Drop links, what to check for?

[Croxley]

Can someone tell me the best way to check if my drop links need replacing. I'm getting a rattle when I go over a bump, sounds like something is loose but it's been this way for several months. Ta.

Phil

[rushy]

Just grab hold of them and try and move them. If they move easily then there goosed. At £10 each you might as well change them if there more than 3 years old.

[Al 22 dti]

Just grab hold of them and try and move them. If they move easily then there goosed. At £10 each you might as well change them if there more than 3 years old.

is that with the whee off the floor jacked up or not?

al.

[neill]

i check them when jacked up m8

[Al 22 dti]

cheers neill

[alcutler]

is that with the whee off the floor jacked up or not?

al.

To check them properly its best to disconnect one end and try for any movement - I found if they were subject to compression or tension as a result of the suspension being jacked up or standing on its wheels it would give the impression there was little or no play in the two joints, when in fact they were shot. As already said on the Vectra they only seem to last 2 - 3 years tops and for what they cost best to replace them

[rushy]

To check them properly its best to disconnect one end and try for any movement - I found if they were subject to compression or tension as a result of the suspension being jacked up or standing on its wheels it would give the impression there was little or no play in the two joints, when in fact they were shot. As already said on the Vectra they only seem to last 2 - 3 years tops and for what they cost best to replace them

Fair point

[Croxley]

To check them properly its best to disconnect one end and try for any movement - I found if they were subject to compression or tension as a result of the suspension being jacked up or standing on its wheels it would give the impression there was little or no play in the two joints, when in fact they were shot. As already said on the Vectra they only seem to last 2 - 3 years tops and for what they cost best to replace them

Thanks all for the advice, they are nearly 7 years old so I'll replace them anyway. BTW, are they part of the MOT check?

[gsxrster]

yes they will fail an MOT if they are shot .
easy to replace and cheap enough for DIY !

[rushy]

Great How 2 HERE mate.