How easy/hard is it to change drop links on MX5 NC?

[elephantstone]

I'm hearing knocking coming from the back when i go over potholes/manhole covers etc.

After some googling it seems they need replacing. I'm skint so im thinking of tackling the job myself. I've just had the Geo done, will this affect it?

[dragonheart]

Easy, jack it up and take the wheel off. The drop link has a 13mm nut on each end(could be 15mm, can't remember) with a 5mm allen key to stop the thread spinning when undoing the nut. Remove nuts, remove old link replace with new link and nuts. Tighten nuts, put the wheel back on, job done. Worst part about the job is the potentially rust seized old nuts.

[elephantstone]

dragonheart said:

Easy, jack it up and take the wheel off. The drop link has a 13mm nut on each end(could be 15mm, can't remember) with a 5mm allen key to stop the thread spinning when undoing the nut. Remove nuts, remove old link replace with new link and nuts. Tighten nuts, put the wheel back on, job done. Worst part about the job is the potentially rust seized old nuts.

Sounds easy enough. Rusty nuts shouldnt be a problem as the car is freakily clean underneath, i think the previous owners had it garaged.

[mike n helen]

If the old one is seized on just give the drop link a tap with a hammer to break off the 4 plastic clips holding the drop link cup to where the ball joint sits in. Once the this is removed you can put a set of mole grips on the ball joint and a spanner on the nut, unless it's a newish car the chances are the hex head will be rusted and get rounded off.

Mike

[shogun001]

Jack the entire rear end off the floor. Otherwise the bar and drop links will be in tension (doing what they're designed to do) and will make your job difficult once you get the nuts off. If I was closer I'd offer to do it for you.

[elephantstone]

shogun001 said:

Jack the entire rear end off the floor. Otherwise the bar and drop links will be in tension (doing what they're designed to do) and will make your job difficult once you get the nuts off. If I was closer I'd offer to do it for you.

To be honest unless i can borrow some tools off someone i will probably drop it at my friendly mechanic, cant imagine he will charge alot to fit them if i buy the parts beforehand.

[elephantstone]

Knockings still there. I am not mechanically minded so am i putting myself in any danger by driving until the new year?

[g40steve]

I have broken several drop links, they don't actually snap the plastic comes out of the metal housing.

Hence your knocking sound as they become loose.

Would not stop me driving my car but would not be trying to break any B road records either.

[dragonheart]

elephantstone said:

Knockings still there. I am not mechanically minded so am i putting myself in any danger by driving until the new year?

Do you mean the knocking is still there after you have replaced the drop links?

[elephantstone]

dragonheart said:

elephantstone said:

Knockings still there. I am not mechanically minded so am i putting myself in any danger by driving until the new year?

Do you mean the knocking is still there after you have replaced the drop links?

No no, the knocking is still there because i haven't done anything about it and hoped it would go away. Going to get it sorted after the christmas period.