droplink replacement doesn't always go smoothly...

bretti_kivi

bretti_kivi

Member
I met up with willow77 today to replace droplinks with HD ones. No dice. First off: the hall is crappy compared the one I had access to until last month - that had a proper four-post lift, so all wheels were free. This one is a scissor and pushes at the wheels. So time to get the jacks out... it was also seriously filthy.

That's fair enough... only I then tried to undo the top bolt of the droplink, which should be possible whether it's under strain or not. And promptly broke the TX27 bit I used. You can see the torque in the bit itself.

At least he took it well and we did a guided tour of the underside of the car, which was useful. I'll also send him the details of the guys I'm recommending to do the job anyway.

Still, it took us around an hour and we took off and replaced both front wheels, checking out suspension as we go - though his undertray is strange. I'll open up another thread on that later. Need to go out while it's still light and get some work done on rewiring my DRLs.

Bret
 
bretti_kivi said:
That's fair enough... only I then tried to undo the top bolt of the droplink, which should be possible whether it's under strain or not. And promptly broke the TX27 bit I used. You can see the torque in the bit itself.
Click to expand...

Not unusual for the nuts in the drop-links to seize. I used spring compressors and a small scissor jack to assist. Still ended up cutting off one of the drop-link nuts. Spraying with Duck-oil penetrating release a few days before doing the job and wire-brushing the exposed threads may help.
 
ouch, I had the seize problem with the old style double-spanner droplink and thought the new torx version would be better!
 
humps said:
ouch, I had the seize problem with the old style double-spanner droplink and thought the new torx version would be better!
Click to expand...

Great for dry climates... waste of time for those of us that live in the northern hemisphere!

The Torx size is too small in my opinion.
 
yep, and the new ones have the same concept but with a nut that's tight from the start. I'll be buying a decent set of torx bits as a result, so it's not a complete loss ;)

Bret
 
bretti_kivi said:
yep, and the new ones have the same concept but with a nut that's tight from the start. I'll be buying a decent set of torx bits as a result, so it's not a complete loss ;)

Bret
Click to expand...

I've had Draper Torx bits break on me. I've also used Laser tools, and the quality is very good.
 
Hi all. Despite the disappointment of waiting to get the drop links fixed it could be a lot worse, at least I can drive the car until fixed.

These things happen Bret. Sorry it cost you a torx bit. However it was good to meet up and share a coffee after.

Let's stay in touch about the repair garage...I'll also be talking with a colleague about a mechanic he know who might be able to help.
 
yep, I got your message last night as I was leaving Helsinki to come home and I'd forgotten about answering. The company I use up here are called MR Auto and they're in Tiilitie in Nastola. Phone: 03 762 1876

- Bret
 
Got the work done last Friday. Nice back ally garage in downtown Helsinki, next to Kamppi. Cost was 70e, not that i know much about these things but thought it was reasonable...seeing as the hall cost was 20e last time and no fix ;)
 
Yeah, everything seems to be a lot 'tighter' (not sure if that is technically the right word, but it is a better drive). I still have some knocking so probably the bushes on ARB will be next.
 
I've just received my Myele HD drop links - will give installing these a go. I was surprised at how long they are - they're about twice the length of the ARB droplinks on my old S2 quattro!
 
Well, that went ok; got the old drop links out without too much bother and popped the Myele HD ones in.

I have to say the car just feels better with them installed. It feels more planted, steering is more positive and the front end seems less jittery. Not sure how, or why, but it definitely seems to be an improvement - worthwhile bit of tinkering I'd say.
 
Compared to the OEM ones, the bushes on each end look and feel far more substantial. Also, the old ones I took off, there was a heck of a lot of slack on the bolt bushes, whereas the Myele HD ones are really nice and solid. I didn't measure the arms, but I'd say the Myele ones look a little thicker too.

I suppose that by removing the slack in the ARB links, more of the suspension forces are moved back into the shock absorbers which can work more effectively?
 
very interesting. I'm putting the original springs back on soon and I have a pair of new OE drop links. I'll put them on at the same time and see if that makes any difference to my 11yr old original drop links.
 
Eibachs are great, but too harsh for the car's day to day town run. It is fine with 15" wheels and oversize winter rubber now, but I am over due putting the summer 16 SE with the rather hard Falken 912 rubber back on. I have to run 28psi to get any comfort in the summer setup.
 
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