Lower Suspension Arm Bushings

[tsedge]

Just been in for third service and first MOT at 32,000 miles and it failed the MOT on worn lower-arm bushings (both at front, one failed and one part-worn). The video evidence looks convincing.

Anyone else had a problem with these?

£250 each at my MG dealer to fix, because they replace the whole lower arm, although I believe the bushing itself is about £15 (but would need pressing into the existing lower arm assembly).

Have booked in but will also find out what the cost would be at an independent garage and if they'll just change the bushings, not the arms. Will cancel if I find a cheaper option.

Be curious if this is a common problem due to the weight of EVs? Wouldn't have expected this at such a low mileage, yes at 80,000 miles perhaps.

Video here:

 

[Everest]

Anyone else had a problem with these?

Keep up at the back...

S

Thread 'First MOT, major fail, both front suspension bushes'

Sunday at 9:42 PM

Just FYI, I had a nasty surprise from my first MOT. Failed, both front suspension bushes ‘debonded’. The (non-dealership) tester seemed surprised that this should happen after 22k miles.

MG will replace under warranty at the same time as the 3rd service, but I’d suggest others might ask for this to be checked carefully at both second and third service.

Model: March 2023 Trophy

• Steve T
• front suspension mg4 mg4 trophy premature wear suspension bush vehicle servicing warranty repair
• Replies: 49
• Forum: MG4 EV (2022 to 2025) Forum

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[tsedge]

That sounds like a different issue. Mine is bushing wear, not "debonded" and isn't covered under warranty (as is a wear and tear item).

Edit: Just checked the warranty and shown it to the service guys - Bushes are covered up to 3 years and 45,000 miles, so it should be covered. I've asked that both be sorted under warranty. The service guy said they will be asked for photos, details and they will "try" - but the warranty seems unambiguous to me (attached below).

I get the feeling this isn't going to be straightforward. There was lots of trying to set the expectation it would be loads of work to make the claim with MG and they might deny it etc... Which isn't my problem!

 

[gary333]

If the car is under 3 years old then I don't think they have a leg to stand on if they refuse. It's very clear from the document, even the "Rubber Components" say 3 years.

ALL BALL JOINTS 36 months 45,000 miles
ALL BUSHES 36 months 45,000 miles
TRACK ROD ENDS 36 months 45,000 miles
DAMPERS, STRUTS 36 months 45,000 miles
RUBBER COMPONENTS 36 months 45,000 miles

 

[OriginalBigAl]

Agree, wear and tear items are ambiguous, I have looked but cannot find the 3 year limit documentation which might make things clearer. Ha, Ha Gary333 has just beat me to it , if there is a link to the official document ????? Cheers.

 

[siteguru]

if there is a link to the official document ????? Cheers.

Tom included it in his reply #3?

 

[tsedge]

By the way I have sent a detailed complaint to the service manager.

My complaints are:

• I was misleadingly told "all cars need bushes replaced, this is normal".
• They didn't check if it was covered by warranty, even though I queried it.
• When I showed them the warranty they complained how much work it would take them to make the claim.
• I was given no assurance they would get approval by the time I came in for the work to be done, leaving me in limbo as to whether I would be presented with a bill.

The main thing I have asked for is written confirmation they will replace both bushes under warranty when I come in.

I like the garage and I have recommended them in the past but this time I did not feel I received good customer service. I will give them a chance to put this right before saying any more.

 

[tsedge]

In case I need a backup plan... does anyone know if the typical independent garage (eg an ATS) will press bushings into an existing lower arm that is not corroded?

It is £30 for a pair of bushings online and over £500 for my MG dealer to replace both lower arms including new bushings (which is all MG will do - won't replace the bushings without new arms).