Front Wishbone Failure

[V10 SPM]

The front wishbone has failed on my 2000 Viper GTS. Is this a common failure? Where is the best place to obtain a replacement?

[carlpea]

It looks like the drop link dust cover has failed, letting water in, causing rust to expand and fracture the fixing.

[Viper]

try Chuck in NY I got one off him some years, be prepared to write a big cheque though

[e-mail]

Edited by Viper on Saturday 8th October 14:14

[Dr-Bob]

If I remember right they are now out of stock with Dodge (may of re-stocked)..

Last ones came from Paul Scharf Automotive ...

Speak to Todd ...

[fatboy18]

Without having to go out there and look under my car to see the orientation, Is that the lower left front control arm or the lower front right?

Are you looking for New or a Good clean used item? Needless to say the Item is discontinued so a replacement new one would be in the £500 region with shipping

Viperpartsrackamerica.com are showing a brand new Front Left wishbone on their site
https://www.viperpartsrackamerica.com/index.php/pr...

http://www.donscharfautomotive.net
$130 used, $395.00 new + Shipping/ Duty etc, etc....

Edited by fatboy18 on Saturday 8th October 20:25

[fatboy18]

PS: Do not throw the old arm away, You should be able to get it welded by a good aluminium welder,(or if you don't want it I will happily take it off you)
I also believe some of the Gen II Control arms can be rotated. Be careful removing the arm, That is normally the weak spot and fatigue cracks have been found on some cars where the bushings are. The aluminium control arms are also powder coated silver for protection.

It also looks like your drop link rubber boots require replacement. If they are split this is now an MOT Failure. New universal boots can be bought in the uk.

Edited by fatboy18 on Saturday 8th October 20:12

[fatboy18]

While you're under there a bit of tlc and a clean up would not go amiss!

Cilit Bang, Grease and Grime works really well but wear gloves as if you have any small scratches or cuts in your hands it bloody stings.

Please post up pics of your progress

This is what it looks like if you clean it

[V10 SPM]

Thanks for the feedback. It is the right side front. Apparently the left side can be ordered but the right side is not available. I will check out some of the suggested sources and hope I can get a part.

[MADMAX-UK]

CAUSE:- ball joint retaining nut overtighrened.
SOLUTION:- remove wishbone, crose crack gap, weld and taper reem.
Refit wishbone - avoid overtightening swaybar ball joint retaining nut.

[V10 SPM]

Do you think it is necessary to replace both sides at once or is it okay just to do one side?

[fatboy18]

V10 SPM said:

Do you think it is necessary to replace both sides at once or is it okay just to do one side?

What do you mean? Replace Both control arms? Replace Drop link rubber boots? Which do you mean?

You only have to replace the 1 control arm, not both sides. If the anti roll bar drop link rubbers have split you need to change all the split ones....Its an MOT failure.

[V10 SPM]

I planned to replace just the RH control arm and drop link but the garage is recommending replacing the LH control arm and drop link as well.

[foxsasha]

V10 SPM said:

I planned to replace just the RH control arm and drop link but the garage is recommending replacing the LH control arm and drop link as well.

On what basis?

[fatboy18]

WHY? Its a solid cast control arm Why would it need changing unless its bent or fractured? 9 times out of 10 The drop links only require the rubber boots changing which can be bought via ebay or a local motor factors. The only thing wrong with your current control arm is that the drop link hole is cracked, right? So remove it, get it welded up by a specialist aluminum welder, ream out the hole and refit the control arm.

As for the drop links.
I bought these off ebay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321296499579?_trksid=p20...


Here's another thread on dust boots
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Where exactly have you taken the car then, I take it you are not doing the work yourself? Sounds like they are after your money mate!

Is the car apart yet and have you ordered any parts? I would be getting of there fast!

Edited by fatboy18 on Wednesday 12th October 20:59

[V10 SPM]

I haven't had the chance to quiz them about it yet, I wanted to get some feedback from other owners first. The car is at my local ex-Chrysler/Dodge dealership as I don't have the facilities to do the work myself and unfortunately the car is not really safe to drive away so I'm not in a good bargaining position. From my past experience I expect to replace every part on this car eventually!

[fatboy18]

Split dust boot on drop link


Carefully pry off retaining spring (using a circular motion)


Clean off old grease and check for smooth operation of ball joint, if not smooth Replace drop link.
Repack with Molly Grease


Fit new dust boot and replace spring


Back on the car the finished item

[speedandstealth]

The Viper must have its own parking place at said garage!..... did you get the wheels refurbished and tyres fitted or is it still work in progress?

[V10 SPM]

speedandstealth said:

The Viper must have its own parking place at said garage!

I guess it has spent around 2 years off the road in total since I bought it...on the plus side I am gradually replacing old parts with new ones.

I have the place lined up ready to do the wheels as soon as the car is running again...and I've been saying that since January! I hope I get to drive the Viper at least once more this year.

[fatboy18]

Care to update us on why the Garage told you both wishbones need changing? Did you get an answer from said garage?

[AndySheff]

I have a lower control arm available if you want one ?
They are indeed switchable left to right. You just relocate the mounting bracket for the suspension (damper and spring) - which bolts in place.
Give me an offer if you want it.
I'm in Sweden but I can take it with me to UK on the 28th Oct.

ETA. It's surplus to requirements for me. I sold my Viper earlier this year. One of my lower control arms failed not long after I bought the car. Cracked right around the rear bush. I ordered a used one from the US, but then found one in Sweden with next day delivery . Hence I have a spare.

Edited by AndySheff on Monday 17th October 21:02