Front wishbone replacement on Mondeo ST24

[buzzsaw]

The bushes have split on the front wishbones and I have bought a set of pattern wishbones for replacement. What is the procedure for replacing these? Is it OK to replace one side first or will that upset the geometry?

[Zad]

I would replace them in pairs. If one has gone then I imagine the other won't be far behind. From what I understand the entire assembly isn't exactly expensive, and fitting is fairly straight forward.

[dern]

You'll potentially upset the geometry on whatever side you replace the wishbone. I'd always replace in pairs as (as has been said) if one has gone the other won't be far behind. However, if you have one which is damaged and one which is definitely ok you won't do any harm by replacing one side but you'll still have to reset the camber and the toe in on the side you replaced. Do this promptly as I knackered a tyre by leaving it a few weeks.

I had to do ours twice... still, it was a of a sight easier than the alternator which I also had to do twice.

Edited by dern on Sunday 5th August 19:20

[Dave_ST220]

If doing n's the sub frame should be dropped to get the bolt in-some people invert the bolt though, if you do that make sure you cut off the excess or kiss the transmission good bye when the bolt punches a hole in it!!!

[dern]

Dave_ST220 said:

If doing n's the sub frame should be dropped to get the bolt in-some people invert the bolt though, if you do that make sure you cut off the excess or kiss the transmission good bye when the bolt punches a hole in it!!!

Good point, forgot I had to do this.

[ZZR]

I would avoid cheap wishbones as you'll have to replace them far more often which will cost more in the long run with added cost of geometry set up.

I need to replace mine as the 2nd set have just gone, my car has now done 120,000. I had genuine ford ones fitted at 60,000 and they have lasted well.

If your dropping the subframe (which you can't avoid doing, as said by others) you'll also need the subframe alignment pins, unless you get that aligned by a garage.

I found when I've done Mondeo's that if you loosen the subframe rear bolts, completely remove the front ones and then undo the front engine mount, you get enough movement to remove/fit the bolts the right way round, particularly on the gearbox side.

Has anybody fitted polybushes to their cars wishbones?

[Dave_ST220]

/\ Just to add-mind the rears as the captive nuts can give problems-means cutting the floor open!! Never happened to me touch wood. The later Ford arms have much bigger bushes, cheap ones are false economy as already stated........