Should my arb look like this?

[Innes]

I had knocking noise from the suspension a few months ago. The car was due it's service so asked the garage to change the front ARBs. The suspension went quiet for a week and then knocking started again.

My next suspect was the drop links so today I have got around to changing the drop links myself which went well so whilst I was there I inspected the front ARBs. The drivers side ARB has got a gap showing.

Is this okay?

I've driven the car about 10 miles since I fitted the drop link and so far no more noise.

[Big Sig]

They all have a gap in them normally to enable them to be slipped over the bar - rather than slide them on from the end.

[lee1828]

This is perfectly fine mate, most if not all ARB's will be the same...

[Innes]

Cool. Thanks. I was concerned as the other side didn't have a gap.

Now all I need are 2 new front tyres :-(

[macdad]

Looks like they've put the wrong size bush on,there are 2 sizes apparently,there shouldn't be a gap,but can't see it being a problem,there could be if they had used a larger size bush on a smaller roll bar.

[jimmyred]

mine were like this after i changed them, i definetely put the same size on as I took off. The old ones had no gap, the new ones did. Not sure why but i think its fine.

[m8internet]

The old ones had no gap, the new ones did. Not sure why

The original bush is a single mould, which is then fitted to the bar

When worn, you cut the original bush and remove
To refit a new one, you simply wrap it round the bar, otherwise you would also have to disconnect the drop link, hence why it has a split
As the bar moves vertically or longitudinally, the split needs to be horizontal otherwise it will wear out prematurely

[jrh1]

The front ones I was given by the dealer are in two parts. Rears are singles.

[Jezzy]

The front ones I was given by the dealer are in two parts. Rears are singles.

The front ones should be one piece for each side of the car, not two pieces (unless maybe if you have the 2.8 V6). What's the part number written on the side of them?