@neko: "I'm in the posession of a 1999 Ford Cougar (european make). The car
has recently been to the shop for repairs (scheduled), and among the
items fout were that two rubbers of the front end suspension system
were almost worn out. 
In my opinion (aswell as the dealers) exchanging the rubbers would
adequately solve the problem. However as it turns out Ford doesnt seem
to sell these rubbers seperatly. I seem to have no other option then
to purchase an entire new front wheel suspension system.
Is anyone aware of any possibilities that might exist in obtaining
just the rubbers instead of the whole deal? Getting the whole bit
isn't that financial attractive really...
Looking forward to any insights you guys might be able to give.
Neko-"
    @neko: "English isn't my natvive language, so I hoped the description would be
adequate to describe what I meant, I'll try being a bit more thorough.
The front end suspension is mounted on two pieces that connect the
wheels to the car. (a literal translation from dutch woyld state it's
a carry-arm). Appearantly (or so my dealer has told me) in these
pieces of steel there are two bits or rubber, one for each side. These
bits of rubber needed to be replaced due to wear and tear.
I'm in the Netherlands, and the dutch government seems to LOVE
speedbumps so there are quite a few around. Which you can't miss when
driving. The rubbers appearantly get a jolt every time the suspension
needs to kick in. Which wears them down... More speedbumps = more wear
and tear on them. 
The dealer stated that without the rubbers, the car could start
behaving a bit strange, like drawing to either roadside on braking or
making clapping noises from the frontend wheels. All in all, the car's
driving expirience wouldn't be what it should be. Add to that that I
like a safe drive over a cheap drive, and my decision for choosing the
repair becomes clear.
It turns out that I'm oblidged to but a whole new front-end part of
suspension for the car, seeing the rubbers aren't sold separately.
They are only sold in combination with the steel-part that connects
the wheel to the car. Furthermore, it seems that ONLY the Cougar has
this policy. All other cars at Ford seem to have the item in loose
stock. 
I've already taken this up with both my dealer and Ford the
Netherlands, and when nothing comes from that I am considering talking
to Ford USA. I do grant you however that not knowing the exact english
name for the part doesnt really help. I do hope the description I gave
here identifies the bit I'm specifically talking about. If not, let me
know and I'll see if I can clarify more.
Thanks for the response :)
Neko-"
    @neko: "P.S. Just found out that the part the rubbers are a part of is called
a 'lower control arm' for the front wheels. That might help you
identify the matter a bit.
:)
Neko-"
    @NOTWORKING: "You are looking for lower control arm "bushings" they are rubber sleeves that go into the
control arm pivot points. These might not be available separately so you may have to get
the whole arm. Good Luck.  StuK
ThunderSnake #11
news:<email_address>
<quote>"
    @neko: "Thanks... This atleast identifies the correct reference in english if
I decide to take this to Ford USA. 
At this moment I had to get the whole arm to get my car through it's
yearly (as stated by law) checkup. If it fails the checkup at any
point it's not allowed to drive anymore. 
As it turns out now (I've been informing around already for a bit),
the Cougar seems to be the only model for which these bushings aren't
available separately. Any other model doesnt seem to have this issue. 
Also the fact that the base of the Mondeo was used to build the Cougar
on doesnt help. You'd assume that parts from the Mondeo would be
suitable here, but it seems that the Cougar atleast differs at this
point. 
If I can get some indication about a loose point or ordernumber where
these bushings would be available semarately, that'd save me a lot of
money right now (I imagine that the bushings themselves should be
cheaper then the whole darned thing), aswell as any upcoming exchanges
of this specific part.
If getting the specific part isn't an option, I'd like Ford to atleast
give me an explanation why this part isn't available for the Cougar
while any other model doesnt have this whole issue. 
I like my Cougar, and I like to drive something special (Cougars
aren't that much seen where I live anyway). However pricetags such as
these which promise to be a returning post every once in a while take
the fun out of driving something special real fast. 
Thanks sofar for the info... I'm curious if anyone else out there
might have further information...
Neko-
On Sat, 11 Sep 2004 15:17:52 -0400, "Stuart&Janet"
<quote>"
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