Hey guys! Is your Peugeot 107 feeling a bit wobbly lately? Are you hearing strange noises when you go over bumps? It might be time to consider a wishbone replacement. Don't worry, it sounds more intimidating than it actually is. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We'll cover everything from identifying the problem to getting your 107 back on the road, smooth and safe. So, grab your tools, and let's get started!

Identifying the Need for Wishbone Replacement

Before diving into the replacement itself, it's crucial to accurately diagnose whether your Peugeot 107 actually needs a new wishbone. A wishbone, also known as a control arm, is a critical component of your car's suspension system. It connects the wheel hub to the vehicle's chassis, allowing for controlled movement and stability. Because of their location and constant use, wishbones are susceptible to wear and tear over time. Therefore, recognizing the warning signs is key to preventing more extensive damage and ensuring your safety on the road. Let's look at some common symptoms that might indicate a failing wishbone.

• Knocking or Clunking Noises: One of the most prevalent indicators is a distinct knocking or clunking sound, particularly when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces. This noise usually emanates from the area of the affected wheel and suggests that the wishbone's bushings or ball joint are worn out, creating excessive play. The worn components allow the wishbone to move more than it should, resulting in those concerning sounds. Ignoring this could lead to further damage and compromise the vehicle's handling. If you hear a repetitive clunking, especially when turning, pay close attention to its source and have it checked out promptly.
• Vibrations in the Steering Wheel: Another sign to watch out for is unusual vibrations felt through the steering wheel. While vibrations can stem from various issues, including tire imbalance or alignment problems, a worn wishbone can also be a contributing factor. The vibrations may worsen at higher speeds, signaling that the suspension system isn't properly absorbing road imperfections. These vibrations not only make driving uncomfortable but can also affect your ability to control the vehicle effectively. Get your wheels balanced and aligned and if the vibrations persist, consider the possibility of a wishbone issue.
• Uneven Tire Wear: Keep a close eye on your tires. Uneven wear patterns, especially on the inside or outside edges, might be a sign that the wishbone is compromised. When the wishbone's bushings or ball joint fail, they can alter the wheel's alignment, leading to abnormal tire wear. Regularly inspect your tires for any signs of unevenness. Addressing a worn wishbone promptly can save you money in the long run by preventing premature tire replacements. Look for feathering, cupping, or excessive wear on one side of the tire compared to the other. Early detection can make a significant difference.
• Wandering or Pulling: A failing wishbone can cause your Peugeot 107 to wander or pull to one side, particularly when driving on a straight road. This happens because the worn components affect the wheel alignment, making it difficult to maintain a straight course. You might find yourself constantly correcting the steering to stay in your lane, which can be exhausting and dangerous, especially at high speeds. If you notice your car consistently drifting or pulling in one direction, a wishbone inspection is essential. Don't delay getting it checked out, as this issue can severely compromise your safety.
• Visual Inspection: In addition to these symptoms, a visual inspection of the wishbone itself can reveal telltale signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, corrosion, or damage to the wishbone's metal structure. Pay close attention to the bushings, which are rubber or polyurethane components that cushion the wishbone's movement. If the bushings appear cracked, torn, or excessively worn, it's a clear indication that the wishbone needs replacement. Similarly, inspect the ball joint for any signs of looseness, damage, or grease leakage. A thorough visual inspection can provide valuable insights into the condition of your wishbone.

By paying attention to these symptoms and conducting regular inspections, you can identify a worn wishbone early on and take appropriate action. Remember, addressing suspension issues promptly is crucial for maintaining your Peugeot 107's safety, handling, and overall performance. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more extensive and costly repairs down the road. When in doubt, always consult a qualified mechanic for a professional diagnosis and advice.

