how important are bushes?

[jamesd]

I am going to get my shocks replaced by my ordinary mechanic. But before I book the job I went to Pedders and paid the $14 for the 28 point check where the convince you to buy a bunch of stuff from them - I was interested in what I might learn.

Pedders gave me a price of $550! to replace the front lower control arm bushes and said they were very important (apparently the cost is in the Labour required to get the worn bushes out). They also said the only way to correct the 25mm of sag in the rear was to replace the springs. My regular mechanic (who I trust more) says springs are not important.

My car is a BG Liberty - 1996 wagon with 208k's on it. I drive mainly on the road, but sometimes dirt/gravel, nothing really rough.

I'm also planning to get a second hand Outback rear sway bar fitted as they are 19 rather than 16mm. That should hold the back down thru the corners and give the front more grip. Pedders has quoted $260 to replace the rear sway bar bushes and $260 to do the lower trailing arm bushes..

So I'm wondering:
* how important are those the lower arm bushes, especially the front?
* is there another (cheaper/better) way to correct the sag without replacing the springs.

Sorry for the long post, but plenty of info there.

Cheers,

James

[RSR 555]

I would say that most of your problems are due to your worn shocks (due to the amount of Kms) and once you have the new ones fitted you'll be quiet surprised. As for your springs it would depend on how much towing you do and if you are replacing the struts then they are cheap to fit new springs at the same time.

New Lower Control Arm Bushes are cheap through Whiteline.. search and call your local dealer. These bushes are important for your alignment and if worn (leaking oil) then they will need to be replaced.

The Outback has a large swaybar due to the higher centre of gravity and not needed if at standard height. You'll find less body roll once your new struts are fitted. Stronger swaybars are good if you're planning on carrying on lots of gear in the cargo area.

Cheers,
Paul

[daza]

Re the lower control arm bushes, i've used these...



The're solid rubber and the're bolt-in so fiting them is a ten minute job.
Bought them from http://www.wholesalesuspension.com.au through ebay.
Can't see a Liberty listing at the moment but it'd be worth asking them.

Sag is springs, look at how much weight your putting on them(load in the back/ towing) King Springs do heavy duty and lifted, would be a good time to do struts as well if the budget allows.
Daza.

[Venom]

Springs don't cost much if you're replacing shocks. Springs are about $150 for a set of F or R, so about $300 to do all four. Also not too hard to replace yourself if you're willing to give it a go.