Front End Maintenance | Owning a Bentley Arnage - Episode 20

As I get the Bentley Arnage ready to sell, one of the major maintenance projects that needs to be completed is a front end service. The ball joints on the Bentley Arnage and Rolls Royce Silver Seraph are well-known for ball joints prematurely failing. The cars are massive, so all the weight causes these components to wear out relatively quickly.
In addition to the upper and lower ball joints being replaced, the drop link anti-roll bar and isolator springs are being replaced as well. All these parts will make for a smoother ride, as is expected for a Bentley.
The parts are from IntroCar
www.introcar.com
Most of the parts are Prestige Parts and offer a 3-year Warranty.
Fun fact: When I was editing this video, I added a sound effect for the part where the ratchet is being used to remove the ball joint from the control arm. I didn't realize until after I uploaded the video that the ratchet sound was on the wrong stroke of the tool. The ratchet should only be heard when turning in the non-resistance direction. :D
#usedBentleyLife
Website:
joshsworld.com
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[@Stettenbauer]

Don't sell it, I am living vicariously through you in terms of this car. I would drive it forever. It has that timeless design.

[@JoshsWorld]

It has been a wonderful car... it's time for the next owner to enjoy it.

[@albriseno2428]

I had a Red label Arnage and had the same work done. I know Matt and he is very professional and knowledgable. I would highly recommend him to all PMC owners. The next owner will get a great driving car.

[@JoshsWorld]

Absolutely, Matt knows his stuff!

[@johncollier608]

Going to go and check my Flying Spur, that I recently purchase. Despite it's impeccable main dealer service history, I wouldn't be at all surprised to find some hidden nasties. Thanks for sharing.

[@derekstocker6661]

There often is, no matter where you buy sadly. One thing you can do is to ask a really good expert to take a look before you buy and get some guarantees possibly, but these things can happen so unexpectedly.

[@christopherpaul6062]

Thank God for people like you! Can't wait to get mine.

[@JoshsWorld]

Thank you. I hope you do get one!

[@badfaith7770]

You can get the same parts much cheaper by looking at cross reference parts for other models , the upper ball joints are Moog K9025 which are only $25 and the lower ball joints are lemforder 10741 02 which are about $40

[@jerrycallender7604]

I totally enjoy your videos and hope they continue. I saw my first Bentley - an S 1 - when I was 12-13 and have wanted one since. (Also saw the round-door Rolls-Rolls at the 1957 Jamestown/Naval Exposition in Norfolk) So.....at the ripe age of 3-score and 10+, I'm giving myself permission and am looking at 1996-1998 Continental Rs and Ts, as I feel they have the better suspension upgrades and the General Motors transmission, and would value your comments.

[@JoshsWorld]

Good sir, with your seasoned life experience, I should be listening to your advice. My only suggestion is once you've decided on the model you love the most, find the best example with a detailed service history. It's an added bonus if you can find a local specialist that understands these cars.

[@Gary7even]

The Arnage and RR Silver Seraph were designed to use BMW engines exclusively. When VW bought Bentley, they didn't want to have to keep buying engines from BMW, so they shoe-horned the big 'ol RR 6.75 V8 into the Arnage. Hence, the extra weight in the front, which puts a lot of stress on front end components that were never originally designed for the heft of the ancient RR V8.

[@foadrightnow5725]

G.M. Frazier - Interesting nugget of trivia!

[@23727bgk]

Why couldn't VW use V8 engines and transmissions from an Audi A8? Was it the Audi awd system?

[@danr1920]

The car is heavy, but why aren't the parts upsized to the load?

[@MuzixMaker]

Yeah I had the same thought

[@markbojanjac6805]

Great to know Josh. Great you still have it too. The lower ball joints are due on my car so I'll look no further than IntroCar. Cheers

[@andrewphillips306]

Hi Josh, I’ve really enjoyed your Bentley vids. I’m sad it’s going but I look forward to seeing the next project.

[@markluft2517]

Another GREAT Video, Josh. I too would hate to see you sell her. It's hard to believe you've had it almost three years. I've enjoyed following you all that time. I hope you change your mind. Mark

[@Nyufly]

Thank you for this video. I'm looking to buy an arnage and I will definitely be checking for this before I buy.

