Alfa 147 - A Decade...

[Mks14]

I got a feeling the lower or upper arm bushings are worn. I think the bump stops are ok

[Le_Stig]

I got a feeling the lower or upper arm bushings are worn. I think the bump stops are ok

 

Could be the following:

 

1. Lower Wishbones Bushings

2. Upper Wishbones Bushings

3. Tie Rod / Tie Rod Ends Bushings

4. ARB Bushings

5. Suspension Top Mounts

6. Steering Rack Column Bearings

 

The above are common problems... You may want to go workshop and check.

[Mks14]

Sure, is there anywhere that stocks them? Or I can order them from a shop? ie aftermarket polyurethane ones?

 

Could be the following:

 

1. Lower Wishbones Bushings

2. Upper Wishbones Bushings

3. Tie Rod / Tie Rod Ends Bushings

4. ARB Bushings

5. Suspension Top Mounts

6. Steering Rack Column Bearings

 

The above are common problems... You may want to go workshop and check.

 

 

[Le_Stig]

Sure, is there anywhere that stocks them? Or I can order them from a shop? ie aftermarket polyurethane ones?

 

I explained before but nonetheless, here it is:

 

Aftermarket PU bushing is up to your own preferance. There was a thread in AO talking about PowerFlex PU Bushings on 147/156/GT.

 

When it was first launched, a lot of them (the Brits in AO) went to change and in the end reverted back to stock. They felt a lot of vibrations and the steering feel too stiff. Because it is PU bushing (tougher), they tend to squeak...A LOT. Literally sound like some old Mattress squeaking. But well, if you can take all these, then go for it. Only plus point is that they last longer than stock rubber bushings.

 

However, please note that you need to find some workshop to do it. They need specialised equipment to compress the bushings back into the hole. I understand none of the Alfa workshop offer this service. It maybe a hassle because you need to find a workshop that knows how to remove the arms, then send the arms seperately to replace the bushings then send back to fix it up. It may cost more than you just change the whole arm itself. Not forgetting it may require slight wheel alignment if the stock bushings are badly worned.

 

Hope it helps!

 

 

[Mks14]

Cool thanks Stig! I just need to find out which bushings are giving me problems. EA can't give me a definate answer. Its most likely the wishbones.

[Shull]

Hi guys,

 

I'm currently looking at a 2007 Alfa 147 2.0. I would like to know what are the costs involved, especially when it comes to maintenance. Are there any outside workshop which have reasonable experience in servicing Alfas and how easy is it to find replacement spare parts? Important also, is the reliability of the gearbox.

 

Also, what are the FC like for 50/50 City/Highway driving?

 

Thanks..

[Casio]

Hi guys,

 

I'm currently looking at a 2007 Alfa 147 2.0. I would like to know what are the costs involved, especially when it comes to maintenance. Are there any outside workshop which have reasonable experience in servicing Alfas and how easy is it to find replacement spare parts? Important also, is the reliability of the gearbox.

 

Also, what are the FC like for 50/50 City/Highway driving?

 

Thanks..

 

Hi Shull,

 

Alfa City and Alfa Sportivo at Sin Ming work on Alfa/Fiat cars, there maybe more that i do not know off. Alternatively you can head back to EA for servicing at Teban Gardens. Maintenance cost...depending on how "yim chim" one is i suppose.

 

Selespeed can be jerky when you're not use to it. Fun when you know how to. They may not be the most reliable, DSG too, but plenty on the road.

 

FC...i get an average of 7ish-8. Heavy footed perhaps, but how not to, TS engine sounded so good

 

 

[Felipe]

Hi guys,

 

I'm currently looking at a 2007 Alfa 147 2.0. I would like to know what are the costs involved, especially when it comes to maintenance. Are there any outside workshop which have reasonable experience in servicing Alfas and how easy is it to find replacement spare parts? Important also, is the reliability of the gearbox.

 

Also, what are the FC like for 50/50 City/Highway driving?

 

Thanks..

 

more direct answers for u.

 

The gear system uses actuators to select gears. that unit alone is abt 3k.

 

The clutch is abt 1k job. overall, it's still cheaper than a torque converter system but the wear rate is higher.

 

svc costs are pretty standard, 200 to 300. for just oil change, can be abt 100.

 

as long as u go to the shops mentioned, spare parts are easily available, but others may have to order. the selespeed ones should be easily available.

 

reliability? very few selespeed owners get to 100k without issues so u get the idea. in short, be prepared to spend ard 5k should selespeed or others give way. it's def not the cheapest car to maintain out there but there's a price for fun and joy.

[Shull]

So.. am i right to say that the overall selespeed gearbox is cheaper than a conventional torque-converter system.. But chances of it failing is higher than TC system too?

[Felipe]

yes, but firstly, i didn't factor in the gearbox itself for the selespeed. u add that together, it should cost more than a TC. but gearboxes should last much longer.

 

the correct term should be the selespeed system, which comprises of clutch, actuators, gearbox, giving a manual experience in driving without having to use a clutch pedal.

[Shull]

yes, but firstly, i didn't factor in the gearbox itself for the selespeed. u add that together, it should cost more than a TC. but gearboxes should last much longer.

 

the correct term should be the selespeed system, which comprises of clutch, actuators, gearbox, giving a manual experience in driving without having to use a clutch pedal.

 

ahhhh.. in that case, i prob should go and find a MT Alfa liao..

[Casio]

ahhhh.. in that case, i prob should go and find a MT Alfa liao..

 

Hi Shull,

 

147 in manual transmission, only 1.6L and GTA(3.2L). I have not experience GTA's manual but i do not like the manual shifting feel of the 1.6L. I bought the 2.0L selespeed(for some reason) but will prefer the 1.6L manual. What i want to bring across to you is, to commit on Alfa Romeo, you cannot think too much. Buy with your heart and many here will tell you the same. You love it for the right reason, you'll enjoy your ride. My gf, not a motorsports enthusiast, now loves the Alfa Romeo, her Altis is now driven by her brother. Have fun...

 

 

[Felipe]

yes, just go with your heart, as long as you are aware of the costs to run it, it should be ok.

[Shull]

yes, just go with your heart, as long as you are aware of the costs to run it, it should be ok.

 

Running cost is my main concern.. i want to have a feel of it before fully committing to it..

[Mks14]

Hey Guys,

 

Gorjiam is making aluminium undertrays for 147. This is to replace your saggy old plastic ones at the fraction of the costs. Whatsapp or text him at 9 8 5 0 8 5 5 9 if you want one.

 

$350 with $100 deposit per piece.

[Lonegunbravo]

Those were the days..

[Mks14]

Very nice...Sunway, KL?

[Lonegunbravo]

So long ago..... i think that area is Puchong, KL.... Alfatech if i'm not mistaken