Wrong front drop links?

[Lunarmatic]

I was having a look under my car at the weekend, checking the front suspension parts for play etc. I noticed that the front drop links seem to be attached in a rather strange manner that looks wrong:



Looking at this picture: http://opc.mr2oc.com/online_parts_catal ... ension.GIF it would appear the drop links are supposed to have the bits that attach to the strut and anti-roll bar both protruding from the same side! The ones on my car also look like they might be a bit long too! Anyone seen anything like this before?

I guess I need some proper ones. Is Mr T the best place to get some?

[b2hbm]

Yes, the OEM links should have the threaded attachments both facing the same way.

The OEM links also have an allen key socket in the threaded section to hold it steady whilst you undo the nut. Other manufacturers use a spanner flat on the threaded section and guessing from the length of bolt showing, that's what yours has.

The only problem I can see with yours is that the joint will work over a much sharper angle and possibly lock earlier, but in normal use I'd guess it's fine. I doubt Mr MoT man would notice the difference and unless they were worn I bet they'd pass every time.

Genuine Toyota links are expensive although they do last well. Fiesta links are the correct length but opposite sided like yours. Some folks buy these and then modify to the original design, either by cut/screw threading or heating & twisting. Cost about £12-15 a pair. Or you can pick up new pattern parts on Ebay which need no alteration for around £30 a pair.

[Lunarmatic]

Yes, the OEM links should have the threaded attachments both facing the same way.

The OEM links also have an allen key socket in the threaded section to hold it steady whilst you undo the nut. Other manufacturers use a spanner flat on the threaded section and guessing from the length of bolt showing, that's what yours has.

The only problem I can see with yours is that the joint will work over a much sharper angle and possibly lock earlier, but in normal use I'd guess it's fine. I doubt Mr MoT man would notice the difference and unless they were worn I bet they'd pass every time.

Yes, they passed the MOT no problem last year and I remember the garage did say that they looked a bit unusual!

I was having a look under the car to see whether any part of the front suspension had any play in it as the steering feels a bit loose and I get a slight knocking noise. Everything seemed to be solid though and the steering responds instantly and smoothly when the wheels are off the ground so the source of the knocking might just be the universal joint at the bottom of the steering column.

As I turned the wheels left and then right I could see the anti-roll bar being rotated by the drop links as the wheel turns. I assume this is correct behaviour? The only other thing that might be a problem and cause a knock might be if the drop links are so long that they effectively bottom out the suspension (i.e. ARB arm fully upright) while the spring/damper still has some travel left. I don't know whether that would be possible though.

Genuine Toyota links are expensive although they do last well. Fiesta links are the correct length but opposite sided like yours. Some folks buy these and then modify to the original design, either by cut/screw threading or heating & twisting. Cost about £12-15 a pair. Or you can pick up new pattern parts on Ebay which need no alteration for around £30 a pair.

Ok, thanks for listing the options. I generally like to buy genuine Toyota parts whenever I have to replace anything (finances permitting!). I will have a look at the alternatives and see if they look decent enough.

Cheers.

[HT]

^^^ think toyota one's are £49'ish each - had nothing but problems with the one's off ebay (the unit has actually snapped!) HTH

[b2hbm]

if the drop links are so long that they effectively bottom out the suspension (i.e. ARB arm fully upright) while the spring/damper still has some travel left. I don't know whether that would be possible though.

From memory the OEM fronts are roughly 235mm centre to centre. I measured mine when I replaced them with some fiesta ones to check they were the same size.

It's hard to tell from your original pic, but I'd check clearance between the body & link - it looks close and the angle the link joint is at is quite severe. Maybe that's causing excessive wear or knocking because the link reaches the limit of the joint travel when the suspension moves ?