[@haydnroberts7434]

At the risk of sounding picky I would have replaced the Lower SuspensionBushes, they look left out. They are under great torsional stress. I’m just sharing the pain, doing a similar job on my Rangey but thankfully £890 inc Labour and VAT. Love your Channel and Presentation. Oh, I do have to agree with you about the Philosophy of owning, maintaining and driving a Prestige Vehicle. You can get away with so many things. compared to Lesser Vehicles, even though my vehicle is lower down the Food Chain. A point of interest the P on the gear selector is when you have to pick your way over the Random Peasant ...

[@JoshsWorld]

The bushes had a little life left in them, it would have been a big jump in cost to replace those. Thanks for watching!

[@richardaaron7670]

Very nice videos. I just bought a 2001 Arnage

[@marcelcovaci9922]

I think you can do a lot of the work yourself at home. I work on semi trucks mostly but I think, would the help of car forums, and the books for these cars, you can maintain them and save on labor. I’m looking into getting one , 06-07 Arnage T, the head gasket issue was fixed by then by the manufacturer

[@joshk1717]

Sounds like you're ready to take the dive into Arnage ownership

[@marcelcovaci9922]

@@joshk1717…. I have leukemia as well… this is my YOLO car.

[@marcelcovaci9922]

Also I subscribed to your channel, I know you sold it but I hope you’ll have other videos with interesting cars. Land boats 😁or , in the case of the Bentley, Cathedrals 😬

[@wizardmix]

Good to see you on here, it's been a minute. I think it would be interesting to take on a semi decent Phaeton. Sure you won't get the prestige but it's a crazy Bentley in peoples car clothing.

[@JoshsWorld]

Those seem hard-to-find, more so than a good Arnage!

[@theodoremarakas9899]

Oh lord....I just got gifted a 1967 Bentley T1. Can’t wait to see what it needs and how much it costs

[@JoshsWorld]

I'm still waiting for somebody to gift a Bentley to me 😁

[@theodoremarakas9899]

@@JoshsWorld HAHAH, LOL, I lost the brakes on the first day and nearly killed myself and the car. Luckily the master cylinder wasn't a zillion dollars. Lets see whats next. However, it is a very cool car.

[@alancrisp1582]

I really enjoyed viewing your Arnage video , and was wondering if every thing you had done with maintenance also applys to its sister model - the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph,which was made at the same time, Mind is a 1999 car. Thanks.

[@JoshsWorld]

The Silver Seraph has a different engine, but I suspect most non-engine related service would apply to the Rolls-Royce as well.

[@mazdaman1286]

The upper ball joints are £54.00 a pair the lower are £80.00 a pair !! Can't recall what the top ones come off, the bottom ones are Merc S or E class. I am sure those drop links come off a big Merc or Audi A8 maybe commercial........our customer sourced his own and they came in at under £50.00 the pair . Brake pads are something like S class or 7 or 8 series BMW. You are paying for reboxing of parts... As for the labour rates....A DOZEN BOLTS 😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖😖 Just spotted Febi Bilstein all four ball joints £ 38.00 inc delivery from a major supplier in the UK ....

[@deep8873]

Due to age and weight a lot of the rubber parts can perish and companies like IntroCar (and Flying Spares) have developed nylon bushes etc to go the distance (no pun intended), rubber might have been de rigueur in the mid 80's when these cars were designed by Crewe but time has marched on

[@samthecat2700]

I think you were screwed on labor. How many hours did they bill you for? How many hours did they actually work?

[@marcmaartenful]

Book time, it would be smart to look up book time and see what suggested hours are for that car, the dealer always inflates booktime by like 25% from what I've seen having dealer do work vs independents. ( transmission work, headers, suspension work brakes and many other performance mods on challengers, gt500, and camaros) but when I saw 3k labor I was like what the flying fuck. That being said installing headers only cost me 1200$ so perhaps being a BENTLEY garage the hourly is super high

[@cvp911t]

Good episode Josh!

[@JoshsWorld]

Thanks, brutha!

[@gary1705]

I can’t quite understand why you are selling it especially after getting it back into perfect condition are you going to replace it with another Bentley or Rolls-Royce ?.

[@JoshsWorld]

I've had the car for 3 years so it's time to move on. I haven't decided what's next.

[@stephenrobson6480]

Lower ball joints are the same as some Mercedes.

