Rear ARB and MoT
Discussion
After much delving into the many threads on the rear droplinks, ARB and whether it does much, I removed mine. Have to say, there was barely any difference that I could detect, albeit I haven't taken it on a track. So I left it off. However, I've been told it will fail the MoT if it is not fitted.
Now, I realise this seems only correct, a car having suspension parts missing and all, but I wonder if you removed the bush securing plates such that there was nowhere to put one it may get past an inattentive tester?
I've actually refitted mine today for the test next week so I'm just floating an idea really. After all, early Griffs had no rear ARB at all.
Now, I realise this seems only correct, a car having suspension parts missing and all, but I wonder if you removed the bush securing plates such that there was nowhere to put one it may get past an inattentive tester?
I've actually refitted mine today for the test next week so I'm just floating an idea really. After all, early Griffs had no rear ARB at all.
My original ones were shot when I did a refurb last year, and they're poor anyway. There are some improved ones available now.
The benefit is really the saving of the damage to your lower wishbones. I tried some aftermarket Mondeo estate ones (balljoint both ends) but then the bracket on the n/s lower wishbone started to bend slightly. Later cars are reinforced in this area but I just took the whole lot off.
It's only a 60 min job to reinstate it, and that included getting the jack and stands out of the shed. As long as the threads on the bush mounting plates are OK that is!
The benefit is really the saving of the damage to your lower wishbones. I tried some aftermarket Mondeo estate ones (balljoint both ends) but then the bracket on the n/s lower wishbone started to bend slightly. Later cars are reinforced in this area but I just took the whole lot off.
It's only a 60 min job to reinstate it, and that included getting the jack and stands out of the shed. As long as the threads on the bush mounting plates are OK that is!
I would expect a legitimate MoT pass with the rear ARB removed, and the same if I chose to fit a stiffer front ARB or change the spring rates. All subject to the work being carried out competently of course.
The rear ARB link on my '96 Chimaera broke away from the wishbone on track once. It happened under high load at the hairpin at the end of Marham runway. My temporary fix (bodge?) was to disconnect the other rear ARM link and stiffen up the shocks a couple of turns. Can't say I noticed any adverse handling effect; but the hot tyres were probably masking some of the Chimaera's handling 'characteristics'.
The rear ARB link on my '96 Chimaera broke away from the wishbone on track once. It happened under high load at the hairpin at the end of Marham runway. My temporary fix (bodge?) was to disconnect the other rear ARM link and stiffen up the shocks a couple of turns. Can't say I noticed any adverse handling effect; but the hot tyres were probably masking some of the Chimaera's handling 'characteristics'.
ianwayne said:
My original ones were shot when I did a refurb last year, and they're poor anyway. There are some improved ones available now.
The benefit is really the saving of the damage to your lower wishbones. I tried some aftermarket Mondeo estate ones (balljoint both ends) but then the bracket on the n/s lower wishbone started to bend slightly. Later cars are reinforced in this area but I just took the whole lot off.
It's only a 60 min job to reinstate it, and that included getting the jack and stands out of the shed. As long as the threads on the bush mounting plates are OK that is!
I run the Mondeo links with no issues at all, I've been super happy with them in fact, way quieter than my Leven rose jointed links and much much longer lasting than the dreadful Triumph TR6 type originals which in my experience are usually only good for a few thousand miles before they start to fail, the Mondeo links are also cheap and readily available so can be replaced easily without damaging my wallet.The benefit is really the saving of the damage to your lower wishbones. I tried some aftermarket Mondeo estate ones (balljoint both ends) but then the bracket on the n/s lower wishbone started to bend slightly. Later cars are reinforced in this area but I just took the whole lot off.
It's only a 60 min job to reinstate it, and that included getting the jack and stands out of the shed. As long as the threads on the bush mounting plates are OK that is!
However, I do have the reinforced brackets on my wishbones, but only because the original TVR drop links broke my equally original standard brackets. The bending and fracturing of the wishbone drop link brackets is a function of them not being strong enough, the originals are just not man enough.
The type of drop link used is clearly irrelevant and upgrading to the stronger brackets is highly advisable whatever links are being used. Regarding the ARB or no ARB debate I've run all permutations my Chimaera and settled on keeping both bars using Honda links on the front and Mondeo links on the rear including those all important and the far stronger brackets securely welded to my wishbones...
This set up combined with Ben Lang's Mk4 Bilsteins this has given the car exceptional handling with a nice compliant and refined ride quality (for a TVR). It's a combination I'm super happy with and one that will stay
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