Bump stop/ Squeaks?

[Asher1337]

I own a 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider and I have squeaks coming from the rear. I was informed I need a new rear arm. The mechanic also said my car didn't have bump stops and I should get those.

What are bump stops? Where are they located on the rear..are they on the suspension or on the actual rear arm as well? I'm not sure why my car didn't have them but is it a necessity that I get them?

Thanks

[Jekyll and Hyde]

I own a 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider and I have squeaks coming from the rear. I was informed I need a new rear arm. The mechanic also said my car didn't have bump stops and I should get those.

What are bump stops? Where are they located on the rear..are they on the suspension or on the actual rear arm as well? I'm not sure why my car didn't have them but is it a necessity that I get them?

Thanks

Bump stops are a rubber stopper which is designed to stop the suspension travelling too far up and bottoming out the shock absorber (which will normally cause the shock to die).  On spiders/gtvs they sit inside the rear spring, at the top, but its very common on those cars for the rubber to break down a bit, and the bump stop falls out and just rolls around loosely inside the spring.

[Asher1337]

Thanks for the reply

Is it common that a worn bump stop can squeak? I talked to another mechanic on the phone and he said the rear arm is less likely to make a squeak and it's probably the bump stop.

The squeaks coming from the rear passenger side, hard to pick but sounds like in the shock/spring area.

[Jekyll and Hyde]

Thanks for the reply

Is it common that a worn bump stop can squeak? I talked to another mechanic on the phone and he said the rear arm is less likely to make a squeak and it's probably the bump stop.

The squeaks coming from the rear passenger side, hard to pick but sounds like in the shock/spring area.

Only if the piece thats fallen out is stuck in the spring somehow.  I would have said its more likely to be a bush on one of the arms....  And if yours is a v6, it will also have balljoints in the rear arms which can also squeak.  Shocks can also potentially squeak....  Plenty of possible causes.

[Asher1337]

If it is the bush, do I have to replace the whole rear arm as one unit? like is the bush connected to it... or am I mixing this up with another part.

I really appreciate the response, you have alot of knowledge.

[Jekyll and Hyde]

If it is the bush, do I have to replace the whole rear arm as one unit? like is the bush connected to it... or am I mixing this up with another part.

I really appreciate the response, you have alot of knowledge.

Probably. Knowing Alfa, the bushes are unlikely to be available seperately to the arm.  You may be able to find aftermarket bushes though.

[Asher1337]

Awesome, I'll look into it

[Anthony Miller]

Are any of these mechanics "alfa specialists"?As anyone on this forum will tell you , alfa specialists know, other mechanics are simply guessing!

[branko.gt]

Anthony is spot on!
Safest bet is to talk to one of the club sponsor shops. They are all good guys that will know and give you a straight answer that you don't have to second guess. Pick one close to you