Suspension bushes

ncmcdonald · Post by **ncmcdonald** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:52 am

I have been having a knocking noise when going over speed bumps. Seems to be coming from the front.

I have heard about replacing the Anti Roll Bar Bushes how hard a job is this. Presumably. I have to jack up the vehicle and take off the bracket then replace the bush??

Sorry I am not very technically minded.

Thanks

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:00 am

if you can borrow some ramps or an hour(ish) on some hydraulic ramps it'd be better as you want to keep it level with normal loading conditions on the wheels. As long as the nuts come loose it's easy

soak in penetrating oil the day before.
I would replace the arb brackets too & check the droplinks at either end, just as likely to be them making the noise. check the compatible parts database at the top of the techie thread for a posible cheaper compatible alternative to the mazda droplinks. You may want to do the rears as well while you're at it

ncmcdonald · Post by **ncmcdonald** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:18 am

is there any way to tell what is causing the problem like checking the wear or is it just a matter of replacing all the parts.

Veg_Ian · Post by **Veg_Ian** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:47 am

You can usually tell the ARB bushes are worn just by looking. The hole will be well worn and/or the bush will be perished and cracked. However, invariably the problem will be the droplinks. It's difficult to test them as you need to take all the weight off the suspension then wiggle each balljoint. If loose then replace them. As suggested by Kirsty cheaper replacements can be sourced from your local Motorfactor for about 20 quid the pair. Ask for Vauxhall Vectra front links 95-01. They are identical.

ncmcdonald · Post by **ncmcdonald** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:24 pm

Can I change the ARB drop links without ramps.

I was thinking if I had the wheels on full lock it may be accessible that way but i have to make sure i'm on level ground. Is that right

Thanks

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 6:04 pm

I had the strange clonking coming from the front of mine a few years back,the anti roll bar bush was fine, but the bracket had snapped,it was virtually impossible to see the crack till the bracket had been removed,my 18 stone bulk,and a big pry bar didn't highlight that the bracket had snapped! I replaced the bush anyway of course, in fact i changed both sides as a matter of course...

I used ramps,but the specifics of carrying out the job escape me at the moment, (old failing memory)Kirsty's breakdown of the job sounded spot on...

ncmcdonald · Post by **ncmcdonald** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:44 pm

Thanks for all the advice so far.

I replicated the creaking noise on the drive t home. I put the wheels full lock and pushed the bongo side to side and the creaking occurred.

I couldn't feel the vibrations on the actual roll bar but couldn't pinpoint it anywhere else. Does this saound like the roll bar