Have started doing the arb bushes on my vRS Fabia but cannot see how the top bolt on the near side is going to clear the drive shaft. I've tried raising the car, compressing the suspension and still can't see how it will come out. Help! Any ideas anyone please? While I still have some hair left I'm stuck in no mans land at the moment!

Edited 9 June, 201214 yr by Coffin Dodger

Sounds like the same problem as on the petrol engine......I jacked both sides of the car up and supported on axle stands....then remove both wheels (best to do this for access)........then carefully using a padding piece of wood jack up the wishbone to wheel hub bottom ball joint (this will lift the car up of the axle stand on this side).....this compresses the suspension and moves the drive shaft out of the way........simples when you know how.........

cheers fella!

AAAArrrgghh! still got the feckin noise, ok not as bad and now only on one side, but it's still there.

**** **** **** lots and lots of swearing!

Oh well, looks as though I need to get a drop link for one side, or do you guys recommend replacing the pair? Its weird 'cos the links both look brand new.

Jeez I'm getting to old for this, every bone in my body aches

Edited 9 June, 201214 yr by Coffin Dodger

I'm a bit anal that if I replace something on one side I replace it on the other, especially when it comes to bushes, steering components and what not

K155BMR, that's not being "anal" - that's being "smart".

cheers fella!

Its always smart to remove both droplinks or what ever connects the ARB to the suspension before starting to remove the ARB mounting points - so that you don't need to put up with the added nuisance of the flexing of the ARB fighting you.

if you disconnect the drop links check them for being loose, as when they are on the car under tension you can't tell if they are worn

for about £20 a side (dealer price, can get them cheaper online) it is a cheap simple fix for a lot of knocks on the front

Well I've replaced the drop links on both sides and the clicking noise is still there. I am looking for a gallon of petrol and a match at the moment, I am so pi55ed off.

Nah, only kidding, I am not in the best of moods right now but, I realise that there will be teething problems before I get the car back to tip top health again. I suppose I should go with my original inclination and replace all the suspension bushes at the front, after all, it is an eight year old car. Plus do the top strut mountings and bearings. Oh well, I didn't want a holiday this year anyway.

Edited 14 June, 201214 yr by Coffin Dodger

A general bush replacement is the way to go, you may find a top mount has broken. I'm mid way through doing a full bush change to full power flex upfront, I already have the super pro dog bone mount fitted and I must say I am impressed, will be doing the wishbone when the weather brightens up a bit, along with ARB. My good lady will moan like buggery about the ride, but if she does not like it then she can walk.