G'day Ford Community,

I have a Ford XR6 BF 2005 Model but registered in May of 2006.

I have just replaced my 2 front tyres with Yokohama Advan Sport and asked for a Wheel alignment at the same time.

I picked up my car and the guy I spoke too said they did not do a wheel alignment due to excessive play in the Lower Control Arm Bushes and Upper Inner Control arm Bushes.

Is this a know problem and would this be covered by warranty?

Be great if anyone can assist in helping me!

Marc

Had mine replaced a couple of months ago and the suspension shop said it is a common thing.

Yes it should be covered by warranty

Had mine replaced a couple of months ago and the suspension shop said it is a common thing.

Yes it should be covered by warranty

Hi

Thanks so much for your prompt reply.

I just hope Ford don't play games when I ask for my Lower Control Arm Bushes and Upper Inner Control Arm Bushes to be replaced under warranty.

Do you think I will get much arguement from Ford?

The lower control arm bushes are fluid filled rubbish, and are fitted either for economics or for comfort, probably the former knowing Ford. They allow a lot of movement even when they are new, once they leak they are useless. Have them replaced with some decent Nolathane ones from Super Pro. Not only will they last forever, they will transform the cars handling. I would be trying to get ford to cover the labour and supply the decent ones to them, apparently they are a bugger to fit. Don't know anything about the upper outers though.

Edited 28/02/09 11:01 AM28/02/09 11:01 AM by hypnodoc

lower inner are fluid filled for the purposes of NVH not cost. its cheaper to just mold a solid rubber bush.

in any case, yes they arent designed for performance and yes they will wear out over time. superpro is a good way to go for replacement. Note that Superpro bushes are not "Nolathane" which is another brand name for these polyurethane bushes.

The std front lower bushes will mostly cause wear on tyres on their inside edge. The front lower centre sleeve can even be moved by a screwdriver when the control arm is on a bench....not good when a load is on them.

Because the front bush has lateral loads (mostly) placed upon it, the tyres will want to toe out on braking and toe in on cornering. The bigger load as far as the bush sees it is the braking load, hence the wear on the inside edge. Add the camber gain as the suspension compresses and there is even more camber for the inside edge to deal with.

The uppers should be ok for a while though. I would just get the front lowers replaced for now if money is tight...

Remember to fully grease all surfaces where the front bush is locater in the under radiator support. This includes the front and rear surfaces of the bush where they meet the support. There then should be no squeeks with the bushes as quiet as the std ones.

Happy days.