Mitsubishi Legnum: Front Lower Wishbone Inner Bush Collapse

The Legnum EC front double-wishbone suspension uses pressed rubber-to-steel vulcanised inner pivot bushes on the lower control arms. These bushes are subject to progressive degradation from age hardening, ozone cracking, UV exposure, and the continuous compressive cycling loads imposed by the relatively heavy 6A13TT drivetrain. As the rubber compound hardens and fractures, the bushing loses its ability to control arm pivot geometry precisely, allowing fore-and-aft movement of the lower arm that shifts camber and caster dynamically during braking and cornering. NZ/AU imports of this generation are typically 20-28 years old at time of sale, making inner bush collapse nearly universal. Many examples have had aftermarket polyurethane bushes substituted, which can transmit significant NVH into the cabin if the incorrect hardness grade or inadequate grease is used during fitment.

• Clunking from front suspension over bumps, during braking or when pulling away
• Vague, wandering or imprecise steering feel at highway speeds
• Uneven tyre wear, particularly pronounced on the inner shoulder
• Vehicle pulls to one side under firm braking
• WOF failure on suspension play check

Visually inspect the inner bush for rubber extrusion beyond the steel shell, visible cracking, or gaps between rubber and shell. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist at normal ride height, grasp each front lower control arm firmly and apply fore-and-aft force — any perceptible movement in the inner pivot bush constitutes a failure. Apply a pry bar between the arm and subframe to quantify play against workshop manual specification.

Parts involved: Ball joint.

$350 to $900 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Has the front suspension been inspected or serviced recently?”
• “Does the car wander or pull under firm braking?”
• “Has a wheel alignment been done recently and did it achieve correct settings?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.