Question regarding drop links

[vladcjelli]

Been getting a klonk in our Zafira going over some speed bumps/compressions in the road. Instant internet expert suggests that it could be anti roll bar drop links. At least, they are cheap enough to do, and eliminate one possible problem.

So bought a pair today from local motor factors, intending to change them this afternoon/evening.

Started jacking the front end up, ready for taking the wheel off, when my trolley jack fails. Starts leaking hydraulic fluid out the top of the piston at the end of the lever.

Being an '08 model Zafira, it has no spare wheel, only a can of gunk and a compressor. Of course this means, you guessed it, no jack.

The question then: Can I change the drop links while the wheels are still on? I reckon I might be able to get in behind the wheels to get spanner & socket in, but are they under any particular stress or strain that means I am unlikely to be able to fit the new ones?

If I have to be patient (buy a new jack tomorrow) so be it, but hate having the parts sitting there laughing at me, especially while I have a spare day.

[maniac0796]

Yes, if it was on a ramp. On the floor, it'll be fking awkward. Wait till you get a jack. People do enough damage working on the floor, let alone in funny positions and with the wheel on.

[vladcjelli]

maniac0796 said:

Yes, if it was on a ramp. On the floor, it'll be fking awkward. Wait till you get a jack. People do enough damage working on the floor, let alone in funny positions and with the wheel on.

Fair enough, any recommendations for a jack from either halfords or machine mart at cheap-reasonable money?

[maniac0796]

I have a halfords one that seems to do the job. Depends what you can get access to or afford.

[vladcjelli]

maniac0796 said:

I have a halfords one that seems to do the job. Depends what you can get access to or afford.

Well, just about to unbox my purchase. Bit of a rush job, as we were running late meeting some friends for a pub lunch.

Anyway, popped into Halfords with the intention of getting their own brand jack (£32.99), which had received favourable mentions on the interweb. Also considering other items, which I will expand on below.

Unfortunately, my wife, who appears to have never heard the phrase, buy cheap, buy twice, talked me into buying the Torin Red Jack set for £39.99. This comes with a wheel brace (handy, as I don't currently have one, see above) and a pair of axle stands (also handy, as the ones I had previously were fold up/collapsible ones out of an RAC jack set. I never quite trusted them, seeing as they were "collapsible").

So grabbed it, and going to have a fiddle in a minute. Not going to attempt any heavy work tonight, due to the pub lunch.

[gsd2000]

ive got a couple of the costco 3 tonne heavy duty trolley jacks and they are great.

The cheap ones just dont look stable to me

[vladcjelli]

Update as we go, wandering past the motor factor this afternoon, pondering the work to be done, realised it might be a good time, while on axle stands, to replace the brake pads at the front, subject of a minor MOT advisory a month or two ago.

Relieved of £21, am now going to attempt the front pads at the same time.

All new to me, wish me well.

[vladcjelli]

So, day off today, decide to tackle the drop links.

Started out at about 9am, jacked up on stands in the pouring rain. Soaked within minutes.

Go for the near side first, everything going okay, bit confused why the nut is just spinning round and round not becoming undone. Start to panic that nut splitting is going to be necessary. Quick bit of remedial googling suggests that there is a thin nut behind the joint which needs to be held with a flat spanner. Here we go then, comes off with no problem.

Offer up the new link. It does look quite different, but assume it's just a redesigned part.

Nope, it's about an inch and a half too short.

On the phone to the motor factor, he says he can get a new part in a couple of hours. I casually mention that as my motor is up on stands, would he be able to bring them up for me? Agrees, and I carry on removing the drivers side one while I wait.

Top nut off easily. Bottom one appears to have been welded on with corrosion. It will not budge.

After fruitless heaving and yanking, admit defeat and hunt for the hacksaw. An hour and a half of sawing, and finally it's free!

Fitted the new parts in about five minutes. Thoroughly soaked, frozen and got sore fingers, but job done.

Mrs Cjelli just dropped her nephew off at the bus station, and reports a knock on the way back.

Bugger.

[ian_uk1975]

Bugger indeed! Not familiar with the Zafira specifically, but that kind of knocking can also come from suspension strut top mounts. It can also come from a loose exhaust, so that's also worth checking.

[vladcjelli]

ian_uk1975 said:

Bugger indeed! Not familiar with the Zafira specifically, but that kind of knocking can also come from suspension strut top mounts. It can also come from a loose exhaust, so that's also worth checking.

Going to make sure it's tightened up properly first. May have been rushing a bit at the end to go get dry and warm.

But strut tops are on my radar. Only thing against it, is that prior to diy, noise was coming from drivers side, now different tone of noise is coming from passenger side.

Reckon an extra quarter turn should do it.