Ok, so in the last few days on the way to work I've noticed the beginning of a wheel bearing that's buggered. I already know that I need new top mounts, due to a small knocking from the top when coming to a stop & turning the wheel whilst stationary. My car is close to clock onto 100k hence I'm thinking that I'm going to completely renew all the front suspension components.

 

I've recently fitted the Superpro Anti-Lift kit and matching front wishbone bushes fitted, so that's nothing to worry about. Therefore I'm looking at replacing the wheel bearing, top mount, bottom ball joint, drop link, and track rod arm on both sides. At speed I get a tiny amount of play in the steering wheel which I don't like, so I'm figuring this will sort the lot.

 

Couple of questions:

 

• How difficult a job is changing the complete track rod? I'm fairly proficient mechanically, but have never done one of these before. The rest of the items won't be a problem, with the exception of having to get a garage to press the bearings out and new ones in.

 

• What parts would people use? i.e. would anyone use pattern parts from Eurocarparts (I get a discount with work there) ?

 

• What is the cost of genuine parts for all the above? Can I buy them from anywhere online to save the hassle of visiting my nearest dealer?

 

 

After it's all done I plan on visiting Unit 18 to get it all aligned properly, as Alistair said to me that he can correct this almighty pulling the car has to the left that seems to be a random common problem with these cars. I've put up with it pulling for far too long!

 

Cheers for your help guys!

 

Alex

Sorry off topic, how do you find the anti-lift kit? I'm considering it, but wondered if there's any benefit or downsides compared to the powerflex bushes?

If I'm honest I'm not sure. I think that the car wheelspins less than before they were fitted, but my original consoles were knackered, and this could be a placebo effect.

 

I did ask questions before getting them though, and I heard good things,  hence I assume they work!! Whether it's worth the massive outlay is another question though...  Perhaps I'd immediately notice a difference if I were to go back to standard consoles.

Did you fit them yourself? Are they a 2part such as the powerflex ones?

Have you noticed any increase in vibration or anything?

No I got a garage to fit them for me, as I was having a service carried out as well.

 

I'm not 100% sure if the anti-lift ones are 2 part or not sorry - can't remember!! Have a look on their website perhaps...

 

Vibration has ever so slightly increased on idle, but that's about it. I mean only 'slightly' as well!

Thanks for the info, I may just go with these when the time comes...

I've recently fitted the Superpro Anti-Lift kit and matching front wishbone bushes fitted, so that's nothing to worry about. Therefore I'm looking at replacing the wheel bearing, top mount, bottom ball joint, drop link, and track rod arm on both sides. At speed I get a tiny amount of play in the steering wheel which I don't like, so I'm figuring this will sort the lot.

 

Couple of questions:

 

• How difficult a job is changing the complete track rod? I'm fairly proficient mechanically, but have never done one of these before. The rest of the items won't be a problem, with the exception of having to get a garage to press the bearings out and new ones in.

 

• What parts would people use? i.e. would anyone use pattern parts from Eurocarparts (I get a discount with work there) ?

 

 

I've got the anti-lift kit too, makes a lot of difference for me compared to the standard knackered bushes that were in before, wheel spin is reduced.

 

Track rods are not too difficult to change, There's a metal clip on the gaiter that will need to go back (I just used big cable ties), pull back the gaiter on the steering rack and they are just screwed in, can't remember the spanner size. Not too difficult but you'd obviously need to get it tracked straight away after.

 

I got mine from Euro Parts, just over a tenner each I think so pretty cheap. It was the ball joint on the track rod that was gone on mine. I could feel it wobble through the steering around 60/70 mph.

 

Good luck!

Legend cheers mate!

 

Sounds like an easy enough job to get them changed then :-)

 

I'm looking forward to having it all refreshed and like new again!