[Steering & Suspension] Suspension Bush replacement

[Solent]

Whilst doing a brake service last week I noticed the near side inner wishbone bushing is starting to split, offside looks in better condition.

I'm pretty handy with mechanics but this job looks difficult and expensive. Has anyone replaced them or had them replaced? If so can you give any pointers.

[polar]

Hi Solent, the bushes do split mate but you only need to replce them is there is excessive play for MOT. If its only split i would not worry - they all do that sir!

[geoff]

How many miles done ? Probably ok though as above ^^

I usually replace the wishbone complete, easier and better future proofing ( actually I usually replace both sides as a pair but that is just me and I do my own spannering ).

[Col]

Changing a bush is a lot cheaper than the whole arm IF you have a press, and I'm guessing you haven't.
Bushes are about £4 for Delphi ones from my local factor, for arms add another zero.

Geoffs suggestion is probably the easiest for most people. You have to take the arms off to change the bush anyway.

[geoff]

Further to fitting a bush - depending on which one it is you will need to orientate it correctly or it won't function correctly and it can / will fail prematurely hence my suggestion to renew with a complete assembly and anyway if one bush is allegedly " gone " then the other will not be far behind and the bottom joint will have done a fair bit of work too.

[ffrenchie]

The big bush on the rear doesn't need a press it just knocks on with a hammer after you get the old centre off (that's the hard part usually needs cutting) The front one will pull in with a nut and bolt and some big washers I renewed the arm on mine as the bottom ball joint had failed as well and is the cast bottom arm not the pressed one with bolt on ball joint.