How to fit front drop links (with pics)

[MissMoppet]

Yes I know Arctic covered this with his usual exemplary detail here but the pics have been swallowed up by the great Photobucket or Tinypic in the sky, so as I was changing mine yesterday I thought I'd add some photos. Hope it helps. Pic below is new links from DMGRS.



First jack up the car and remove one road wheel, turning it towards you to provide better access.




Pic 3 Undo the bottom nut with 17mm ratchet.



Because of the strong upward pressure of the anti roll bar to release the bottom bolt lever the ARB down. (You will of course have to do the same to get it back when replacing).



Pic 5 Top nut. You can just fit a 17mm ring spanner on the top nut, then pull down the rubber boot to expose the flats of the 15mm nut. Takes time but work the nut off when you can slip the whole drop link out.



I could only get my 17mm ring spanner onto the top nut because this drop link I had replaced some years ago AND I had cut 7mm off the thread before fixing. Do the same here before fitting your new drop link. Screw the nut on 8mm then cut or grind off: unscrewing the nut will remove any burr.



To replace do the top nut first making sure you put the drop link behind the hub carrier before tightening as it will be easier to slot in the bottom nut. Use a steel lever to get the ARB in place.

Dave

[clf]

Jack up the suspension arm when loosening/undoing then lower nut from the arb until the nut and threaded bar level out. This takes out the strain and twisting of the bottom nut.

Same for refitting

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[Arctic]

Hi Dave.
Nice to see another member posting up photo's of there jobs under taken yes nearly all my thread photo's have been sucked up by PB what hosting site are you using for your photo's.

Also if you keep the wheel straight to remove the bottom drop link nut there is no need to use a bar on the anti roll bar, you can then turn the wheel to aid removing the top nut.

As you point out a 17mm ring spanner will only fit over the thread if its been cut down, if not then you need to use a 17 ring spanner that as been grinded thinner.

[MissMoppet]

Originally Posted by Arctic

Hi Dave.
what hosting site are you using for your photo's.

I just upload to this Forum as and when.

[macafee2]

I would offer that when fitting the new drop links, when tightening the nuts you need to put a spanner on the flats to stop them turning.

Re description for pic 5/6 the reason for cutting part of the bolt of it is length. It is so long you cannot get a ring spanner over the top as there is insufficient gap between bolt and the plate above

macafee2

[RogerHeinz57]

The use of a flair nut spanner will help with the obstruction on the top nut.

Alternatively, the cordless grinder will take the top joint clean off and a gentle tap will release the stub remaining in the leg.

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