Suspension part identification/diagnosis

[Deranged Granny]

Hello people of the internets.

Changing a wheel today on my MK4 Fiesta, I noticed that some part of the suspension on the offside looked a bit funny. I've attached some pictures. I don't know what the part is, but I was wondering if it was meant to look like that.

It looks like a ball and socket joint to me, but only half of the "ball" seems to be in the socket. Is it meant to be like that? And is it the suspension bushes? I'm still learning about the anatomy of cars, and don't have a clue what the part is However, at the last MOT (August), the suspension bushes were an advisory - quite worn. I've been told that this is why the steering isn't quite straight, and the reason the steering wheel wobbles about Is the suspension bushes the bit I'm talking about?

I've attached photos of the bit I'm on about, and a photo from the driver's side, which looks the same as the offside. It looks dodgy to me, but as the driver's side looks exactly the same, I wasn't so sure.

Cheers for any help.

Offside:



Closer:



Driver's side looking the same:

Edited by Deranged Granny on Sunday 24th April 18:14

[andym1603]

They are indeed suspension bushes, and they have seen better days.
You can but these bushes seperately but if you are not all that competant mechanically
I would buy complete lower suspension arms. These will come complete with new bushes
and a new ball joint. You would have to take them off to replace the bushes anyway.
If doing this remember to replace the balljoint pinch bolts while you are at it.
The whole job would take a couple of hours to replace both sides. Cost of buying
would be in the region of £60 for a pair.
Hope this is of use and makes sense to you.
Andy..

[Mr2Mike]

Very common failure on Fords in general, most models have front wishbones that use the rear bush in the "wrong" way and they are quite short lived. The rubber has started to part company with the metal, so this will fail the next MOT.