[@marcmaartenful]

How many miles have you put on the car? Exactly how long have you owned it and exact miles and exact expenses would he super great... I'm hoping in a couple years by 2023 to find a 2009-2011 brooklands at a better price than where they are now

[@ilukatube1972]

Nice to see u back again !! ps looks like you lost a bit of weight ?

[@JoshsWorld]

Thanks! Yeah, I'm a little lighter now :)

[@afhyoutube]

Put it on Bring a Trailer!

[@steveharrysnyc]

What is your thoughts on the Bentley RL with the opera window

[@Άλεξ-μ6ω]

If you are rich and want to burn some money go for it.

[@thatotherguy4245]

Thanks for the video. It's a shame you are selling it (and I can't afford it), but best of luck with the sale and whatever you replace it with

[@JoshsWorld]

Thanks! I will do an expense summary after the car sells. While still an expensive hobby, I think it is more affordable than most people assume.

[@robmcd436]

3000 dollars Labour (!) and several days in the shop to remove, what, 10 bolts with a impact wrench? Sorry but that’s a rip off. Removing the front struts is not difficult if you have a lift. You Witnessed it yourself that the guy took 5 mins to remove one joint with the G clamp. At the end of the day it’s a nice car it no different to other big car when it comes to repairs on mechanical suspension.

[@haydnroberts7434]

Mentioned this to my Private LR Mechanic. His opinion nothing really special or needing that level of time in the Shop ...

[@richardgreene3460]

I want a t-shirt with the Arnage on it like yours. Can you tell me where I can get one? THNX.

[@JoshsWorld]

I made it at customink.com

[@richardgreene3460]

@@JoshsWorld THANKS!

[@charredskeleton]

On a car like this is it advisable to make repairs like this your self?

[@shangrila66]

Great Video ! Thx

[@JoshsWorld]

Thanks!

[@RobertGutierrez]

Hi Josh... great videos and I’m looking at ‘07, ‘08 GT coupe. Have you ever looked at aftermarket warranty? I’m nervous driving around uncovered! Thoughts?!?

[@JoshsWorld]

Most warranty companies don't offer warranties on cars this old. I remember a shop in Miami called MasterClass Automotive that had a service plan for Continentals.. I don't know much about it but that might be a good starting point for you.

[@stephmartinez790]

Hi, what is the shop you use in Dallas for this Bentley, I need a tech that can check my AC in my Continental GT, I don't live in Dallas but near, so if this tech is reputable I can drive to him.

[@JoshsWorld]

Precision Autoworks

[@s.s.p.9680]

Should I buy a $10k 1999 Red Label with 80k declared miles outside the USA in hope of price increase as a possible spare parts car?

[@JoshsWorld]

Sounds like a lot of work.. I wouldn't

[@s.s.p.9680]

@@JoshsWorld Thanks. I mean how much will it grow in price so I can resell the car in the near future in my country to someone who needs it. Or Red Label repairers don't usually use used parts?

[@maxmoovin]

I've decided. I'm buying one, coming from a blue collar mechanic. I need me some 'Bentley 'Therapy' blessings from Grand Junction Colorado. Geoffrey.

[@thebrain7065]

$300 an hour @ 10hrs =$3k. Did this job take 10 hours?...probably not, but if it did...was probably booked at market hours. Nothing wrong in making some $$...everyones time is worth something..and a guarantee I'm sure comes with the repairs IF the shop supplies the parts along with the labor. So your paying for that 2 or 3 year warranty/guarantee in with the parts/labor cost. The BMW dealership I work for...our labor rate is $329 an hour. BUT! do we charge the customer that?...NO NO! Parts and labor are discounted dramatically to get shop hours...30% of our jobs are "Goodwill". It amazes me what our customers get for little to NO money for the repairs we do.

[@JoshsWorld]

When it comes to peace of mind, it's worth paying a little bit more.

[@zomisland03]

I want that shirt!!!

[@JoshsWorld]

Thanks, I made it on Custom Ink.

[@tam8197]

episode 20 sounds and reads better ;-)

[@JoshsWorld]

Yeah but then I'd have to go back and change the title on the other 19 videos!

[@tam8197]

@@JoshsWorld the holidays are coming up, lol.

[@foadrightnow5725]

Why sell it after having the work done? Don't sell it! If you made more videos on it, it could probably pay for itself! Do it!

