Front roll bar drop link popped off,replace one or pair?

[gazzarose]

Just jumped in the Mrs Mk3 to go up the inlaws and it was making a tapping noise on full left lock. Looked underneath and the left front drop link had come off the wishbone. I know with dampers and spring by they say to replace in pairs, is it the same with drop links? It's only done 50k but is nearly 10 years old so I guess things are getting old rather than worn out. Any recommendations on which ones to get? Mx5parts have got genuine ones for 27 quid and a few different aftermarket ones for less.

Cheers

Edited by gazzarose on Sunday 5th June 20:31

[Ninja59]

Common failure point on the NC sadly. The design of the OEM Mazda one is pretty poor, the joint eventually just breaks down in many cases.

If it were me based on the age then replace both, they can be a pain to replace though as sometimes the bolts are well and truly seized in place on the ARB. I would consider doing both sides and choosing the non adjustable ILM ones (I run these on mine after running 1 front set (original) and two rear sets (OEM Mazda ones). Not to say the second set were bad, but they break up easily (at the time my ARB's were being changed as well silly not to do it).

The adjustable ones really do not give any benefit.

[gazzarose]

Thanks for the reply. I had a look at the rest of the drop links and the front drivers side was an aftermarket one that had movement in it and so did the rear passenger one so I've ordered a full set of ILM ones from Mx5parts so should be here tomorrow, probably get it sorted over the weekend.

[Perseverant]

Replace the pair. Also don't bother trying to undo them - I use the trusty angle grinder to cut the nuts then a cold chisel to split them. A good dollop of grease gives you a fighting chance if you replace them or have to remove them, for example to replace bushes on the ARB.