Hey friends.

 

I THINK I already know the answer to this - but I thought I would run it by you all, as you guys and gals are always such a great help!

 

My Mk. 1 Octy vRS at 138k is knocking like a good-un from the front end, both sides. I've fairly recently replaced the front ARB and the ARB drop-links, to cure an older knocking.

 

This new knocking seems to be related to the lower arm bushes, and possibly the ball-joints, as has been covered and discussed on here on many occasions. So I know I need to replace them.

 

 

My first question is - can a reasonably competent driveway mechanic (i.e. - me) replace these components with a jack, axle stands, and a selection of normal-ish tools, on a, erm, driveway?

 

My second question is - it seems that a good bet for both arms and ball-joints is Lemforder parts, from Euro's, yes? If not, what do people recommend?

 

 

As always, thanks for your thoughts and comments. Between us, we keep these old Mk. 1's on the road in rude health! It's our duty

 

 

Have just done mine, the Lemforder ones are good from Euros, and in the sale can be had for reasonable outlay.

 

I did mine at my friends garage on a two poster lift, and whilst the n/s arm/balljoint came off ok, we ended up cutting the nut off the o/s one which was a pain. You will also need a long fork type balljoint splitter tool.

 

I suppose it comes down to how good your jack is to get enough height to get access if you have to cut yours off. Get a couple of new hack saw blades - makes it easier

 

If you are going to do the job properly, you also need new wishbone bolts and the top nut as they are stretch bolts - you should get new balljoint bolts and the captive nut frame with the new balljoint if you get Lemforder from Euros.

As above and always use new nuts and bolts.

 

Lemforder or Febi are the brands to go for, I chose Febi ones, they came with new balljoints bolted up and nylock nut for the taper

I removed the bushes and fitted my super-pro bushes, and fitted them myself (jacks /axle stands ), so it can be done.

 

NB: Together with stock bushes and fitted balljoints came to £78 incl' vat and delivery

 

Before fitting

Looking at doing this on mine too this weekend as one rear bush is worn due to pothole damage (only 3 months after replacement) and the O/S ball joint has play in it. I was originally going to get the parts from ECP. However there prices have shot up on these parts in the last couple of days. I priced up some bits on the ECP website on Sunday and did originally look at there cheaper alternatives OCAP complete wishbones at £29.82 each. TO my surprise today even these have shot up to £43.51 each and the Lemforder wishbones are coming out at £60.28 each without the ball joint which were only £42 ish when I looked on Sunday.

 

Consequently ive ordered the bits from somewhere else. Will take a look at doing them on my drive at the weekend weather permitting

Good luck, just get the car up as high as you can safely do so for access - save neck ache if you get grief.

As above and always use new nuts and bolts.

 

Lemforder or Febi are the brands to go for, I chose Febi ones, they came with new balljoints bolted up and nylock nut for the taper

I removed the bushes and fitted my super-pro bushes, and fitted them myself (jacks /axle stands ), so it can be done.

 

NB: Together with stock bushes and fitted balljoints came to £78 incl' vat and delivery

 

Before fitting

 

sorry to hijack thread, but where did you get these from? with the ball joint attached?

sorry to hijack thread, but where did you get these from? with the ball joint attached?

 

Hi Buddy,

 

Company is called "All German Parts.co.uk"  Tel:  0113 2775245

 

Brand:     Febi Bilstein

Product code: 19820 L/H Track Control Arm (Ball Joint fitted)

         "           19822 R/H    "          "         "               "

 

If you decide to buy from them quote "Briskoda" when you speak to sales.

 

Good Luck

Cheers, that all I need then? Just of interest would these be better then upgrading just the bushes to tt ones?

Cheers, that all I need then? Just of interest would these be better then upgrading just the bushes to tt ones?

 

Hi,

 

Please re-read posts 2 and 3, I replaced all the bolts and nuts as well.

 

Regarding your question about tt ones, im sorry I cant comment as ive never used them or driven a car that has them fitted.

Those who have, are very pleased with the results  as I am with my Polybushed wishbones.

Either way you go you should feel a much more positive steering response + handling.

The thing I'm trying to ask is, are the standard bushes in the new febi wishbones any good? I'm not even sure I need wishbones I just had an advisory for front bushes on my mot.

The thing I'm trying to ask is, are the standard bushes in the new febi wishbones any good? I'm not even sure I need wishbones I just had an advisory for front bushes on my mot.

 

Okkkkk,

 

Sorry cant help, as you can see I replaced them with Poly' ones before fitting, they seemed ok.