Drop links?

Rp61973 · 31st January 2019, 13:10

I recently replaced my front drop links after an MOT advisory (one of the dust boots had split). When driving the car, there isn't any clonking as such from the front suspension, more like an intermittent rumble, reminiscent of when a few pounds of potatoes tumble into one of those old metal weighing dishes.

I have jacked the car up and checked the fixed bolts (no play) and the ball joints don't seem to be sloppy. I might just replace these in any case as the car is beginning to sound more like a cart.

Any ideas? Not sure if this is a coincidence as there is no play on the new items.

Gigagator · 31st January 2019, 14:23

If you’re dead certain the droplinks are good, could be anti roll bar bushes maybe?

I had something similar in mine last year which soon developed into a louder knock - turned out to be ARB bushes.

Arctic · 31st January 2019, 14:26

Hi Paul.
Check the lower wishbone bushes for splits & the lower engine mount also, make sure also that the front wheel studs have not worked loose it does happen sometimes.

planenut · 31st January 2019, 15:07

Is there anything now trailing against the inside of the wheel that maybe was not loose before?

bl52krz · 31st January 2019, 16:07

You say there is no play in the new droplinks? I suggest you undo the bottom of the link and detach from the arb. You may find like I did that the top joint has play in it.

Rp61973 · 31st January 2019, 20:45

Thanks Guys.

I suspect it could be those links.

I will undo the ARB ends and wiggle the top joint.

May be best off with a replacement pair of Delphis?

hogweed · 31st January 2019, 21:29

With me it was the actual hubs - can't remember the exact terminology, but it was the holes where a major bolt went through (ball joint?) having worn oval, so the bolt could slap around... made a very similar noise to the one you're describing.

In the end, though, it seemed that every time something was replaced, a rattle started somewhere else, so I ended up with hubs, drop links, lower arms and bushes (I think that's what they were called), track rod ends, top mounts... as far as I can remember.

BUT IT'S QUIET NOW

bl52krz · 1st February 2019, 11:01

When/If you get new droplinks, Undo the rubber boot surrounding the joints, and fill them full of grease.

jonc3725 · 2nd February 2019, 08:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by bl52krz

When/If you get new droplinks, Undo the rubber boot surrounding the joints, and fill them full of grease.

Yep.

31st January 2019, 13:10	#1
Rp61973 Loves to post Rover 75 CDTI Classic Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Galleywood Posts: 374 Thanks: 80 Thanked 67 Times in 45 Posts	Drop links? I recently replaced my front drop links after an MOT advisory (one of the dust boots had split). When driving the car, there isn't any clonking as such from the front suspension, more like an intermittent rumble, reminiscent of when a few pounds of potatoes tumble into one of those old metal weighing dishes. I have jacked the car up and checked the fixed bolts (no play) and the ball joints don't seem to be sloppy. I might just replace these in any case as the car is beginning to sound more like a cart. Any ideas? Not sure if this is a coincidence as there is no play on the new items. __________________ 2006 Rover 75 CDTI in Starlight Silver 1973 Rover P6 3500 in Monza Red

31st January 2019, 14:26	#3
Arctic Give to Learn Freelander 2 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: West Midlands Posts: 18,732 Thanks: 1,155 Thanked 6,407 Times in 3,874 Posts	Hi Paul. Check the lower wishbone bushes for splits & the lower engine mount also, make sure also that the front wheel studs have not worked loose it does happen sometimes. __________________ Arctic Givology Learn to Give Everything is Achievable ad altiora tendo. Check out our Nano meet dates http://www.midlandsnanomeets.co.uk/ http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/index.php?thepage=howto " You do the work , we supply the expertise "

31st January 2019, 16:07	#5
bl52krz This is my second home Rover 75 cdt club + Rover 2.5 KV6 Conni SE Join Date: May 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 11,397 Thanks: 6,587 Thanked 2,262 Times in 1,729 Posts	You say there is no play in the new droplinks? I suggest you undo the bottom of the link and detach from the arb. You may find like I did that the top joint has play in it. __________________ Great Barr, Birmingham.

31st January 2019, 20:45	#6
Rp61973 Loves to post Rover 75 CDTI Classic Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Galleywood Posts: 374 Thanks: 80 Thanked 67 Times in 45 Posts	Thanks Guys. I suspect it could be those links. I will undo the ARB ends and wiggle the top joint. May be best off with a replacement pair of Delphis? __________________ 2006 Rover 75 CDTI in Starlight Silver 1973 Rover P6 3500 in Monza Red

31st January 2019, 21:29	#7
hogweed I really should get out more....... Vauxhall Insignia CDTi; MG TF 135 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Norn Iron Posts: 2,958 Thanks: 942 Thanked 378 Times in 297 Posts	With me it was the actual hubs - can't remember the exact terminology, but it was the holes where a major bolt went through (ball joint?) having worn oval, so the bolt could slap around... made a very similar noise to the one you're describing. In the end, though, it seemed that every time something was replaced, a rattle started somewhere else, so I ended up with hubs, drop links, lower arms and bushes (I think that's what they were called), track rod ends, top mounts... as far as I can remember. BUT IT'S QUIET NOW __________________ Past cars: MGB GT; Escort 1300 Sport; Vauxhall VX4/90; Marina Coupe TC; Celica ST (1972); Montego Turbo; Astra GTE 16V; Astra GSI 16V; Golf GTI 16V (Mk II); Sierra XR4x4 Estate; BMW 325i (E30); BMW M3 3.0; BMW M3 3.2 Evo. Left some of the more embarrassing ones out. And about 30 motorbikes.

31st January 2019, 14:23	#2
Gigagator Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon, Rover 25, Mazda 6 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Cardiff Posts: 219 Thanks: 143 Thanked 112 Times in 49 Posts	If you’re dead certain the droplinks are good, could be anti roll bar bushes maybe? I had something similar in mine last year which soon developed into a louder knock - turned out to be ARB bushes.

31st January 2019, 15:07	#4
planenut Regional Secretary Rover 1.8T Tourer Join Date: May 2007 Location: Heathrow Posts: 6,968 Thanks: 1,551 Thanked 2,036 Times in 1,264 Posts	Is there anything now trailing against the inside of the wheel that maybe was not loose before?

1st February 2019, 11:01	#8
bl52krz This is my second home Rover 75 cdt club + Rover 2.5 KV6 Conni SE Join Date: May 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 11,397 Thanks: 6,587 Thanked 2,262 Times in 1,729 Posts	When/If you get new droplinks, Undo the rubber boot surrounding the joints, and fill them full of grease. __________________ Great Barr, Birmingham.