Failed MOT - are they trying to rip me?

[Adamantiumz]

Hi,

Just had my 1998 S-Reg VW Polo 1.9D in for it's MOT... It failed on the following;

Offside front suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement [2.4.G.3]

They've quoted me £74 for a new arm (fitted). However, shouldn't it just need a new bush fitting? Not the arm?? And isn't a new bush approx £10 or less?So can anyone tell me whether they're trying to pull a fast one by saying i need the arm replacing? And if it is just the bush that needs replacing, then how much should i be looking to pay for that?

This is a local garage, not a main dealer.

Many thanks in advance.
Adam.

[t0mmm]

Hi Adam,
I had a similar problem with my BMW (different car i know, but same principle!) the lower arm comes with a new bush AND a new balljoint which connects to the hub. garages tend to quote you for a new arm because it takes a LOT less labour hours to fit a new arm than replace the rubber bush in the existing arm.

Because im mechanically minded i fitted a new bush into the existing arm (4 quid), but the new bush needs a hell of a force on it in order to drive it home, and also a lot of patience..!

new arms are about 40-60 quid for a 'pattern part', so i personally dont think thats too bad a price

Tom

[Adamantiumz]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like that isn't too bad a price then..

[Crasher]

It is cheaper to fit a replacement wishbone. The cost for labour plus part for changing a bush costs more than a new wishbone.