You thought 75/ZT drop links were bad...

EastPete · 12th October 2019, 10:41

Here are two pictures of failed rear drop links from MGBs - one of them after only 9 miles driving. Some suppliers sell these for only 8 pounds each so we can't expect any sort of quality control can we ?

Perhaps it is time to give up on car restoration and buy a Honda Jazz (but that would be giving up on life completely, wouldn't' it ?).
Pete

Mike Trident · 12th October 2019, 12:17

If the price sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

SCP440 · 12th October 2019, 13:16

I have recently have done some work on a Fiesta that included drop links, the new ones lasted a few weeks until they were as bad as the ones I junked. I asked the supplier if there was a better quality item and he supplied some H/D versions. The surprise to me was they were only 0.80p more.

Well worth asking the question.

Most people ask for the cheapest, its about time we all started asking for the best or the ones with the longest warranty.

Rich in Vancouver · 12th October 2019, 15:49

It's a common problem.
There are companies that make beautifully machined versions to upgrade the MGF drop links.

EastPete · 12th October 2019, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCP440

I have recently have done some work on a Fiesta that included drop links, the new ones lasted a few weeks until they were as bad as the ones I junked. I asked the supplier if there was a better quality item and he supplied some H/D versions. The surprise to me was they were only 0.80p more.

Well worth asking the question.

Most people ask for the cheapest, its about time we all started asking for the best or the ones with the longest warranty.

The problem with MGBs is that all the parts suppliers are selling the same junk from China, just at slightly differing prices - there are no 'higher quality' items available.

Pete

Typhoon190 · 12th October 2019, 16:47

It amuses me that sellers name parts HD or heavy duty. It's not as if they come anywhere near to the standard duty ones fitted at the factory.

In my opinion, anything not lasting 12 months should be returned for a refund. This is the only way companies will stop selling landfill!

Rich in Vancouver · 12th October 2019, 17:11

It's frustrating as it's a simple part and it should be no big deal to manufacture one that lasts. A small manufacturer would be able to make a durable drop link in small quantities to at least satisfy the enthusiasts who don't mind paying more for a product that will last.
Back to the MGF/TF, you have a guy like Mike Satur who is a small, low overhead dealer who takes the initiative to design uprated parts and have them manufactured in small batches. The 75/ZT needs someone to do the same.

drewbie · 15th October 2019, 07:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastPete

Here are two pictures of failed rear drop links from MGBs - one of them after only 9 miles driving. Some suppliers sell these for only 8 pounds each so we can't expect any sort of quality control can we ?

Perhaps it is time to give up on car restoration and buy a Honda Jazz (but that would be giving up on life completely, wouldn't' it ?).
Pete

Going off-piste a bit, my 03 75 is of an age when Rover stopped fitting a rear anti-roll bar. Did they just decide it wasn't required or did they make other rear suspension mods?

EastPete · 15th October 2019, 08:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewbie

Going off-piste a bit, my 03 75 is of an age when Rover stopped fitting a rear anti-roll bar. Did they just decide it wasn't required or did they make other rear suspension mods?

I think this was part of the Project Drive cost-cutting measures - they deleted the ARB, but specified slightly stiffer rear springs to compensate.

Sonic ZS · 15th October 2019, 11:20

As much as Land Rover often seem to get criticised for poor quality lately, my old Discovery 2 was purchased with about 70,000 miles. It's spent all it's life with me towing cars, yet is still (unless replaced prior to my ownership) on all it's original road springs, dampers, drop links, even the exhaust is still the original.....and it's just clicked over 214,000 miles

It just goes to show that things can be made to last if they are designed and manufactured correctly

12th October 2019, 12:17	#2
Mike Trident Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Saloon & Citroen C1 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Oakenshaw, Near Bradford Posts: 1,622 Thanks: 385 Thanked 552 Times in 328 Posts	If the price sounds too good to be true, it usually is. __________________ Rover 75 2.0 CDTi (131Ps) Conn SE Saloon. (Manual) 160 Remap, cruise control, electric window blind, temp gauge, Real walnut / ZT interior, FBH with GSM control. BORN Tuesday, 5th October 2004 @ 12:35:52 This vehicle was the 104,679th 75 to run off the production line, out of 112,381 This vehicle was the 3,318th 75 CDT Connoisseur SE (135) to be made out of 4,744 This vehicle was the 12,440th 75 in Starlight Silver (code: MBB) to be made out of 14,280 Starlight Silver 75s

12th October 2019, 15:49	#4
Rich in Vancouver Gets stuck in MG ZT-T Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: White Rock, BC on Canada's Pacific Coast Posts: 850 Thanks: 338 Thanked 367 Times in 210 Posts	It's a common problem. There are companies that make beautifully machined versions to upgrade the MGF drop links. __________________ ZT-T190, Anthracite, LHD, Left the Line on June 24, 2002, Sold new in Switzerland, spent time in Germany, Imported to Canada in September 2021

12th October 2019, 17:11	#7
Rich in Vancouver Gets stuck in MG ZT-T Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: White Rock, BC on Canada's Pacific Coast Posts: 850 Thanks: 338 Thanked 367 Times in 210 Posts	It's frustrating as it's a simple part and it should be no big deal to manufacture one that lasts. A small manufacturer would be able to make a durable drop link in small quantities to at least satisfy the enthusiasts who don't mind paying more for a product that will last. Back to the MGF/TF, you have a guy like Mike Satur who is a small, low overhead dealer who takes the initiative to design uprated parts and have them manufactured in small batches. The 75/ZT needs someone to do the same. __________________ ZT-T190, Anthracite, LHD, Left the Line on June 24, 2002, Sold new in Switzerland, spent time in Germany, Imported to Canada in September 2021

15th October 2019, 11:20	#10
Sonic ZS Posted a thing or two 75 Conn CDT Tourer, 75 Conn SE V6, 75 Conn V6, 75 Conn CDTi Tourer, ZS 180 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Devon Posts: 1,986 Thanks: 1,287 Thanked 963 Times in 534 Posts	As much as Land Rover often seem to get criticised for poor quality lately, my old Discovery 2 was purchased with about 70,000 miles. It's spent all it's life with me towing cars, yet is still (unless replaced prior to my ownership) on all it's original road springs, dampers, drop links, even the exhaust is still the original.....and it's just clicked over 214,000 miles It just goes to show that things can be made to last if they are designed and manufactured correctly __________________

12th October 2019, 13:16	#3
SCP440 I really should get out more....... MG ZT-T 260 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Witney Posts: 2,504 Thanks: 6 Thanked 910 Times in 571 Posts	I have recently have done some work on a Fiesta that included drop links, the new ones lasted a few weeks until they were as bad as the ones I junked. I asked the supplier if there was a better quality item and he supplied some H/D versions. The surprise to me was they were only 0.80p more. Well worth asking the question. Most people ask for the cheapest, its about time we all started asking for the best or the ones with the longest warranty.

12th October 2019, 16:47	#6
Typhoon190 This is my second home MG ZT-T 190 Monogram Typhoon Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Oxfordshire Posts: 4,707 Thanks: 328 Thanked 557 Times in 443 Posts	It amuses me that sellers name parts HD or heavy duty. It's not as if they come anywhere near to the standard duty ones fitted at the factory. In my opinion, anything not lasting 12 months should be returned for a refund. This is the only way companies will stop selling landfill!