How to fit new front lower control arms(Lca)

Baz

Ex. Club Member
I purchased a set of front wishbone from a figaro parts dealer on Ebay, he assured me they had the holes for the anti-roll bar link. . .the truth is they do not.
I emailed him pics of an st wishbone and he said he'd get a figaro up on a ramp to have a look,have not heard from him since

So I have had to drill holes in the new ones,something I did not want to do but the balljoints and bushings are 20 years old and need to be replaced.

Wishbones were £39 each and in fairness are OE quality.

So basically taking out the old one involves(Probably the easiest way so nothings in the way):

1.Let the anti-roll bar link go
2.Remove bottom damper bolts
3.Remove driveshaft from hub
4.Remove track rod end
5.Remove balljoint on the end Lca at the bottom of the hub
6.Remove 19mm nut and bolt on the bush on the front of the Lca
7.Remove 2 14mm bolts holding the rear bush. . .DONE
8. Leave the Hub/Brake assembly proped up on something out of the way

Preparing the new LCA:

1.Use the measurements on the old LCA to select the correct drill bit fot the anti-roll bar link hole
2.Use the measurement in the photo to get the correct markings

Wishbonemeasurements1.jpg


3.I used a punch on the center line to make sure the hole to be drilled was center.
4. Drill a 3mm pilot hole straight through the LCA ,now you have to holes.one on the top and bottom of the the LCA.
5.Turn the LCA over and use an 1 1/4" HSS core cutter to cut out the bottom layer of the LCA for the link to sit into. Be careful not to damage the second layer of metal.
6.I used black touch up on the cut metal to prevent rust

This should then look like this. . .

Wishbonemeasurements2.jpg


Fitting is basically reverse of removal

And as you can see in this crappy phone pic the link is perfect

DSC00328.jpg


Car feels excellent now. Hope this helps Lads(Y)(Y)

Baz
 

linz0577

Ex. Club Member
really good bit of work there baz usefull stuff and peple can revert back to this for reference i know will thanks..still no money as yet but when i have its yours.
 

Ed

Fusion Motorsport
MSC Founder
Official MSC Trader
Baz this is exactly how I have replaced all my old wishbones in the past. Works a treat.
 

smidge

Small Car Enthusiast
Site Supporter
Thanks for doing this baz as its on the cards for me too.

Where'd you get the replacement bushes for the stabiliser bar?

also i assume a 'core cutter' is a hole saw right? made for metal?
 
OP
OP
Baz

Baz

Ex. Club Member
Thanks for doing this baz as its on the cards for me too.

Where'd you get the replacement bushes for the stabiliser bar?

also i assume a 'core cutter' is a hole saw right? made for metal?

Yeah man its a hole saw , its just a habbit I got into calling it from working as a plumber:wasntme: . the stabilizer bushes are k11 using the ek10 spacer below the the wishbone



Very helpful Baz. Great work (Y)

Quality work there. Good info. (Y)

Chers lads
 
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