1600 / 510

1967-1973 / Sedan / Japan

All 1600 / 510 problems All workshop issues

Common Suspension

Bushing Deterioration

Symptoms

Clunking from the suspension, vague steering, uneven tyre wear, poor handling.

Cause

All the rubber bushings in the front struts, rear semi-trailing arms, and anti-roll bar (if fitted) have perished over 55 years. Worn bushings allow the suspension geometry to shift under load, degrading the 510's normally excellent handling.

Fix

Replace all bushings.

Polyurethane bushings are available for most locations and are more durable than rubber.

Front suspension rebuild kit: $150--300.

Rear trailing arm bushings: $80--150 per side.

Cost mentioned in fix

$150$80

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// More 1600 / 510 problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension

Shock Absorber Wear

Wallowing, bouncing, poor body control, excessive body roll.

Common Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft, spongy, or perforated floor pans. Wet carpet after rain. Road noise increases noticeably as the floors thin. In extreme cases, the floor is partially or entirely gone.

Minor Body and Structure

Sill (Rocker Panel) Corrosion

The outer sill skin softens and crumbles. Door alignment changes as the inner sill structure weakens. The car may creak or flex over bumps.

Minor Body and Structure

Inner Guard and Strut Tower Corrosion

The inner front fenders around the MacPherson strut top mounts corrode and thin. In severe cases, the strut tower can deform under load.

Critical Body and Structure

Rear Wheel Arch Corrosion

Bubbling paint, perforation, and structural weakening of the inner and outer rear wheel arches.

Common Body and Structure

Spare Tyre Well Corrosion

The boot floor around the spare tyre well perforates. Water pools in the spare tyre recess.

View all 17 1600 / 510 problems