Droplink or something else?

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user_3150
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Droplink or something else?

Post by user_3150 »

Hi I belive it's the O/S drop link but it was only replaced last summer. Anders did say these links don't tend to come pre-greased or with minimal grease anyway there is a rattling sound coming from the front from low speed upwards constantly on smooth or rough roads. Just wanted to confirm it is the dreaded droplink or something else like the bottom ball joint (which hasn't been done yet). I replaced both droplink's and N/S bottom ball joint last summer. Cheers. Alec :roll: :?
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Post by Mandrake »

Why not check them and see, rather than guessing ?

If you grasp the droplink and give it a good solid tug in different directions you can usually feel the slack if there is any....I certainly can on the one on mine that needs replacing...

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Post by Peter.N. »

The best way is as Mandrake says. But a quick analasys can be made by listening to what causes the noise. A droplink will rattle continually over a rough surface, a suspension ball joint will only tend to knock when you momentaraly take the weight off the wheel, as with driving over a dip or an undulating surface.
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Post by dnsey »

If you grasp the droplink and give it a good solid tug in different directions you can usually feel the slack if there is any....I certainly can on the one on mine that needs replacing...
Hmmm... not always.
I've had them with only just discernable play even when removed, but still very noisy. It's difficult to believe that so little wear can make such a rattle. I suppose re-greasing would probably do (for a while at least) in such cases.
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Post by mezuk04 »

Hmmm... not always.
Agreed![/quote]
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Post by oscarloco »

Raise the front of the car and wiggle the droplinks. If they are worn you should hear them.

Now wiggle the front wheels. If the balljoint is worn, the wheel will move slightly.
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Post by user_3150 »

Cheers guys, sounds from the descriptions you've given me it IS the droplink. I did notice today that the rattle stops on corner's does that pinpoint it better.
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Post by jgra1 »

hi all, one of my Xantia's makes a lot of vibration noise, especially when engine is (slightly) labouring.

I found out in the end it was/is a loose front brake caliper, applying handbrake uncovered this.

J
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