Anti roll bar link knocking....ok to drive a little?

[jondude]

I'm pretty sure the anti-roll bar links on my work car (Mazda 6) need replacing. Repetitive knocking noise especially on the overrun and if turning round sharp corners.

I've ordered some new links but do really need to use the car for work the next week while they are sent to me.

Is that OK or should I take the train?

[E-bmw]

A repetitive knocking noise on turning sharp corners won't be drop links.

More likely to be a goosed CV joint.

[steveo3002]

if its the arb links then its okay to drive , they will rattle on for miles

[witko999]

Your anti roll bar drop links should have no correlation with what your engine is doing. You should hear them knocking on rough, poorly surfaced roads irrespective of engine speed.

It's fine to continue driving on them for a while. Even if one catastrophically failed I doubt there would be any consequences.

[jondude]

Thanks for above - main reason I suspect anti roll bar links is they were on advisories from the MOT.

[E-bmw]

If they were rattling it wouldn't be an advisory, the MOT would have failed on them.

[TooMany2cvs]

jondude said:

I'm pretty sure the anti-roll bar links on my work car (Mazda 6) need replacing. Repetitive knocking noise especially on the overrun and if turning round sharp corners.

Drop links will rattle on straight bumpy roads.
Knocking on full lock is classic driveshaft/CV joint. The cage holding the balls in the joint is probably breaking up.

It might be good for ages yet, it might leave you stationary tomorrow. It depends entirely on what happens internally - if it breaks up completely, and the balls fall out, then you're going nowhere.

[jondude]

Appreciate the fast replies, all. I'd best get the local garage to check the other areas you mention and see if it is cost effective to repair. Reliable car but not worth much.

[jondude]

E-bmw said:

If they were rattling it wouldn't be an advisory, the MOT would have failed on them.

Advisory was they had deteriorated but not letting in dirt yet (I think?).

I can remember hitting a pothole and the knocking started slowly but surely from then...now pretty consistent.

(Not sure if it was all down to the pothole,...but it did start the next day)

[TooMany2cvs]

jondude said:

I can remember hitting a pothole and the knocking started slowly but surely from then...now pretty consistent.

CV joint eminently possible.

[jondude]

Thanks - really do appreciate this.

[TooMany2cvs]

jondude said:

I'd best get the local garage to check the other areas you mention and see if it is cost effective to repair. Reliable car but not worth much.

Lobbing an otherwise good car for a driveshaft seems ridiculous, tbh.

Guessing at age and engine, a new shaft is not much over a ton, and a joint as little as £26. Labour's not going to be horrible.
http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/cv-joint-kit/mazda...
http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/drive-shaft/mazda-...

[jondude]

Ah good, did think it was a very costly repair. I'll take it to the local garage and get a quote because yes, has otherwise been very reliable

(2004 1.8 Mazda 6)

Edited by jondude on Tuesday 1st May 10:33