Drop Links - How to replace?

[boolay]

In an atempt to cure my groaning and knocking front end, I'm wanting to replace my front Drop Links/Stabilser Bars. I had the ARB Bushes replaced last week which didn't solve the problem, and as the Drop links a relatively cheap, I'm hoping I can replace them myself to save some cost.

Does anyone have/know of a guide to changing these?

Many thanks

[helmetvonthrob]

Easy, parts are available from GSF @ about a tenner each.

Jack up, wheel off, 18 or 19mm spanners undo both ends, ping them off, put the new ones on and lever the ARB with a jack handle to get the top of the drop links into the ARB holes.

[boolay]

Ah, that does sound easy. Thanks very much for your help

[hiros]

Easier to get it done with the front end up on jack stand and both wheels of the ground.

This will relieve the pressure on the ARB making it much easier to replace the drop links.

[MacNoob]

Yes, either both wheels ON the ground or both wheels off - as long as they are even there will be no pressure on the end links.

[MI-Roger]

IIRC the factory drop links require a 15mm and a 17mm open end wrench to hold the bolt flats and loosen the nuts. The replacement bars may use different sizes.

The long profile wrenches give you extra oomph to break the nuts loose.

[helmetvonthrob]

Originally Posted by MI-Roger

IIRC the factory drop links require a 15mm and a 17mm open end wrench to hold the bolt flats and loosen the nuts. The replacement bars may use different sizes.

The long profile wrenches give you extra oomph to break the nuts loose.

I thought they were bigger than that, 17/18?? - i do recall that my nuts were bigger going on than coming off??

[hiros]

I believe different aftermarket supplier may provide different size of fasteners. Anyway have a full set of open wrench.

I bought an aftermarket tie rod end from US and the bolt size is 3/4" while the existing one is metric.

That said, fitment and functional wise there are no issues.

[helmetvonthrob]

Originally Posted by hiros

I believe different aftermarket supplier may provide different size of fasteners. Anyway have a full set of open wrench.

I bought an aftermarket tie rod end from US and the bolt size is 3/4" while the existing one is metric.

That said, fitment and functional wise there are no issues.

3/4" and 19mm are to all intents the same as are 1/2" and 13mm.

I do remember the Nylocs being one size taking off and another going on; 19 vs 18 from memory.

[rcase13]

When I go over speed bumps (not fast) I get some noise from the front end. What other than these can cause suspension noise? These are simple so I will start with these.

[helmetvonthrob]

Originally Posted by rcase13

When I go over speed bumps (not fast) I get some noise from the front end. What other than these can cause suspension noise? These are simple so I will start with these.

Apparently the subframe bushes can also cause creaking and groaning. That is going to be the next big hit for me if I can get part no.s etc.