[@JoshsWorld]

I need A LOT of views to cover the expenses of this car 😂

[@foadrightnow5725]

@@JoshsWorld - True. But I think you'd get the views if you created more consistent content. It would take a little time to get the momentum going. But once it does, it starts to grow exponentially! Even if it's a few hundred a month, it would at least help offset the cost of ownership. Not to mention possible tax write-offs for being a side business. I don't know of anyone else on YT with a Bentley Arnage nearly as nice as yours! Just do it, Josh! You're smart and relatable! I know you'd do well if you put out even a 10-minute video a week on a consistent basis!

[@Luxury_vagabond]

The cost is high to maintain it.

[@yungg8015]

Awesome t-shirt lol

[@Kosmoz86]

you've been robber for labour. Don't see it being worth more than 500. There is nothing more complicated than any other bigger car.

[@houstoncowdog]

My 2014 GMC 2500 weighs 6150 lbs and it has 99k on it and it doesn’t need any suspension components replaced. It’s crazy how all of these European cars are so entirely mechanically inferior. Another example is how Land Rovers eat a set of tires and brakes in less than 20k miles.

[@shanet7511]

houstoncowdog idk about that, my o4 hummer H2 has 140k miles and my 06 BMW X3 has 144k miles and the bmw has been much more reliable. The hummer is about to get sold.

[@deep8873]

I too have a Chevy 2500 and a Bentley Arnage Birkin - I love my tow truck and love my Bentley as it is a PMC

[@Άλεξ-μ6ω]

I believe you. This is why smart people buy european luxury cars NEW with LEASING. Bentley cars are in fact fancy german cars with all their common reliability problems.

[@valeryhoops3549]

I have a 1999 BA........need to sell in Illinois.........

[@curlymyhero]

$3000? Those r at most 4-5 hrs of labor. At $110 hr. that's $550 labor. Buddy u got ripped off!

[@JoshsWorld]

Let me know the Bentley specialist that charges $110/hr. and I will add it to my specialist directory. There was more work performed than just the ball joints.

[@amirkazemi2517]

mercedes S class front end goes out too.....

[@JoshsWorld]

I've heard suspension on those can be a nightmare.

[@MuzixMaker]

Seems like a job for a non-specialist

[@kennethmoxon7337]

This is total rubbish they are 48.95 pounds each they are used on several other cars

[@Άλεξ-μ6ω]

Old Bentley cars are wonderful for collections but their reliability is average at best. Great fun cars for weekends though. Definitely it's not your daily drive. Just buy a new one and after 5-6 years you buy the next model if you can afford that. Buying an old Bentley is not a wise move if you are not a mechanic or a wealthy collector. These cars can easily turn into nightmares for the average person.

[@maxoggle11]

So basically don't buy a car you can't afford to run. Have the car checked out by a mechanic before you buy it. I think I knew that.

[@Άλεξ-μ6ω]

This is a common mistake that all old bentley car buyers do. The maintenance is very costly and honestly they don't worth the pain.

[@shanet7511]

35k miles!! What a pos🤣

[@jollyboatman]

Shane T maybe listen to the commentary on the age, weight & power of the car. Thats why those few pieces of rubber & plastic don’t seem to last too many miles. As the 1 time owner of a 2005 Arnage T, I don’t think they’ve lasted too bad.

[@shanet7511]

jollyboatman IDK, I’ve had 15 year old cars that have had suspension without that many problems including my 6400 pound 2004 hummer H2, the ford truck we hauled a camper in the bed of for 5 years and only took it off on very rare occasion. Hell my 2006 bmw has 144k miles and is fine up front and my boyfriends 2009 Prius has 205k miles on its original everything suspension wise and just recently started to squeak over large bumps.

[@jollyboatman]

@@shanet7511 A Ford Truck or a Hummer are hardly good comparisons, they probably run some type of Polybush anyway bearing in mind the type of use they`re designed for. BMW`s are handling biased & a Prius is a fraction of the weight of a Bentley although I`ve yet to travel in ` that has quiet front suspension. Maybe the state of UK roads is why! The Bentley is a 2.5ton very rapid car that handles very well for it`s size & weight it is also expected to give a comfortable ride on all surfaces. The bushes from standard may not be the longest lasting but do what the car was designed for.