Tools and Parts Needed

Alright, so you've determined that your Peugeot 107's wishbone needs replacing. Before you jump in, it's essential to gather all the necessary tools and parts. Having everything within reach will make the job smoother, safer, and less frustrating. Here's a comprehensive list of what you'll need:

• New Wishbone Assembly: This is the most crucial part, of course! Make sure you get the correct wishbone for your specific Peugeot 107 model and year. Check the part number carefully to ensure compatibility. It's often best to buy from a reputable supplier to guarantee quality and reliability. Consider buying a complete assembly that includes new bushings and a ball joint, as these are often sold together and it saves you the hassle of pressing in new ones yourself. Also, don’t forget to buy the correct wishbone for the correct side.
• Socket Set: A comprehensive socket set is indispensable for this job. You'll need various sizes to remove and install the bolts and nuts that secure the wishbone. Both metric and standard sizes may be needed, so having a complete set is highly recommended. Look for a set with a good ratchet mechanism and a range of deep and shallow sockets to tackle different bolt configurations. A good socket set is an investment that will serve you well for many automotive repairs.
• Wrench Set: Just like the socket set, a wrench set is essential for loosening and tightening bolts and nuts. Again, make sure you have a variety of sizes to accommodate different fasteners. Combination wrenches, with an open end on one side and a box end on the other, are particularly useful. Consider investing in a set of ratcheting wrenches, as they can significantly speed up the process. You might also need a torque wrench, especially for tightening the new components to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Jack and Jack Stands: Safety first! You'll need a reliable jack to lift your Peugeot 107 and sturdy jack stands to support it while you're working underneath. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands placed on designated jacking points for maximum stability. Make sure the jack stands are rated for the weight of your car. Before lifting, ensure the car is on a level surface and properly secured. Invest in high-quality jack stands for your peace of mind.
• Wheel Chocks: More safety! Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling while you're working on the front suspension. This is a simple but crucial step that can prevent serious accidents. Ensure the chocks are properly positioned and securely in place before lifting the vehicle. Wheel chocks are an inexpensive safety measure that no DIY mechanic should be without.
• Ball Joint Separator (Pickle Fork or Ball Joint Press): Separating the ball joint from the steering knuckle can be tricky. A ball joint separator, such as a pickle fork or a ball joint press, will make this task much easier and safer. A pickle fork is a wedge-shaped tool that you hammer between the ball joint and the knuckle, while a ball joint press uses mechanical force to separate the joint. Choose the tool that you're most comfortable using. If you're using a pickle fork, be aware that it can damage the ball joint boot, so be prepared to replace the ball joint if necessary.
• Hammer: A hammer is useful for various tasks, such as tapping the ball joint separator or loosening stubborn bolts. A rubber mallet can also come in handy for gentle persuasion without damaging parts. Have both a standard hammer and a rubber mallet available.
• Penetrating Oil: Penetrating oil is your best friend when dealing with rusty or corroded bolts. Apply it liberally to any stubborn fasteners and let it soak in for a while before attempting to loosen them. This can save you a lot of headaches and prevent broken bolts. PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench are popular choices. Apply the penetrating oil a few hours before starting the job, or even the night before, for best results.
• Torque Wrench: A torque wrench is essential for tightening the new wishbone bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. This ensures that the bolts are properly secured without being overtightened, which can damage the threads or the components. Consult your Peugeot 107's repair manual for the correct torque values. A torque wrench is a must-have for any serious DIY mechanic.
• Gloves and Safety Glasses: Protect yourself! Wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt, grease, and sharp edges. Safety glasses will shield your eyes from debris. These are basic but essential safety precautions.

With all these tools and parts at your disposal, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the wishbone replacement on your Peugeot 107. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and prioritize safety throughout the process. If you're unsure about any step, don't hesitate to consult a professional mechanic.

Step-by-Step Wishbone Replacement Guide

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to replacing the wishbone on your Peugeot 107. Remember to take your time and double-check each step to ensure everything is done correctly and safely.

