Got them today.

 

Little bit confused why they came with a recipe from a newspaper article but ok haha

 

 

easy fitment i also packed mine with lithium based grease before i fitted them

 

 

 

Was it hard to get the middle yellow bit out and was there any grease already inside? I've noticed a bit of what looks like red grease on mine.

Just ordered these myself, hope they prove to be OK in the long run and easy to fit.

Just ordered these myself, hope they prove to be OK in the long run and easy to fit.

 

They are a doddle to fit. Only thing you have to watch out for is the 18mm bolt that goes through the wishbone can seize and strip the threads in the alloy console assembly. Something to do with dissimilar metals I think - i.e. steel bolt inside aluminium.

Was it hard to get the middle yellow bit out and was there any grease already inside? I've noticed a bit of what looks like red grease on mine.

Grease inside already I pack my grease on the outside and inner part where the wishbone locates so it will stop dirt getting in and wearing the bushes out quicker

Hopefully fitting mine today. Wish you never said about that thread I always get paranoid when I read stuff like that just before a job.

Dear Lord these were easy to fit!! Literally slid in.

 

Can't believe how hard I made it last time. 

 

Yet to go out and test them though

Done mine today as well dan. Hardest bit was getting the old bush out for me. Also had a captive nut go loose on the little bracket under the ball joint. Had to tap mine in with a hammer but very easy. Have not drove it far but no vibration or anything but off on a 40 mile round trip now so will report back.

Well done chaps

 

Let us know what you think of them.

No difference to when my bushes where ok so that's a good thing if they don't fail like the originals. Thumbs up from me so far.

Got the PSB poly bushes on this afternoon. Hard to get old ones out (done on car, or should I say under car) but new ones went in easy. Been for quick drive, slight more vibration than before but (might settle down a bit), more importantly I've got rid of the knocking when going over lumpy surfaces and the car just feels tighter. Will monitor over the next few days and weeks. Initial impression is good though.

How easy are these to do? People are saying easy - but is that easy even for the technically inept. Skoda quoted me a big price to change these and I'm not paying it! Does anyone know of a guide online please?

Ignore me. Found a guide. Not going to even try. Looks hardcore.

How easy are these to do? People are saying easy - but is that easy even for the technically inept. Skoda quoted me a big price to change these and I'm not paying it! Does anyone know of a guide online please?

 

It's easy if everything goes OK but there can be problems if you're unlucky. The big 18mm bolt which goes through the front of the wishbone can seize and even snap off due to galvanic corrosion (steel bolt and alloy console), and the threads may strip in the console. The next problem can be the three balljoint bolts on each wishbone - one of mine snapped and I had to cut another one off. I purchased new bolts and the captive nuts thing that they screw into.

 

Depending on what type of bush you want to fit you may need the fitting tool and a ratchet strap to pull the wishbone hexagon spigot into the new bush (not needed for Powerflex, PSB or similar bushes).

 

Only yourself knows whether you'd be capable of doing it but it's not the most difficult job in the world if all goes OK.

 

Guide here...

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/92625-fabia-wishbone-bush-replacement-diy-guide/

Edited 26 February, 201412 yr by TMB

Thanks mate. I found that guide. Gonna get a quote tomorrow off the local indie!

By the way - you very rarely have to replace the front wishbone bush. They are usually fine. It's only the console bush you need to worry about.

 

 

EDIT: OK, just seen your post above.

Edited 26 February, 201412 yr by TMB

I knocked up my own fitting tool using stuff from B&Q because I'm going to be doing some other Fabias. It's for fitting the standard Skoda ones (or others with the plastic outer shell).

 

Ignore me. Found a guide. Not going to even try. Looks hardcore.

I've never tackled anything like this before and managed it. You'd need axle stands, jack, good socket set, possibly breaker bar for the big front bolts (mine were stuck fast - but came off eventually), torque wrench. I used hacksaw cutting method of getting old bushes out, cut through rubber and plastic (partially) casing, then you sort of carefully hammer blunt screwdriver up the side and split them, then they come out easy. Take care not to damage the alu console housing!!!

Supposed to use new bolts to put all back together but I didn't, just cleaned up old ones, put a bit of thread lock on and put them back!

I've never tackled anything like this before and managed it. You'd need axle stands, jack, good socket set, possibly breaker bar for the big front bolts (mine were stuck fast - but came off eventually), torque wrench. I used hacksaw cutting method of getting old bushes out, cut through rubber and plastic (partially) casing, then you sort of carefully hammer blunt screwdriver up the side and split them, then they come out easy. Take care not to damage the alu console housing!!!

Supposed to use new bolts to put all back together but I didn't, just cleaned up old ones, put a bit of thread lock on and put them back!

Thanks for this, can see this taking me a big chunk of a day and not sure when I'm going to get the chance, so much as I'd like to get stuck in I think it's one for the garage unfortunately!

Dealer quoted me £130 to do this fyi.

Really?! Including parts?

 

I've been quoted £211 and £278 by local dealers... (which is quite a big difference from your quote - and each other!)

Edited 26 February, 201412 yr by joncc

Yep £130 to replace front console rear bushes (using uprated new skoda part), leaving front bushes as is, they hardly ever need replacing.

Yep £130 to replace front console rear bushes (using uprated new skoda part), leaving front bushes as is, they hardly ever need replacing.

Whereabouts are you based, please? Just trying to work out: Is it worth me road-tripping!?

Edited 26 February, 201412 yr by joncc

Local independents are £190 and £210 too - so £130 is very good!

 

Moderators/Admin: Should we start a thing somewhere with a grid of garages vs. jobs so people can easily see who has paid what for what job and where?

 

Could be useful!

Sorry only just checked-in, I'm in oxford, bit far for you.