Changing Bottom Arms - Any Advice?
 

Morning all,

The front end of the '8 is starting to knock over uneven surfaces, had a play with a pry bar and the front end, lower rear arm seems rather slack, so I think the bottom arms need replacing. I have paperwork to suggest the upper arms were replaced earlier in the year prior to my ownership so it's them or ARB.

Are the bottom arms a job I should be attempting and can achieve on the driveway? Am I going to run into pinch bolt issues or anything like that? Any advice appreciated!

Thank you,

Ben

I'd suggest removing the ARB as it's quick and easy and go for a test drive without it. If the noise is gone, you've found the culprit.
If it is the ARB, you have to buy it complete as bushings are not available.

I'd agree with that - replaced mine recently and it cured mine of small knocking noises that seemed to only come when the engine was cold or over slight bumps. If I remember correctly the whole ARB was about £130

Disconnected the arb from drop links / c links last night will give it a test on way to work this morning and see what happens.

The noise did seem most apparent over uneven surfaces, which is when you'd expect there to be loading across the ARB so it is possible that is the culprit.

The bushes do still feel very tight on it though and don't look all that unhealthy either, so it could be a real bonus and just worn links.

Will soon find out.