Not so long ago I replaced both lower ball joints on my XM due to knocking noises, scrubbed tyres and vague handling. Despite the new balljoints, the car was still making a loud knocking sound over the smallest bumps. Anyway I checked bushes, rack, anti-roll bar and engine mounts. All okay. As I had changed the drop-links less than a year ago (10,000 miles motorway driving) I didn't expect to find wear in these components. I was wrong! On both sides the drop-link lower balljoints had worn causing excess movement and therefore knocking.
I would consider this premature wear. Anyone out there had a similar experience with drop-links or is normal for an XM?
Doc
1992 2.1 XM SED Hatchback
Drop links
Moderator: RichardW
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This can quite well be normal with el-cheapo pattern drop links, I've had this grieff with just such components on the xantia, I had to take one back for exchange before it had even been fitted.
Buy good quality ones from you know where but be warned that even good quality ones will die quick if they get water in, so plough some extra grease in to help keep it out, don't damage the rubber gaiter or it will be cutrains for them again pretty soon.
Dave
Buy good quality ones from you know where but be warned that even good quality ones will die quick if they get water in, so plough some extra grease in to help keep it out, don't damage the rubber gaiter or it will be cutrains for them again pretty soon.
Dave
Thanks for the response. I hate to say this but I bought the droplinks from GSF in Chelmsford, Essex. I compared the parts to the originals (Citroen) and they matched in every respect. I had the tracking checked and adjusted just after I replaced the balljoints and it was out by some margin, although it was probably way out before this. I think Anders is correct that the worn balljoints may have contributed to the premature demise plus I believe the tracking problem was causing the droplinks to load up more than their design limits due to steering geometry. I certainly have no doubts about the quality of GSF parts and WILL continue to use them. Maybe it was a duff batch that left the factory?
Doc
Doc