Front suspension wishbone bush

[blowfelt]

Please could someone give me some advice,would it be wise to put new front suspension wishbone on my cav than to replace new bushes.

Passed experience with a Corsa C,the new bush that i replaced eventually came out.

[ilovedmymantas]

Most likely cheaper, and definitely easier to replace the wishbone.
If you take the old one off you've got the hassle of working with old metal. Tops 25 quid will get a new rust-free one with all new parts, worth it in the long run

[planetc]

New arm comes with both bushes and a new ball joint, it's really not worth messing around with the bushes. The arms themselves corrode as well so it really does make sense to change it completely.

[Envoy CDX]

As above really.

[blowfelt]

Does MK3 Astra petrol and diesel wishbones fit MK3 Cavalier TD bc someone is advertising them on Ebay saying they do.

Would petrol Cavalier wishbones fit diesel Cavaliers or are they different?

[TurboDan]

Yep all mk3 astra and calibra ones will fit a cav. The only differance is some have a stronger bush in them but it wont affect your car.

[blowfelt]

I have a Cavalier TD,would wishbones off a petrol Cav/Astra/Calibra fit?

[TurboDan]

Yep all mk3 astra and calibra ones will fit a cav. The only differance is some have a stronger bush in them but it wont affect your car.

[Robsey]

In simple terms - Mk3 Astra, Calibra, Mk3 Cavalier - Petrol, Diesel and LPG Conversions.

Yes - they all fit fine.

[blowfelt]

Thanks lads.

[thegriffin]

Personally I'd change the bushes with OE parts.
I've used pattern wishbones and found the steering
very rubbery. Or buy OE wishbones.

[humbucker]

Pattern wishbones are cheap for a reason. Much more cost effective to replace the bushes with polyurethane equivalents. Powerflex do Cav Mk3 bushes and they're not particularly expensive. Easy enough to fit too.

[planetc]

The thing about forums is that if you ask a question there will always be more than one answer, lol

[Robsey]

And more than one good reason for each answer.

It depends on what you want from your car.

If you want a good firm positive set up, then poly-bushing is the way to go.
I know Dan says that this is quite inexpensive, but don't expect it to be that inexpensive.
Some people report that the suspension can feel a little harsh due to the unforgiving nature of some bushes.

If you want the ride to be as Vauxhall supplied from the factory, then only Vauxhall original parts will give this.

If you are on a budget, and want cheap and cheerful parts (not cheep and nasty), then there are plenty of pattern parts suppliers out there.
But then you get what you pay for.
Even if the seller boasts "OE Quality!!".

I have used Vauxhall and "OE Quality" parts...
Vauxhall's own parts obviously lasted longer before that woolly vagueness begins to appear.

For a proper ride, you have several items that need to be in good order.

Anti-Roll bar bushes,
Track Rod ends
Anti-roll bar drop links (pendulums)
Track control arm bushes.(wishbone)
Bottom ball joint (wishbone)
suspension dampers and springs

And the correct tyre pressures on good condition "same make tyres" and tracking.
For information, my Cav left the factory on Michelin Energy tyres.

And if you are going to the n'th degree - your steering rack, mountings and steering column bushes.


All depends how far you and your bank balance want to go.

[thegriffin]

Can't really see the point in replacing all the bushes
If your car is over 20 years old you need to make
allowances.Besides, you ruin the character & patina
acquired over time.

[planetc]

Can't really see the point in replacing all the bushes
If your car is over 20 years old you need to make
allowances.Besides, you ruin the character & patina
acquired over time.

Just because it's old it doesn't have to feel like it. Replacing bushes can be considered general maintenance and can dramatically improve the feel of an older vehicle.

[paul_34]

I've always replaced the bushes in mine. Done it about three times in the last ten years. I did replace the whole arms one year with factor parts as I was in a rush for the MOT, they lasted 6 months (bushes and ball joint shafted) Put my re-bushed old arms back on after that. Get genuine bushes though and they will last two to three years. Just make sure the front bush and ball joint are in good nick. My arms still have the original 20 year old 210k mile bottom ball joints on them It's worth getting the bolts as well as the heads are quite shallow on them. Gently cut a grove in the old bush sleeve and tap it out. Gently clean the bush recess in the arm and press the new one in while making sure it's lined up properly. Some bushes are solid and some have voids in them to stabilize steering while braking. I always go for the void bushes as that's what my dealer supplied and fitted to later cavs. A while ago they had genuine arms on All German Parts for not much cash and also the bushes and I know people from other forums give good reviews. I have never purchased from them though.

[cavalier1990]

Hi

I've ordered the big doughnut bush for the back of the front arm as mine is split. How easy is it to replace this. Does it just hammer out on a vice?

Cheers

Andrew

[paul_34]

I cut the rubber bush part out and then gently cut through the outer sleeve without damaging the arm, you can then tap it out. Clean up the bush recess and then gently press the new one in with a vice making sure it's lined up depending on the type you have. Don't go near it with a hammer

[Greencavvy3man]

I Decided to fit powerflex bushes to my cav. (blue front, yellow rear) years ago but there are plus and negative points.

Plus points:
Even tyre wear (used to wear on inside before powerflex)
Great handling at speed.
Even pull up on braking.

Negative points:
Unbearable rock hard suspension over speed bumps.
I feel it puts a strain on all other parts of the suspension particularly ball joints.
Tried all different suppliers but they only last about on average 18 months with powerflex bushes.