Drop links

[The Great Pretender]

The pick up for the link placed on the strut is poor engineering that adds to the boot problem. That said, the boot should still be able to cope with the articulation required. The link picking up off the bottom whishbone would (if it didn't foul any moving parts) be the best option.

[Mattsonics]

any thoughts on this type?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mazda-Bongo-front ... 20afbd29b4


they don't seem to have been mentioned in thread, unless i have misunderstood ebay references?!

replaced front roll bar bushes today, and knocking sound is even more pronounced - must be a worn drop link i think - feels a bit loose - but not too excessive?!



ta

matt

[missfixit70]

That's the ones that have been referred to throughout the seller is Jake the must, the droplinks will be the Yaco ones that will probably fail in less than 12 months, sorry

[Mattsonics]

Thanks for that Kirsty

Looks like £38 from JAS then - unless you have a better suggestion at risk of inviting a further 5 pages of this stuff!

Matt

[missfixit70]

No other suggestions yet, other than the OEM blueprint ones at twice the price, may have another suggestion later in the week if Ian's other supplier comes up trumps.
You could try your local motor factor for vectra compatible ones, have a look at the droplinks paying particular attention to the rubber boot & having plenty of rubber so it doesn't strain when the joint is under full movement & making sure the thread is 12mm.

[thepickles]

I offered the advice only because the debate was confusing the reader, not because I disagree about the possibility that inadequate boots accelerate failure. But having had Vectra ones on for over 2 years with no trouble, and having read of people buying 'Bongo' ones off ebay and having trouble, my suspicion is that traders without a strong customer feedback loop may be most likely to peddle poor quality 'pattern' goods. Certainly the ones I bought from a local trade motor factor have lasted 2+ years with no problems.

Will these Vectra ones fit , how do you know which Vectra ones to use???

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-VECTRA-B ... 3a546f3c41

Is there any compatible ones for the back?????

Cheers
Steve

[mikeonb4c]

I offered the advice only because the debate was confusing the reader, not because I disagree about the possibility that inadequate boots accelerate failure. But having had Vectra ones on for over 2 years with no trouble, and having read of people buying 'Bongo' ones off ebay and having trouble, my suspicion is that traders without a strong customer feedback loop may be most likely to peddle poor quality 'pattern' goods. Certainly the ones I bought from a local trade motor factor have lasted 2+ years with no problems.

Will these Vectra ones fit , how do you know which Vectra ones to use???

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-VECTRA-B ... 3a546f3c41

Cheers
Steve

I think they must be, though you could always ask the seller what length they are, thread size etc. No idea what quality they will be but at that price (and not being a local motor factors where local garages will beat them up if they supply dodgy goods ) I wouldn't be able to resist having a punt. Changing front drop-links is a doddle really provided nuts etc. are not seized with age and if the new ones go in 12 months that's not likely to happen and you can shrug and buy some expensive, quality ones.

[thepickles]

I have asked the seller , what the length and thread size is

I will post his reply

I know we need a 12mm thread but what is the length of the links??

cheers
Steve

[Mattsonics]

Bought this Vectra drop link for £16 today from Unipart (after offering it up) - rubber boots seem reasonable - i.e. no stretch in rubber at the extremity of its travel. It also has 12mm thread. No conical (inward facing) nuts though (Although the replacement Mazda one on the other side doesn't either??)



Fitting tomorrow - will comment on any problems before or after fitting.

Matt

[thepickles]

I have asked the seller , what the length and thread size is

I will post his reply

I know we need a 12mm thread but what is the length of the links??

cheers
Steve

Reply from seller

'hello its 245mm bolt to bolt and thread is m14.thanks'

are this OK

cheers
Steve

[mikeonb4c]

I have asked the seller , what the length and thread size is

I will post his reply

I know we need a 12mm thread but what is the length of the links??

cheers
Steve

Reply from seller

'hello its 245mm bolt to bolt and thread is m14.thanks'

are this OK

cheers
Steve

PM Matt quick for a measurement before he fits his. I suspect they should be fine because Vectra links ought to be Vectra links, if you get me. But best to be sure. You ought to just about be able to measure length of your existing ones while they are in place. I'm not clever on nuts and bolts so have no idea what M14 means but you could try googling it if Kirsty or others don't get back with the info

[Mattsonics]

They are 245mm just measured them

M14 means 14mm (M stands for Metric) - pretty sure these are M12 though?!

Will check

Matt

[mikeonb4c]

They are 245mm just measured them

M14 means 14mm (M stands for Metric) - pretty sure these are M12 though?!

Will check

Matt

Interesting - it seems unlikely (to me at least) that all links suitable for Vectras wouldn't have the same thread. I wonder if the vendor of the cheap ones has got his facts right?

PS - your droplink looks very like the ones I bought for mine. Interesting that a pair from Unipart is £32 but quality Bongo ones from the Bongo Fury shop are only £6 more

[Mattsonics]

Aren't they £38 each?

Bolt size is definitely M12 ( x1.5mm (thread spacing) )


Matt

[missfixit70]

Interesting that a pair from Unipart is £32 but quality Bongo ones from the Bongo Fury shop are only £6 more

The unipart ones are nowhere near the same in quality as the OEM/blueprint ones that Ian is now stocking (from the pics), that's why