Hello, This is my first post so hopefully doing this right. I have a Mk2 and Mk3 fabia monte Carlos. I have been advised by a garage doing my cam belt and water pump on my Mk3 my bushes are shot on the lower arms both sides and required replacing immediately as they are dangerous. I have checked and can't really see issues no holes splits etc but im not a mechanic. I have attached pictures could somebody who knows these cars please give me some advice as I have a new born baby and I'm really worried. Also believe they were trying to sell me something that wasn't needed. But I might be wrong. I replaced discs and pads all round off their advice but they also said there was a leak on shock absorber OSL but I honestly can't see anything at all. Returns well when compressed. Thank you hopefully not nattered on too long. Take care.

2 hours ago, Technick26 said:

my Mk3 my bushes are shot on the lower arms both sides and required replacing immediately as they are dangerous.

It looks like the rubber is BEGINNING to separate from the metal outer ring.

 

Have they been advised on the last MOT?

Wants to be on the shopping list but they don't look like they need doing now.

 

Not as bad as mine when change them last year. See below:-

 

 

Thanks. AG Falco

Thanks AGFalco,

No nothing on the mot in February along with major service.

I only brought the car in October so I got the MOT re done to be sure. No advisories you know what it's like garages just make you worry. Annoyingly I don't mind doing the passenger side, the drivers side arm though looks impossible to get the bolt out, on the swing side of the arm. Due to the engine trying to work out if there's an easier way haha!

Thanks so much for the reply. 😀 

I'm guessing that you don't have the TSI engine versions then.

 

I used to get my 2011 Audi S4 MOT'd at the local Audi garage, basically as they would be in a better position to immediately or quickly get and replace any failed parts.

 

That only worked until its second MOT from new, ie 2015 then I got advisories on a few front suspension bushes, which when I examined them, all looked to be in very good condition!

 

So maybe 9.5 years later, I'm considering replacing a couple of these bushes, but I'm now using a VW Group Indie for MOTs and they have yet to pass out any advisories.

 

I agree with AG Falco, nothing to bother about yet and I'm surprised that an honest MOT tester has passed comments on these bushes in that condition.

 

I do intend to replace them on both sides on my wife's 2015 VW Polo 1.2TSI before its next MOT in August.

I wouldn't even think about advising them on MOT, just keep an eye on them, you don't drive around with your wheels in the air.

Yes I'm so sorry should have said its the 1.4 diesel monte. Thanks so much for messaging me all. I will probably leave them annoyingly they are a vw Audi skoda specialist. It was only in for cam belt and water pump. Shame really trusted the garage to be fair. Thanks again.

You can't blame them really. Most garages do a free health check on the car, it's company policy. Yes there is some wear but they could last another year maybe 2 who knows. They don't know your annual mileage and driving style etc. so have to put anything down to let you know and cover their arses.

On 13/06/2024 at 22:37, Technick26 said:

Yes I'm so sorry should have said its the 1.4 diesel monte. Thanks so much for messaging me all. I will probably leave them annoyingly they are a vw Audi skoda specialist. It was only in for cam belt and water pump. Shame really trusted the garage to be fair. Thanks again.

What mileage has it done? I had to change the suspension arms on my daughter's Fabia at 102,000 miles as they were very worn and causing uneven tyre wear.

It's done 45000 miles. But 8 know the car was sat still for at least a year ish I wonder if that caused the issues. To be honest with you all I couldn't bare thinking about it anymore especially with my 8 month old. I've put to new arms on it myself not to difficult to be fair. I will stick some pictures on here once I get around to photographing them (old ones). Garage sort of put the fear of God into me lol. They are definitely split and as said by you guys coming away from the outer ring but other than that again as you all said had life left. Shame but don't have to worry no more just going to get car tracked now.

 

Can I just say this forum is amazing really happy with how many helpful responses I got thank you so much. Legends! Take care of yourselves. 

Replaced mine on both sides with the Audi TT solid bushes, although not listed for the Fabia MK3 they do fit but need pressing in, I used a universal kit from the bay around £25 but can do lots of different sizes, the car feels a better ride but the only downside we have noticed if you are in a higher gear say 3 rd and you are going a bit slow 20 mph ish and get to a hill when you put your foot down to keep at that speed you get a bit of noise vibration , it's just like you are in the wrong gear but once the speed goes up to say 30 mph it's fine, you do get used to this and either go faster or change down to 2nd

I have now noticed that the newer type control bushes are not slotted right through like my old ones but have cut outs on the top and bottom of the rubber part, I think you need to put them in the arm in a certain way depending on which side you are replacing, for now I'm leaving the solid ones in as so far it's passed 2 mot's without any probems from the solid bushes and now we have just slightly adjusted our driving style to not get the noise vibration, we are in Wales so 20 is a real pain, at 30 in 3rd uphill it's fine no vibration noise