In this quick and easy guide I will show you how to replace the stabiliser bars (Drop links),
that are part of the front suspension on XR2I, Si Rs Etc models.
These sometimes need to be replaced as the rubber perishes and/or
the joint balls pop out. Either way these can cause an MOT failure.
The job should only take around 30mins tops (if the bolts aren’t rounded off), and is a very easy to do.
Tools Needed:
Trolley Jack
Axle Stands
Wheel Chocks
Socket set or
Spanners
Rubber Hammer.
Wire Brush.
Parts Needed:
Drop links x2 – roughly £6 each – Both the same so no left or right differences.
|
Drop Links
|
New and stable
|
|
1)First of all follow normal procedure for jacking the front end of the car up and sitting i
t on two axel stands for safety and remove both road wheels – Makes things easier.
2)Now with the wheel off, you should be able to see the top and bottom nuts of the
link that will need to be undone. It will be worth spraying these two nuts with
Wd40 to loosen them as they maybe seized.
|
|
3)Now lets begin with the easy top bolt, use a 17 spanner (fork end)
and on the rear side and find the two flat parts where the spanner slides into.
At the same time use the same size socket on the front side.
While holding the spanner, undo the nut with the ratchet.
4)Repeat this process with the bottom bolt. Note that the bolt is reversed,
so use the spanner on the outside and the ratchet on the inside.
This one is trickier as the driveshaft and lower arm is in the way, so this one takes more time.
|
|
Below are the old and new
|
|
5)To put on the new link, slot both threads in place and put on both top and bottom
nuts hand tight so it sits rightly in place. Then simply tighten both nuts up and hey presto! Done!
|
|
|
6) Now because you jacked the front up on stands, the other side will be easy accessible.
So repeat process on the opposite side.
7) Now with both sides done, follow normal procedure to fit road wheels and lower back to the ground.
|
|
|
The End
I hope this guide is of some use to you all.
Steve1127
|
|
|
Guide Written and © On 22 Feb 2008 by Steve (Steve1127)
|
