I have one (or maybe two) knackered fig 8's/lower arms.

My questions are twofold:

1. I am certain that this is the problem, as opposed to dry bushes etc, but how do I narrow down the diagnosis, IE how do I confirm which side it is and whether it's the fig 8 link itself or the lower arm that needs replacing?

2. Should I do all parts at once. I have heard people backing both the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" option, while others advocate doing the lot at once.

Atm I am erring on the side of doing the lot since I can afford it for now. It also makes the first question a bit moot.

Thoughts, opinions and suggestions please.

_________________
JDM ST205 (286bhp and 281lb/ft)
JDM ST202 (Finally sold )
1982 Pontiac Trans Am 5.7L V8 (See my website)

Candyman, my 2p...

Often it appears to be the figure of 8's making noises on the 205, but it can also be "other" items as well, or indeed the sole cause e.g. shock ball joint, anti-roll bar bushes, banana arm...

I can make an argument for just replacing the figure of 8 by itself, and not replacing the lower arm at the same time. Indeed it is much simpler to just replace the fig 8 on both sides, (and much cheaper!). From what I have seen thus far it would appear that the figure of 8 wears at a faster rate than the lower arm.

For a belt and braces style approach then both these items should be replaced, but that costs, but this also means no more noises from this particular area.

To diagnose worn arms and figure of 8's, I suspect a couple of methods could be used...

1. Jack up the whole front of the car. Get an assistant to move the steering from side to side whilst visually inspecting the fig 8 link and lower arm area. ANY movement indicates wear and this should be replaced.

2. A crowbar and careful levering in selected areas should be able to highlight freeplay in the suspension, again indicating the worn areas.

Movement often shows up in this area...


My final 2p...there are a lot of ball joints on the front suspension, and we are only focusing on one area that could be the problem...(but the most likely!)



Hope that helps!

_________________
Kris
95 ST205 - slept for 10 years, now waking up...
Avensis
http://www.gtfours.co.uk
_______________________________________
Turbocharging - the replacement for displacement

Cheers, Kris. That does indeed help.

The symptoms I have which have led me to believe that I have problems are:

1. The handling is intermittently scary. IE the front end bucks and weaves and tramlines a shocking amount. Even on completely smooth, level ground.

2. When changing from reverse to 1st on full lock (ie 3 point turn) there is a audible and very feelable (through the steering wheel) clunk as something clunks back into place.

3. The front tyres are tearing up the sides of the tread at a shocking rate. This time it is on the inside of the wheel so I don't think it's a tyer pressure issue. I only put the tyres on bout 5,000 miles ago and they are almost illegal already

Noises don't bother me all the time i know it's not anything dangerous causing it. But this is quite a way beyond that now.

I haven't actually been under the car yet to see what is moving but armed with the info you have just priovided I'll go and have a butchers

_________________
JDM ST205 (286bhp and 281lb/ft)
JDM ST202 (Finally sold )
1982 Pontiac Trans Am 5.7L V8 (See my website)

From what you describe, these sound like typical figure 8 issues...

_________________
Kris
95 ST205 - slept for 10 years, now waking up...
Avensis
http://www.gtfours.co.uk
_______________________________________
Turbocharging - the replacement for displacement

in all that i forgot the main point I was trying to clarify

If there is play i the joint between the fig 8 and the lower arm how can you tell which side is knackered? or will it always be the "plug" as opposed to the socket?

_________________
JDM ST205 (286bhp and 281lb/ft)
JDM ST202 (Finally sold )
1982 Pontiac Trans Am 5.7L V8 (See my website)

Where the 2 parts meet is not the area that wears. It is internally on the figure of 8 and lower arm that wears, since the "stub" that sticks out from the arm rotates.

E.g. if the fig or 8 to shock area exhibits signs of movement then the fig of 8 is toast. The end of the leg of the shock should not wear.

This pic might help to explain what I am waffling on about?

_________________
Kris
95 ST205 - slept for 10 years, now waking up...
Avensis
http://www.gtfours.co.uk
_______________________________________
Turbocharging - the replacement for displacement

Thatmakes sense. thanks, Kris.



Now to make the big purchase. Need new suspension, brakes and actuator now.

Then I can rest for a while

_________________
JDM ST205 (286bhp and 281lb/ft)
JDM ST202 (Finally sold )
1982 Pontiac Trans Am 5.7L V8 (See my website)

Candyman,

I'm sure you know already but just in case... seems Whifbitz is the cheapest place to get the fig 8s and lower arms.

I did one side last year - don't remember exactly how much I paid for one side but think it was something like £250 - lower arm and fig 8. Other places couldn't even get close to that price. Had to wait about 5 or 6 weeks though!