Front end: ALL

Suspension related stuff goes in here.
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geospider
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Front end: ALL

Post by geospider »

To those with more knowledge than me:

replacing:
ball joints, front bushings, springs, shocks
centerlink, tie rods.
wheel bearings

any good order or just pull it all apart

Geo
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RRoller123
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Re: Front end: ALL

Post by RRoller123 »

Most agree that it is the easiest and most cost effective approach in a total front end rebuild to buy 4 new control arms with the ball joints already installed.
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fiat218
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Re: Front end: ALL

Post by fiat218 »

And just where do you find the control arms, non to be found,unless finally some one got a shipment
Jim
East Grand Forks MN
1970 Fiat Spider BS1 ( FOR SALE
1969 124 AS Spider
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RRoller123
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Re: Front end: ALL

Post by RRoller123 »

They regularly come in to the various vendors, are you saying that they are all out at the moment?
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
klweimer
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Location: Arvada, Colorado

Re: Front end: ALL

Post by klweimer »

Back to geospider's original question, I just pulled it all out and put it back in in reverse order. I don't think there are any tricks concerning sequence. While you have it all out, be sure to check the engine cross member for cracks and the shock towers for rust. Check crossmember bolts for tightness. You should also check steering box for play and the condition of the steering idler. Don't forget sway bar bushings. I bought a good quality 1/2" drive, electric impact wrench and set of impact sockets from Harbor Freight. Great for suspension work.
Kirk
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lglade
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Re: Front end: ALL

Post by lglade »

Be sure to give your steering gear a good once over (fresh fluid and adjustment) when you have everything apart. Same goes for the steering idler on the passenger side. Everything has to be in good order to achieve a good outcome.
Lloyd Glade- Mukilteo, WA
1984 Pininfarina Spider Azzurra
1962 Fiat 500D - wife's car
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geospider
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Re: Front end: ALL

Post by geospider »

thanks for all the replies.
was planning the whole A arm replacement, but as mentioned can't find the ones that fit well.
so now more self education with replacing the bushings, etc.
Rust, strut towers: I am lucky, Ca car: no rust. although smog was a PITA.

geo
85redpini
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control arms

Post by 85redpini »

fiat218 wrote:And just where do you find the control arms, non to be found,unless finally some one got a shipment
the company who made the arms seems no to want to anymore

the only new set in the USA are at
http://www.spiderroadster.com/124suspension1.htm
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