StreetKa lower arm bushes split

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Not very PH I know, but sisters '06 plate StreetKa with 40k miles went for a service recently and they've reported that both lower arm bushes are split! Does anyone know if this is a common problem and estimate on replacement (can't see anything doing research online)? Presumaby you don't need to replace the arm but just get the bushes replaced? Sounds as though it could be a weak point and if so any suggestions on different ones?

Tyres also showing wearing on edges so wondering if this is related. Got to say I've never heard of this on a 'regular' car, older sporty stuff yes but on 6 year old Ford which is hardly driven hard by any stretch, odd.....

Cheers in advance for any suggestions etc

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Cheers, will research Ka's, appreciated.

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Polybushes are a possibility, but again as it's hardly a drivers car wouldn't it just make it quite harsh?

According to the Ford dealer they recommend the whole arm (they would I guess) and state it's hard to just re-bush. What I don't get is why it's apparently a common Ka failure, I've never heard of this on a new ish car, old classics yes but 6 yrs old/40k miles, ridiculous!

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Chrisw666 said:

Aftermarket arms with bushes in will set you back c£40 for a pair and a decent mechanic will have the pair swapped in an hour. Taking off the arms, fitting new bushes and refitting them will take longer and end up costing about the same price.

Ford will charge you c£80 a side and at least an hour per side at daft labour charges.

The non ford ones won't last as long, but the ford ones aren't renowned for their longevity.

If you do want to fit poly bushes (which you probably wouldn't want to unless you're planning a track street KA) you will need to stick with ford bottom arms as often the non ford ones have a slightly different bush size so the Polys won't mount properly. Again in this case buying the arm and having the bushes fitted into a new one is the easier option.

Edited by Chrisw666 on Thursday 4th October 10:25

Many thanks for the details. Spoke to the Ford main stealer and it's £125 per side with standard bushes and whole arm, though needless to say I wouldn't take it to them. So if we could get aftermarket ones for half that makes sense.

A StreetKa track car, now that made me laugh! I can't imagine my sister wanting to do that!