Xantia drop links - how to check 'em

wotsupnow · Post by **wotsupnow** » 05 Feb 2004, 22:20

1998 1.9TDLX 5 door, knocking front and rigid suspension. Replaced drop links which cured knocking, coupla weeks later replaced front spheres and got suspension. Shortly afterwards the knocking came back, put car at full height and you can easily rotate the links but can't feel any movement up/down in/out, do I need to lever the antiroll bar to feel for movement ? what else can have gone, antiroll bar bushes look ok in that they have rubber all round, can't feel any play in wheels, sounds exactly like it did before I changed them, they where the cheaper set that A/S had at the time, perhaps they're not as good as origs.
Pete

David Goddard · Post by **David Goddard** » 06 Feb 2004, 02:15

I also have a front suspension knock which isn't related to the drop links. Having checked everything, I have decided it comes from the front height control valve linkage. I reduced the knock by tightening it's mounting bolts, but it's still there to an extent. When the weather is better, I will remove the unit and check for play.

NiSk · Post by **NiSk** » 06 Feb 2004, 17:52

Suggestions:
- inboard front suspension arm bushes
- bottom ball joint
- anti roll bar bushes (although they aren't nearly as noisy as the drop links)
To check the condition of the drop links, raise the front wheels off the ground (preferably on a lift or over a pit) and smack the underside of the lower end of the link with the heal of your hand. If you hear a knock, they've got to come off!

wotsupnow · Post by **wotsupnow** » 08 Feb 2004, 23:05

Turned out it was the new drop links.
Raised suspension, turned steering to left, went to o/s wing, put bar between wishbone and antiroll bar and pressed down, bottom ball joint of drop link nearly came out !. Fitted new pair and now it's nice and smooth.
I assume thay are meant to last more than 3-4 months ........
Pete

NiSk · Post by **NiSk** » 08 Feb 2004, 23:36

Depends on who you buy them from . . . .
//NiSk

Dave Burns · Post by **Dave Burns** » 09 Feb 2004, 04:31

I had a speight of these crap drop links a while back, one bastard even had play in it while it was still sealed in the plastic bag, but what really p!sses me off is your local sh!te motor factor doesn't offer you a bean for your trouble when you have to return this type of crap, try taking something back that is just unwanted and they shove a handling and restocking charge up you, shysters.
Anyway the links to get are Moog's by Federal Mogul from GSF.
Dave

rory_perrett · Post by **rory_perrett** » 09 Feb 2004, 14:18

Had one last less than 6000 miles. It was done by the garage as part of the MOT so not sure of the source of the part but given the total cost of the parts on the bill and everything else that was done it must have been next to nothing.
Rory

paranoid · Post by **paranoid** » 09 Feb 2004, 18:58

Is it true that there is 2 types for a xantia, I read somewhere that there is a 10mm and a 12mm one if so will the bigger ones fit my 96-97 1.9 td xant[:D]

Dave Burns · Post by **Dave Burns** » 10 Feb 2004, 00:17

Yes there are two sizes, it only refers to the size of the screw threads on the the actual ball joints, the rod diameter of the link is the same.
10mm up to 12/94, 12mm from 1/95 onward.
Dave