Rose jointed front droplinks

[zed4]

Good morning all,

I was stripping down my suspension last night and I noticed that my front droplinks were rose jointed. I assumed they were standard, until I had a browse through the TVR Parts website this morning and noticed that the standard ones were ball joints.

They seem to be fine, no play in them, so I don't plan to change them, but I am interested to know what they are. Anyone know what they might be?

There's probably a receipt in the service history somewhere, but I've not had a chance to look through the hundreds of invoices!!

Cheers,

Dan

[domV8]

Usual suspects are Steve Heath (discontinued) or Leven...

Just a word of warning Dan - I have snapped about 4 different SH rose-jointed droplinks because the roads are so bad around here (New Forest/Bournemouth), so just keep an eye on them.

I have now gone back to OE, because I couldn't be bothered with the frequency of replacement...

Dom

[domV8]

Found half of them to squeak annoyingly too...

[zed4]

domV8 said:

Usual suspects are Steve Heath (discontinued) or Leven...

Just a word of warning Dan - I have snapped about 4 different SH rose-jointed droplinks because the roads are so bad around here (New Forest/Bournemouth), so just keep an eye on them.

I have now gone back to OE, because I couldn't be bothered with the frequency of replacement...

Dom

Thanks. I had a look at the Leven website and they didn't list any rose jointed ones. Maybe they're an old model, or Steve Heath. I do seem to remember something about Leven in the service history. I'll have a look through when I get time.

I'm actually quite impressed with the condition of everything in the front suspension. Probably a waste of time pulling it all apart. Everything still seems pretty good. Nothing loose or knocking, but at least I know everything will be new or painted which I put it all back together.

[zed4]

My rear has a knocking over rough ground (when pulling up to my drive over a low kerb for example) so presumably they're shot on the back. The next job is to pull all the rear suspension apart.

What's slightly annoying is that I haven't found anything knackered at the front end. I had a knock at full lock and assumed a ball joint or something was worn, but I can't find anything wrong! Hopefully putting it all back together with new bushes and joints it will have fixed it, whatever it was!

[ChimpOnGas]

domV8 said:

Usual suspects are Steve Heath (discontinued) or Leven...

Just a word of warning Dan - I have snapped about 4 different SH rose-jointed droplinks because the roads are so bad around here (New Forest/Bournemouth), so just keep an eye on them.

I have now gone back to OE, because I couldn't be bothered with the frequency of replacement...

Dom

You snapped so many Steve Heath drop links because they were pure toy shop quality.

Fit the Leven ones or make your own from high quality rose joints and they should last for years.

[Chuffmeister]

There are cheaper alternatives, but it all depends on the width of your front ARB. IIRC the Honda Civic ones will work if your ARB bolt holes rest above the lower wishbone ARB bolt holes. If your ARB is wider, then the Civic ones won't articulate properly (this includes the Racing Green ones). The Accord ones should work if you have a wider ARB.

Edited by Chuffmeister on Thursday 18th December 14:49

[zed4]

Crikey, I've no idea! As I said, they're working fine, I'm just interested to know what options there were really! I'll take some photos when I'm next at the garage.

If it helps, they're two rose joints, joint by a blue anodised tube. Look good quality.

[domV8]

Sounds like SH to me...?

Were available in Blue or red anodised connectors...

[zed4]

domV8 said:

Sounds like SH to me...?

Were available in Blue or red anodised connectors...

Yep, just seen them on Google. Well mine seem ok!

[griffdude]

As above, I've also worn out the SH ones as they're open to the elements.

The Leven ones come fitted with rubber boots.

http://www.leventechnology.co.uk/products/front-dr...

[zed4]

griffdude said:

As above, I've also worn out the SH ones as they're open to the elements.

The Leven ones come fitted with rubber boots.

http://www.leventechnology.co.uk/products/front-dr...

Ah ok, that makes sense. At first glance I thought they were ball joints, not rubber boots! I'll remove mine and clean them up and give them a good oil. They don't look very old, so no point in replacing them yet.

[phazed]

Steve Heath drop link on a broken wishbone mount.

[Chuffmeister]

zed4 said:

My rear has a knocking over rough ground (when pulling up to my drive over a low kerb for example) so presumably they're shot on the back. The next job is to pull all the rear suspension apart.

What's slightly annoying is that I haven't found anything knackered at the front end. I had a knock at full lock and assumed a ball joint or something was worn, but I can't find anything wrong! Hopefully putting it all back together with new bushes and joints it will have fixed it, whatever it was!

You can get the Mondeo droplinks for the rear. I have them fitted and so does Phazed. You'll need to get your rear ARB bent in by 30mm on each side. A local fabricator should do this for about £25. It still works out a lot cheaper than the Leven or SH drop links, plus replacements are cheap for the future.

[Sardonicus]

Rose joints for the road are a waste of money IMO hardly surprising no major manufacturer fits them and don't mention cost when you have the like's of Merc VAG and BMW producing suspension arms in aluminium please

[QBee]

I have the Leven ones. No issues and the car handles well. Not cheap however

http://www.leventechnology.co.uk/products/front-dr...