Droplinks

Matt

Noticed today quite a loud knocking coming from the near side of the car. My initial thought was the RARB, but I've had a look and everything is still nice and tight.

Had a look at the front droplinks, and they are shot! Loads of sideways movement with no resistance what so ever. Looks like another part Vauxhall never got round to sorting out from the MK4 to the MK5. :thumbdown:

This will also explain why the steering has been feeling rather sloppy the last couple of weeks.

New set ordered off ebay for £24 delivered.

delgado900

at least it's diagnosed and parts will be with you soon to sort it matt ! 🙂

Gary14

Matt i purchased some non oe drop links last year for sri 150 Vectra, thought i got a good deal but the outer rubbers on the links were shot after a year!!! purchased same from vx £47.95 and the quality is far superior :thumbup:

Matt

The ones I've bought from eBay seem to be pretty decent quality. I never had any problems with the ones I fitted to my old MK4 Astra when I had to replace them.

Sjdickso

Least its a easy fix all though annoying, i think i have been through about 4 sets in the last few years, i think the speed bumps just destroy them.

Matt

I just hope it is the drop links. I've had another look around the rear of the car, and can't see anything loose there. They droplinks do have a load of movement in them though, and I remember the ones I replaced on my MK4 were the same.

MikeS

first job i did on my astra was a fricking os front wheel bearing and drop link

mrk3 astra was exactly the same as well - eat through front suspension gear

astra22bertoneauto

Have you ordered the metal droplinks or plastic ones Matt?

Matt

astra22bertoneauto said:
Have you ordered the metal droplinks or plastic ones Matt?

Just the normal plastic ones mate.

Sjdickso

I have got metal ones on mine now, but was talking to some one recently and they believe the plastic ones are better as the metal ones bend, although i thought a bent one would be better than a broken one as my handling was shocking when i had a snapped plastic one notsure.gif if you want a hand with them just let me know Matt.

Matt

Thanks Si, will let you know when they turn up :thumbup:

Matt

Just been out and filmed the amount of play in them

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mehVcso2XpE

MikeS

hmm surely they not suppose to do that

Matt

MikeS said:
hmm surely they not suppose to do that

No, I can't remember just how much movement there was on the ones on my MK4, but I don't remember them being that bad.

Daz

Thats normal matt, its the up and down movement when the balls are worn that will give you the knock/clunk..

Matt

Bollox! Looking more like it's something to do with the RARB then :-(

Matt

I've been and double checked all the bolts are still really tight on the RARB, and there is no sign of any movement. People have said it could be the bolts on the rear trailing arm, but I've checked those as well, and I can't get them any tighter than they already are. They were done bloody tight by the garage when it was fitted by them.

Matt

Daz

Is there any up and down play in the drop links? you need it on the floor to check with the weight of the car on the suspension( not jacked up)

Matt

Not that I can tell. I've just tried to push the ARB up while laid on my back, and it's not moving.