drop link

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benben10
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drop link

Post by benben10 »

hi, ive looked at many threads but cant find what im looking for so hoping someone can help me out!
im getting a lot of knocking over small bumps/cats eyes and looking at other peoples posts it looks as though i need
new drop links. Question is do i need to de-pressureise the system? Any warnings before i start?
Thanks!
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mat_fenwick
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Re: drop link

Post by mat_fenwick »

No need to de-pressurise. The job is easier with either both front wheels off the ground or both on ramps.

I'd avoid choosing the replacements purely on price...

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...I don't normally but I figured they are easy to change so a shorter lifespan didn't really matter. Plus my usual supplier sold me two of differing lengths! The one above failed after a month, to the day.
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Re: drop link

Post by benben10 »

Hi Mat, i found your previous photo of the new drop links on a previous thread, this photo is what im after! doesnt look too difficult, will give it a go at the weekend.
Thanks
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Re: drop link

Post by benben10 »

GSF at £20 each too cheap?
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mat_fenwick
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Re: drop link

Post by mat_fenwick »

Sounds reasonable. I got 50k miles and 3 years out of the last set I bought from them, but replacement was due to slight wear and not catastrophic failure! GSF may not always use the same supplier though, and you never know whether the more expensive ones are the same quality which someone is making more money on...

Mine has OE ones on now, which lasted 160k miles from new so should be OK for a few more years. £90 each although I got them for half that as they were old dealer stock.
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Re: drop link

Post by BX Bandit »

I also think OE ones have more travel in the lower ball joint of the drop links but that could be my warped mind!
I find it easier to have both front wheels of the ground in normal height mode. That way, you can lift the strut up or down to ease with removing of the drop link, having the opposite wheel floating (as opposed to on a ramp or on the ground) means it will move accordingly when you raise or lower the side you are working on
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Re: drop link

Post by citronut »

GSF links should be ok

here is OE price and part No. although they are NFP now

Part Number Description Quantity Price excl. VAT Price incl. VAT Total incl. VAT Selection
95597955 BIELLETTE BARRE ANTI-DEVERS 68.02 GBP 81.62 GBP 81.62 GBP

you could always do a gooooogly search with that No.


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Re: drop link

Post by benben10 »

thanks for the advice Mat, bx bandit and Malcolm. I will do a googly search on that number and see what I can find otherwise its the GSF.
fingers crossed for dry weather at the weekend :)
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Re: drop link

Post by citronut »

it is also best/easiest to replace drop links with both wheels off the ground and the system depressurised


regards malcolm
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Re: drop link

Post by BX Bandit »

Try AEP
They used to be all OE buyt under their description of the drop link they describe a Brand New AEPDirect Original replacement i.e. not OE. At least that's what I guess.
I've been overwhelmingly under impressed with the quality of GSF stuff over the years.
Try Eurocarparts, they at least list the manufacturer.
AEP are pretty helpful, so may be worth a ring, but watch the postage though £8 for orders less than £50, free above £50
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Re: drop link

Post by BX Bandit »

Quinton Hazell one on ebay
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Re: drop link

Post by Dollywobbler »

The drop links tend to develop a rattly sort of a knock. Worn arm bushes are another culprit, resulting in a deeper sort of a knock. Worth inspecting those as well.
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Re: drop link

Post by benben10 »

thanks for the link BX have just bought the Ebay one :) will now get one from AEP then see which one lasts the longest.
that's right Dollywobbler its a knock /rattle sounds as though something is loose going over bumps.
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Re: drop link

Post by MULLEY »

If its a rattle its more than likely the drop links, you'll soon know when you change them as the noise will have dissapeared, if the noise is still there then it must be something else.
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Re: drop link

Post by KevR »

BX Bandit wrote:I also think OE ones have more travel in the lower ball joint of the drop links but that could be my warped mind!
No, I think you're right (although that doesn't mean your mind's not warped....).
I noticed the same last time I changed one.

Be very careful if you're only changing one - like Mat I've come across ones that are shorter than standard. Took me ages to work out why the car was constantly steering to the right and wearing tyres even though the tracking was right....

I've never de-pressurized the system to fit them. Might be easier with it that way, but it's easy enough anyway!
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