Tony Posted November 18, 2007 Report Share Posted November 18, 2007 A common complaint is a rapid "metallic" knocking sound in the straight ahead position....... Suppressed during a turn, normally on one lock only. Most times this is due to the "Drop link"..... This is the connecting rod between the anti-roll bar and the suspension leg. These knuckle joints when worn generate alarming sounds and it's easy to assume a huge repair bill..... Fear not. The Drop-links are as cheap as chips assuming the testing is correct? Testing method With the wheels on the ground attempt to move the link "up-down".... If worn you will feel the play Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted November 19, 2007 Report Share Posted November 19, 2007 When I first got my mondeo one of the drop links was so worn the rubber boot had perished and the ball joint just popped out. It was the original one as well I think. Have to agree though they knock loudly when worn, I noticed it going over speed bumps and dips in the road more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noel Posted November 19, 2007 Report Share Posted November 19, 2007 thanks for the tip, Tony what about a top 5 list of common wear items and how to check Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazza Posted November 19, 2007 Report Share Posted November 19, 2007 the zafira ones knocked like crazy when inspected they appreared fine, no movement found once they were changed all was quite however the peugeot had a broken one and yet no knocking at all, didnt notice anything was wrong either !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted November 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2007 the zafira ones knocked like crazy when inspected they appreared fine, no movement found once they were changed all was quite however the peugeot had a broken one and yet no knocking at all, didnt notice anything was wrong either !! The Peugeot was unusual since the link was completely detached "hence no knocking". I suppose the reason you never noticed any handling problems was because the car was so new to you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazza Posted November 20, 2007 Report Share Posted November 20, 2007 the zafira ones knocked like crazy when inspected they appreared fine, no movement found once they were changed all was quite however the peugeot had a broken one and yet no knocking at all, didnt notice anything was wrong either !! The Peugeot was unusual since the link was completely detached "hence no knocking". I suppose the reason you never noticed any handling problems was because the car was so new to you? good point tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil_MV6 Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 Is there any requirement to change both sides at the same time, or is it ok to do one (very noisy) side? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted January 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 Is there any requirement to change both sides at the same time, or is it ok to do one (very noisy) side? Changing one is just fine...... Save your money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigI Posted February 21, 2008 Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 Changing one is just fine...... Save your money Just an observation guys - When I change my mondy drop links I always do them in pairs - mainly because about 4 times I have compared the old and new ones side by side and found there to be a significant difference in length of them. This will of course affect handling as the ARB will be already distorting before you even hit a corner. Of course if you replace them from the same place as the previous ones were bought from you should be OK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted February 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 Changing one is just fine...... Save your money Just an observation guys - When I change my mondy drop links I always do them in pairs - mainly because about 4 times I have compared the old and new ones side by side and found there to be a significant difference in length of them. This will of course affect handling as the ARB will be already distorting before you even hit a corner. Of course if you replace them from the same place as the previous ones were bought from you should be OK Hi BigI.... I wouldn't expect any observable differences in the length unless the old one is bent. The stresses on the drop link are very small, hence the reason why the shaft is so thin, in fact that is why the knuckles on some versions are made of plastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted February 21, 2008 Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 They're so cheap I replace in pairs anyway, the pattern ones I've got at the moment have been on for over a year and no play in them at all. Only cost me about 18 quid the pair Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun@TDi Posted February 22, 2008 Report Share Posted February 22, 2008 I had this same problem with the 'Passat of Doom' last year. (you remember that Tony?!?) Both drop links were totally screwed. Replacements could not be found any where so i simply..... .... removed the front anti-roll bar! Muchos drifting Fun! Irresponsible i know, but hilarious none the less Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted February 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2008 I had this same problem with the 'Passat of Doom' last year. (you remember that Tony?!?) Both drop links were totally screwed. Replacements could not be found any where so i simply..... .... removed the front anti-roll bar! Muchos drifting Fun! Irresponsible i know, but hilarious none the less I remember it well ..... In fact i'm still having therapy because of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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