FTO Drivers Club, Western Australia

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I found out a while ago that the left-front control arm on my FTO is a little out of shape, and probably the cause of some tyre scrubbing when the steering wheel is at full turn to the left. It's not really causing any major dramas, but I'm kinda going through a "rejuvinate the FTO" phase and I'd like to get it all nice and even again.

Here's a picture that I ripped off Google. It's not an FTO, but it was hard enough finding a pic of some car suspension. It's just to give you an idea if you're unsure about which part I'm talking about. Obviously the picture shows the rear suspension, but I'm looking for a similar part for the front.



I've seen it up on a jack at a wheel alignment place and you can definitely see a slight difference between the left and right sides. As far as I can tell, the damage is restricted to that component and there are no obvious signs of stress where the arm is connected to the chassis.

Just wondering what peoples opinions / suggestions are. Bear these points in mind:

I'd like to find out whether the damage extends beyond that component. If it does, I'll do what needs to be done. If it's restricted to the arm, would it be possible to have it beaten back into shape or will it need replacing outright?

If a replacement is required, can anyone tell me how I can better explain the part I need? I've called a few places and noone seems to know what I'm talking about for some reason (then again, maybe it's the FTO name that's confusing them ).

Sorry for all the questions. I have tried a few places, but noone seems to be able to help me (I've basically been given the runaround between wheel alignment places and suspension specialists / panel beaters). I went into Wilkinson's and was quoted $1250 for replacing all 4 "struts", however I'm not sure if the "struts" they're referring to were some other part of the suspension. Even if they're correct, me shelling out $1250 really isn't an option right now.

Ideally I'm looking for a 2nd hand part, but something as obscure as this is quite difficult to source.

[RichardH]

If it were me, I would:

(1) Get someone to inspect it. Mal Crockenberg, or Wilkinson Suspension... basically, someone I trusted! Confirm the extent of the damage.

(2) Contact Mitsubie or a wrecker from www.partslocator.com.au, and obtain a replacement part (or parts).

(3) Get it fitted, and a wheel alignment performed.

- Rich

[Guest]

Mitsubie had 9 pre facelift dash forward non accident half cuts with panels 3 weeks ago when i was up there, they should have your part.

mitsubie auto recyclers (08)92093900

email [email protected]

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