To replace bushes or wishbone?

[stereophoney]

The bushes on my front wishbones/ lower arm / control arm are past their best and will need replacing at some point. Just looking at what would be best to do. I've had a quote of £310 just to replace the bushes, but not sure if it's a false economy.

Looking at the wishbone prices, Eurocarparts have Lemforder ones for £110 each, so pretty reasonable. The decision then would be do I fit them or get someone else to? I've done suspension bushes, ball joints, TRE on other cars, but never a wishbone. If I have to buy spring compressors I might just take it somewhere to get it done. In terms of labour time would 3 hours for a garage be a reasonable estimate?

Any opinions welcome!

 

[johnsco]

3 hours garage time to do both sides is fair.
Replace the whole arm.
They come complete with bushes at a reasonable price - Which saves on labour time.

 

[Terry_]

Personally I would say re bush the original arms, or buy genuine arms

 

[Auto-mobile]

I always advise my customers on replacement arms complete, you have the bush replaced then further down the road the ball joint gets play in it or the dust cover tears you need a complete arm.

Lemforder are oe

 

[stereophoney]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to do it myself and replace the arms, ball joints and track rods. I know i'll need a proper spring compressor, but are there any other job specific tools that I'd need?

 

[Terry_]

I always advise my customers on replacement arms complete, you have the bush replaced then further down the road the ball joint gets play in it or the dust cover tears you need a complete arm.

Lemforder are oe

Ball joints are separate Dan