta

 

[Panda IIs]

Has anyone changed a ball joint on a 2012+ panda 4x4? I understand that the whole lower arm has to be changed and with earlier models it was simply 3 bolts. With this model I can get to 2 bolts easily but how the hell do you get to the third bolt? Any help would be appreciated. Ta

Yep; twice now having had an MOT advisory a couple of years ago I purchased an ECP part and fitted myself, sorry to say had a second advisory last year on the same (RHD nearside) so sourced an OEM one from Shop4Parts and fitted maybe six months ago.

There's a couple of informative YouTubes featuring 500s (essentially the same)

Briefly (from memory); remove front bumper (make sure you unplug the fog, and driving lights before hand or there's a real risk of breaking the thin cables as its a pretty heavy lump).

Take the crash bar bolts out on the side you are working on, slacken the other side, I don't think you strictly need to remove the bar although vids suggest so.

Now get to grips with the front section of the sub-frame which blocks the 3rd bolt you refer to. Two bolts, I think plus the vertical strut, again memory makes me think you loosen both bolts on the strut removing only the lower one.

Now I think you can "access all areas" unless you have taken the under tray/skid plate off you will be blocked by the trailing corner. On the premise that the skid plate bolts would be either seized or the spire nuts would simply rotate I found careful use of a claw hammer allowed the offending corner to be deflected out of the way (I know, I'm not proud of myself but it was really handy second time around...).

Health warning; I may have forgotten a couple of steps and it is a pain having to take the bumper off, do watch the YouTube made by the lad with the red 500 take heed of the bumper clips and his advice...

This is all on my 4x4 TA 63 plate

Good luck.

 

[Wingnutt]

Thank you brother, I appreciate your advice.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

@Wingnutt There's another thread on this subject, with diagrams and other useful stuff... I'll see if I can find it (using this forum's really good search tools )

Edit: few moments later... see here for a complete 'how to...' https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/panda-cross-suspension-arm-front-bolt.487717/