Suspension arms..

[jimfrp88]

Just gathering a few prices online and I've noticed there seems to be a price difference between Puma & Fiesta wishbones (with and without power steering, fiesta van, fiesta courier etc).. I thought Puma and Fiesta were identical?

 

[Cartman]

i would agre

sometimes selers prise them diferently because they don't know anny better, or they ar thinking that people whil buy them anyway because they don't know or check....

I know the fiesta arms are a streight fit, but I would check the curier arms closer before buying, they may be different, but not nessesarely

 

[Cherie]

There are slight differences between the Fiesta and Puma wishbones. I remember that I was told by a mechanic when I replaced them on my 1st Puma, that it's the Courier van wishbones that were used on the Puma. Fiesta ones will fit, whether there is any detrimental effect from this, I couldn't tell you.

 

[The Arch Bishop]

Not sure, but I think Fiesta's are often single skin whereas the Puma ones are double skinned.

 

[jimfrp88]

I've had double and single skin on mine in the past.

Maybe because the suspension has to be firmer on the courier and Puma, they fitted them with double skin for extra strength?

 

[TGPlayer1]

They may be slightly different sizes for different camber?

 

[trublustu]

The Fizzy and Puma look exactly the same. not sure about part numbers.

But, there are huge differences between aftermarket pattern parts.
My mates Escort collapsed a wishbone at Rockingham, no crashes, just spirited use.
When he got his Original Ford replacement, he found the OE was 2kg heavier (stronger) than the shite thing that nearly killed him.
OE all the way..

 

[Wild E. Coyote]

My thoughts exactly. Especially on critical components like suspension, brakes and such...

 

[jimfrp88]

I've never had a problem with pattern parts on my daily cars... Can't say I'd use them on a track car though.

 

[tuonokid]

Just to add my bit, pattern suspension parts for Fords are rubbish compared to O/E parts and that's why I paid over £45 for a track rod end for my Fiesta when I could have got 4 pattern ones for the same price but would have lasted less than a quarter of the mileage.
Barry

 

[jimfrp88]

I agree that genuine Ford items last much longer.. but the prices they charge can be eye watering :'(

 

[tuonokid]

True Jim but worth it :grin:
Also much cheaper than other manufacturers.
Barry

 

[jimfrp88]

Remember a few years ago I called up Fords (for a laugh) to get a price for them supplying me with a 3 piece clutch kit.. I'm sure they quoted £300 odd plus VAT!

So I ordered on off eBay for £80 :lol:

 

[Lord B]

Perhaps not looked close enough, but are not people who work or who have close links to dealers, and can get parts at trade for forum members, or is that just a Volvo thing?

 

[The Arch Bishop]

You can get double skinned patten parts easily enough. I bought one yesterday as it happens. They may not last as long, but at least when you come around to replacing it again, everything'll be easier to get off than if it's been on there years. Plenty of people have had no problems with decent quality patten parts, but there are some shockingly poor versions out there.

 

[CherryVimto]

I've bought pattern parts that were pretty decent. Couldn't tell the difference from the Ford ones that I took off.
They were even poly bushed along with having APs and never had any issues.

But again, they were used on a daily day and not track use.