Synopsis: I have lost a part (x2) that appears to be a) critical and b) unavailable! Naturally I would value advice - especially suggestions of where I might score a couple of these (but also on whether they are 100% necessary). The PSA/Stellantis part number is 352503.
The full story: My 406 (it's a D9 SV, but it's the same on any 406), has failed it's registration check (MOT) due to the rear bushes of the front LCAs or wishbones (does the rear also have Lower Control Arms?) being totally stuffed.
I decided to replace front bushes and ball joints as well, and ordered TRW parts from Spareto (who will ship, at a cost, to Australia). This was much cheaper than purchasing the whole arms (and complete TRW arms were not offered). I paid a local workshop to fit the new bushes, as I lack a press.
Unfortunately, between me and the mechanic, I've lost both the "buffer joints", which form end caps on one end of the front bushes. They are part 8 in the following diagram (see top LH box for picture):
In this small sample of part numbers you will see the buffer joints have OEM part # 352503
I have not yet tried local motor factors (we just call them auto spares shops) to see if they carry anything of similar size and construction not listed for a Peugeot 406.
Interestingly, the arm (Part 2) is sold as a combination of metal arm (labelled 'B'), plus the bushes (labelled 6 & 7). Apparently the buffer joint (#8) and the centreing stud (#9), are not regarded as essential parts of the arm, and yet they both seem vital to the proper installation and operation of the LCA. In some photos of aftermarket LCAs this buffer seems to be present, but I'm not yet desperate enough to order a pair of new LCAs.
- only (presumably) with complete arms. I looked at the new TRW bushes - which seemed extra thick on the one side - and assumed there'd been a redesign and that the bit that fell off one side of the old one wasn't needed.