What to look for on Wishbones?

[saf]

Thanks to all your help on where to best jack up the Griff, he's now sitting on axle stands in the garage sans wheels. Chris has checked out all the chassis that can be seen, and just asked if anyone could suggest what he should look for in relation to the wishbones. OK they have some surface rust but nothing that a good coating of Supertrol won't sort out. He's just curious as to where if they do crack is the weakest point, and he can give that a little extra examination.

Thanks

[starmist]

Giving them a good tap all round with a small hammer might show up any weaknesses - a dull thud instead of a hollow ring, for instance. I good poke with a screwdriver is also a good one. Really, you need to get under the loose paint (if any). If they haven't been waxoiled and there is no flakey paint, chances are they're in pretty good nick. Always be suspicious of flakey paint, though.

Mine are ten years and 80000 miles old, and I've just removed and shot blasted them. They were fine except for the bracing struts on the front lower arms which were rotted through. I had the braces replaced by a local engineering firm for a few quid.

[griffter]

starmist said:

...the bracing struts on the front lower arms...

Agree - also worth checking where the U section meets the bush housings as crud accumulates here, and the metal around the three bolts holding the lower ball joint on. Any water running down the inside of the U section will collect here.

The bush housings should clear the wishbone mounting eyes on the chassis - if they're rubbing the bushes need changing.

Give them a good prod/scratch/scrape with a screwdriver as any loose rust will not be giving strength.

On the rears, get under that rust and check the metal is solid. On the lower rears, check anywhere the handbrake cable has been rubbing as it'll be worn away to metal which of course will rust easily (the rust will then be rubbed off, and the process is thus accelerated). While you're doing that check the handbrake cable hasn't rubbed through the fuel pipe from the tank to the pump.

[steve-v8s]

As said previously you do need to have a good poke with a screwdriver to lift off the flaking paint and rust, an even better tool is the end of a broken hacksaw blade. Two of mine, front upper on one side and front lower on the other looked grubby but sound. I took them off to fit new bushes and very easily poked great holes in them. Until you get all the loose paint off you really can not tell.