The Arnage T has a relatively simple suspension set up of double wishbones front and rear but with computer-controlled electro-hydraulic dampers that allow the driver to select between normal, soft and hard suspension settings. 2,585kg means the Arnage T gives its suspension quite a workout, so worn bushes are not uncommon. Specialists such as Flying Spares will sell you a set of replacement bushes for the front and rear suspension, but don't expect change from £1,000 to replace the lot, plus the cost of labour. Worn bushes or drop links will be heard as clonks or rattles from the suspension. Wheel bearings are not a weak spot but replacing them is a time consuming job due to the design of the hub that makes removal difficult, so listen out for any whines from the wheels.
Spheres for rear suspension moved on 2007 cars
The electro-hydraulic rear dampers have gas-filled spheres that are more prone to failing on pre-2007 models as they are positioned underneath the car. For 2007 facelift cars, the spheres moved to inside the boot. Replacement spheres are easy to get hold of and vary in price from £100 to £150 depending on the model year and whether you choose a new one or a regassed sphere.
Don't automatically assume the suspension is worn or the spheres need replacing if the ride on an Arnage T is very firm. John Bowling points out the car will default to a hard ride if the auxiliary systems battery goes flat, so a new battery is a much cheaper place to start investigations. Another electrical system for the Arnage is tyre pressure monitoring, which became standard across the range in 2007.
The rear suspension was also revised in 2005 with repositioned lower mounting points for the damper on the lower arm rather than the upright. Along with reworked bushes, this gave an improved and handling.
Corroded brake lines surprisingly involved fix
There should be no problems with the power-assisted rack and pinion steering. However, check the condition of the front and rear subframes. They rot and are no longer available new from Bentley, so you will either have to scour specialists or get one from an independent supplier that has broken an Arnage for parts.
Brake pipes also corrode and leak. The design of the routing of the rear brake pipes makes them tricky and expensive to replace with pipes following the original routing as the back subframe has to be removed. Specialists can now replace the rear brake pipes without removing the subframe by re-routing the pipes.
The vented brakes discs for the Arnage T are 348mm on the front and 345mm at the back. In 2004, 19-inch alloy wheels became standard, along with Pirelli tyres. One point to watch here is the brakes can fail if the clevis pin seizes due to poor maintenance.
PHer's view:
"The Arnage is a big car and the T's extra speed means the brakes can get a bit soft if you drive the car hard. I also seemed to spend a lot of time keeping the wheels clean of brake dust as the car looks awful if it's not spotless."
Jay Besson
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior