Unlucky with my wishbones

[thomasu888]

]I have been advised at the MOT that I need to replace both lower wishbone arms. Having found a couple of places that sell them for between £150 and £200 each new I went in search of 2nd hand. I have found a pair and trust the guy that is offering them. Are there any potential problems using 2nd hand wishbones and do all models fit each other?

[helen&tony]

Hi
Yes...there are problems on some Bongos with the wishbones rusting...if the MOT man says they need replacing, then yours is one which has, and although they can be bought second-hand in good nick, i'd tend to swallow hard, and buy new, in the knowledge that your front suspension will be O.K. for years to come, with only the usual minor niggles.
Cheers
Helen

[rita]

Hi,
Did the advisory state wishbones or lower ball joints.?

[thomasu888]

Thanks for your advices both. Good question about ball joints as I think the mechanic that works on our bongo may have said something about the ball joints. Forgive my lack of knowledge but is that something that would not be resolved by replacing the wishbones?

I will check the advisory note when I can lay my hands on it and report back!

[missfixit70]

Yes, but it'd be cheaper to replace just the balljoints if that's the only issue & the wishbone arms themselves are ok.

[helen&tony]

Hi
Ah...if they haven't rusted...good luck to you...the ball joints can be replaced, and do the bushes at the back of the wishbone while you are having it done....MazdaBongoShop, who advertise on here, carry all the bits...I had mine replaced before Christmas....lovely job, and half the price, or less, of wishbones
Cheers
Helen

[steveyd]

Hi,

Be careful when getting the lower balljoints pressed into the wishbones - when I got my Bongo a couple of months ago the garage replaced both balljoints for the MOT, but on the O/S they didnt seat it properly and the balljoint was loose in the wishbone (a tad scary - especially when driving in slush!!) - it ovalised the hole so I needed a new wishbone after all. I think there are various posts stating what a daft idea it is to press the joint in rather than bolt!

cheers,

Steve