1. Prepare the Vehicle:
   • Park your Peugeot 107 on a level surface.
   • Engage the parking brake.
   • Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel of the side you'll be working on (don't remove them completely yet).
   • Chock the rear wheels to prevent any rolling.
2. Raise and Secure the Vehicle:
   • Use the jack to lift the car until the wheel is off the ground.
   • Place jack stands securely under the vehicle's frame, near the jacking point.
   • Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands, ensuring they are properly supporting the weight.
   • Remove the wheel completely.
3. Disconnect the ABS Sensor (If Applicable):
   • If your Peugeot 107 has an ABS sensor attached to the hub, carefully disconnect it. This usually involves unplugging a connector and possibly removing a small bolt or clip.
   • Secure the ABS sensor wire out of the way to prevent damage.
4. Detach the Brake Caliper:
   • Remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper to the steering knuckle.
   • Carefully detach the caliper and secure it out of the way with a bungee cord or wire. Do not let the caliper hang by its brake hose.
   • Remove the brake rotor.
5. Separate the Ball Joint:
   • This is often the trickiest part.
   • Use penetrating oil on the ball joint nut and let it soak in.
   • Use a ball joint separator (pickle fork or ball joint press) to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
   • If using a pickle fork, be prepared to replace the ball joint boot if it gets damaged.
6. Remove the Wishbone Bolts:
   • Locate the bolts that secure the wishbone to the vehicle's frame and the steering knuckle.
   • Use penetrating oil on the bolts and let it soak in.
   • Use the appropriate sockets and wrenches to remove the bolts.
   • You might need to use a breaker bar for stubborn bolts.
7. Remove the Old Wishbone:
   • With all the bolts removed, carefully maneuver the old wishbone out of its position.
   • Take note of the orientation of the wishbone for easier installation of the new one.
8. Install the New Wishbone:
   • Position the new wishbone in the same orientation as the old one.
   • Install the new wishbone bolts, but don't tighten them completely yet.
9. Reattach the Ball Joint:
   • Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
   • Tighten the ball joint nut to the manufacturer's specifications.
10. Reinstall the Brake Rotor and Caliper:
    • Reinstall the brake rotor onto the hub.
    • Reattach the brake caliper and secure it with the bolts.
    • Tighten the caliper bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.
11. Reconnect the ABS Sensor (If Applicable):
    • Reconnect the ABS sensor, ensuring the connector is properly seated and the bolt or clip is secure.
12. Reinstall the Wheel:
    • Mount the wheel back onto the hub.
    • Hand-tighten the lug nuts.
13. Lower the Vehicle:
    • Raise the vehicle slightly with the jack to remove the jack stands.
    • Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
14. Tighten the Lug Nuts and Wishbone Bolts:
    • Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
    • Tighten the wishbone bolts to the manufacturer's specifications with the vehicle on the ground and the suspension loaded. This is crucial for proper alignment and suspension function.
15. Repeat on the Other Side (If Necessary):
    • If you're replacing the wishbone on the other side, repeat steps 1-14.

Post-Replacement Checks and Alignment

Congratulations, you've successfully replaced the wishbone on your Peugeot 107! But the job isn't quite finished yet. There are a few essential post-replacement checks and procedures to ensure everything is working correctly and safely. Ignoring these steps could lead to premature wear, handling problems, or even dangerous situations.

• Check All Fasteners: Double-check all the bolts and nuts you've tightened during the replacement process. Ensure they are all torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. This is a critical step to prevent any loosening or failures while driving. Pay particular attention to the wishbone bolts, ball joint nut, brake caliper bolts, and wheel lug nuts. A quick visual inspection and a final torque check can provide peace of mind.
• Test Drive Carefully: Before hitting the open road, take your Peugeot 107 for a short, slow test drive in a safe area. Listen for any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues. Pay attention to the steering feel and how the car responds to your inputs. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, investigate it immediately. A cautious test drive can help you identify potential problems before they escalate.
• Wheel Alignment: This is absolutely crucial after a wishbone replacement. Replacing the wishbone can significantly affect your car's wheel alignment, leading to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and reduced fuel efficiency. Take your Peugeot 107 to a qualified alignment shop and have a professional perform a four-wheel alignment. They will adjust the angles of your wheels to ensure they are properly aligned according to the manufacturer's specifications. This will not only improve your car's handling and tire life but also enhance your safety on the road.
• Inspect for Leaks: After the test drive, inspect the area around the brake caliper and ball joint for any leaks. Check the brake lines and fittings for any signs of brake fluid leakage. Also, inspect the ball joint boot for any tears or damage that could lead to grease leakage. Addressing any leaks promptly is essential to prevent further damage and ensure the proper functioning of these components.
• Monitor Tire Wear: Keep a close eye on your tires after the wishbone replacement and wheel alignment. Regularly check the tire pressure and inspect the tread for any signs of uneven wear. If you notice any unusual wear patterns, such as feathering, cupping, or excessive wear on one side of the tire, it could indicate an alignment issue or other suspension problems. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent premature tire replacements and ensure your safety on the road.

By following these post-replacement checks and procedures, you can ensure that your Peugeot 107's wishbone replacement is a success. Remember, safety is always the top priority. If you're unsure about any step or encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to consult a qualified mechanic for professional assistance. Drive safely and enjoy the improved handling and ride quality of your Peugeot 107!