Drop links

[DaveB]

I've got a slight banging noise when I go over bumps. Checking the forum, it seems the suggestion is the front drop links.
I have two questions:

Is it possible to see if the links have failed ? Will there be any indication by looking at or feeling them ?
Is it an easy DIY job, or does it require special tools ?

DaveB.

[Shane]

I had the same knocking sound so I bought both sides from my local shop, a friend who is a mechanic took the Bongo away and returned it within 2 hours with the new ones fitted.

He did say that the information from here about grinding off the old nuts was spot on. He had checked them and said they needed replacing I think there was some movement in them.

Not much help but I don't think it is a major job.

[westonwarrior]

I did mine in an hour-ish no problem at all

mine came off easy though

[DaveB]

grinding off the old nuts was spot on.

Where is that info ?

I've searched the site and couldn't find any info on actually doing the job.....

[Lovejoy]

I have mine booked into my local garage to be done on Tuesday.

The parts (from a Vauxhall Vectra) cost £5.50 each (trade price via the garage), and my garage man (Peter at PS Engines, Launceston) reckons it's a half hour job, so not too much labour cost. I won't advertise his labour rates here as it's probably not appropriate.

I would do it myself, but the relatively low sum of money it's going to cost has to be worth not getting dirty, frustrated, wet, hurting my fingers by getting them jammed, not having to lay on a gravel drive for an hour.......you get the picture.

Peter also has a ramp and all the right tools (which I don't) in case there is a hiccup (such as a seized bolt), and fortunately I know him well enough that I know he wont overcharge me even if the job takes him a bit longer than expected.

A reliable, competent mechanic who you trust has to be worth their weight in gold.

[DaveB]

the information from here about grinding off the old nuts was spot on.

Is there a 'how to change drop links ' on this site ?

My concern is that they might be under pressure and need some obscure tool to put the new ones on after taking the old ones off.....or is that not the case ?

[Shane]

DaveB I cannot find the thread which mentioned having to grind them off or use some heat to assist in their removal.

Someone on the forum will have the know-how and pass it on to you.

[dp bradford]

...The parts (from a Vauxhall Vectra) cost £5.50 each...

Can anyone advise substitute part numbers - Genuine parts from well known suppliers are about £35 each. If there's a suitable substitute that people know works please share the info

[Lovejoy]

Well I learnt on here that the fronts are the same as a Vauxhall Vectra, but will confirm that after Tuesday when Peter has tried fitting them

I also read that the rears were the same as a Ford Galaxy, but need replacing in pairs as they are a mm or two shorter (or longer) than the genuine Bongo ones so if you only change one you end up with a bit of a list.

[DaveB]

Someone on the forum will have the know-how and pass it on to you.

Anyone ?

[Veg_Ian]

Front Drop Links - vauxhall vectra 1995 -01. I bought mine from here and they were identical to the ones that came off. E-bay ref 280132779964.

Rear Drop links - yes allegedly they are the same as a galaxy but I've not been able to track any down in a motor factors so bought a pair from here e-bay ref - 130132939246

I reckon both are a good deal esp. compared to the competition.