Alfa Spider Suspension Bushes

[Rhodri1985]

Hi All,

I have noticed that my Alfa is starting to make a slight noise when going over spead bumps etc. This noise is coming from the rear and I am worried that the Suspension Bushes have worn. Also the handling seems to have gotten slightly worse over the past month, pulling either left or right when braking.

I have called to get a quote from my local specialist Alfa garage and he has quoted me a price of £620 inc. VAT to replace the rear bushes (14 of them).

I was wondering how I can check to see if they are worn and if the price I have been quoted is a fair price? Has anyone got this work done substantially cheaper?

[Wombat Rick]

Are you any where near Alfaman?

http://www.alfamanservices.co.uk/suspension03.htm

[_Batty_]

Rhodri1985 said:

Hi All,

I have noticed that my Alfa is starting to make a slight noise when going over spead bumps etc. This noise is coming from the rear and I am worried that the Suspension Bushes have worn. Also the handling seems to have gotten slightly worse over the past month, pulling either left or right when braking.

I have called to get a quote from my local specialist Alfa garage and he has quoted me a price of £620 inc. VAT to replace the rear bushes (14 of them).

I was wondering how I can check to see if they are worn and if the price I have been quoted is a fair price? Has anyone got this work done substantially cheaper?

www.sportsalfa.com

£620 sounds expensive.
however don't leave it too long as it can wear out more than just the bushes resulting in even more cost.

[Rhodri1985]

It was Alfaman who quoted me the 620 including VAT even though their website states otherwise, I am guessing it is out of date.

How hard is it to replace these yourself?

[wrinx]

I think you'll need a press and oxy-acetylene set up. Had the bushes done on our Spider for about £350 iirc...Peak Alfa.

wrinx

[northflux2]

Replaced the bushes on my last gtv (2ltr ts).

Purchased the Powerflex bushes from: http://www.ebspares.co.uk/

Purchased a press from ebay like this one £135:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-30-TON-HYDRAULIC-SHOP-PR...

The old bushes came out okay but with a LOT of force from the press - new bushes just push in.

Only problem is that the bushes were originally designed to be fitted without a metal washer, however, I understand a number of bushes failed without the washer and so now metal washers are included.

The bush itself wasn't reduced in size and so getting the arms with new bushes/washers back into place was a nightmare especially on the spring pan arms. Spoke with EB and they said that they didnt fit out of the pack and would need to be professionally shortened. Ended up having to get 4 bushes in total skimmed.

Saved a few hundred quid - would I do it again knowing that the parts dont fit - No.