Pug 306 1998/S "bottom arm back rush" replacement

Oct 13, 2005 2 Replies

Our Pug 306 1998/S has failed its MOT on "both front bottom arm back bushes cracked and broken". These were replaced 2 years ago after an identical MOT failure. MOT and replacement were from the same garage as this time.



The route I took to work during those 2 years (up until Aug 05 when we moved offices) was via a road which has about 6 speed humps on. So potentially 12 bumps per day for maybe 2/3 days a week (didn't drive every day). I guess that was the cause of the failure this time, so doesn't sound too unlikely - although failure in 19k/2 years does feel a bit soon.



Anyway - looking back at the old invoice, I was quoted 1.5 hours @ £44 per hour (£66) labour + 2 bushes @ £18.08 each. Total price was £66 + £36.16 + VAT = £120.04.



I've not yet had a quote for this work this time round - but I can't see it being much different.



Does this sound reasonable for the work? What sort of prices would I expect from a main dealer? It seems that the garage I used only provide



12 months/12,000 miles warranty. Would a Pug garage be any different?

I just want to get an idea whether I should look around, or whether it sounds okay.



I will be looking at the bushes myself if I can before getting any work done - just to make sure that it is required. I have 7 days to return the car to get a free-retest.



Thanks



David


David Hearn ( snipped-for-privacy@NOswampieSPAM.org.uk) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

I wonder whether the garage replaced them *properly* - if the bolts passing through the bushes are tightened with the car in the air, the bushes will be under tension at normal ride height, accelerating their failure. They should be tightened with the car on the ground and the weight on the wheels normally.

Went to Peugeot at lunch to just check the prices...

They wouldn't just change the bushes, but also the wishbones. Their prices were £56.32 + VAT for each wishbone and £70 + VAT per hour (and

2.6 hours of work). Total price was £446 (£313.85 labour + £132 parts).

I think I'll be sticking with my local garage as they seem quite happy to replace just the bushes.

D

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