Alfa 156 Suspension Bushes

[alex_p]

How do I know when my suspension bushes need changing? My car has done about 65k and hasn't had them done yet (as far as I know). How much am I looking at if front and back both need doing, and are there any upgrades worth considering?

Cheers

[robemcdonald]

Considering the mileage the car has done it's likley the bushes will be on their way out.
The easiest way to spot if the bushes are worn is uneven tyre wear. The fronts will most likley be wearing more on the inside edge, so make sure you have a good look.
As for the upgrade; polybushes are a good idea, but a real pain to fit. Getting the old bushes out is the problem. A mate of mine actually gave up and bought new wishbones.
Considering the mileage the car has done it's likley the bushes will be on their way out.

[Wombat Rick]

alex_p said:

How do I know when my suspension bushes need changing?

Normally from unwanted clonks and knocks from the suspension, usually most noticeable when manouvering at low speeds.

[alex_p]

Thanks for the replies, no clonks or knocks from the suspension at any speeds yet... I'll keep an eye on the tyre wear though!

Went over some big speed bumps in a carpark today and got some creaking from the suspension, was wondering if this could be the bushes as I've read a lot about them on here!

[RacingTeatray]

Yup - the clonking is a giveaway. You really can't miss it! It starts as creaking and over a few thousand miles develops into clonks.

[alex_p]

Looks like I've got the clonks to look forward to then! I'll keep an ear open for them in the coming months...

Any ideas how much it'll be to get them replaced?

[Wombat Rick]

Best thing is if you have a decent independant nearby to have a chat with them. Or DIY!!!
http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_wishbone_replac...

[velocemitch]

If it's got to 65K without any new Bushes I should right to Alfa and congratulate them, I've never had a set last more than about 20K.
It's not just clunking, the back end won't be tied down properly as the rear radius arm bushes will be knackered... I guarantee it.

[alex_p]

Is there anything obvious too look at to check the condition of them? I can have a crawl under the car at the weekend if I know what I'm looking for...

[velocemitch]

I'm not sure to be honest, I've always left the 156's to the dealers, I get intimate with the rubber bits on my weekend car but not the 156's.
If it rattles and knocks change the top wishbone bushes or the ARB drop links, if the back end feels loose change the radius arms.

[Avocet]

With the car's weight on it's wheels (which really means a 4-poster ramp or a pit) get underneath and bash the leading edge of each rear trailing link sideways towards the outside of the car. If you can hear a metal-to-metal "clonk", it's a reasonable indication that they need changing. The big squidgy bush in the rear suspension trailing link is nearly always the first to go.

The bottom front wishbone bushes (again the bigger bush at the back of each lower wishbone) are often next.

The top wishbone bushes seem to squeak before they actually break up. I changed the ones n my wife's 156 at about 80,000.

Also, the front anti-roll bar bushes can make a hell of a row once worn. I believe that's a pig of a job too!

[alex_p]

I had a good look at the car over Christmas and I've either got magic suspension or its been replaced at some point in the last 66K and not noted in the history! Everything looks nice and rubbery and clonk free so I'll just keep my fingers crossed for another few thousand miles...