Replacing ARB drop links, need advice - Saxperience

Bodeka · 12th April 2018, 11:15

Im replacing the front ARB Drop Links today on a VTR, its the first job Ill have ever attempted on a car outside of a simple oil change. The only tools I have are a jack, stands, and the 65 piece halfords socket set. I dont have a torque wrench. I have a few questions.

1) Is it an easy job? What difficulties will i encounter?
2) The ARBDL kit comes with the nuts, but when i remove the old nuts, what if theyre rusted and spin? How do i remove?
3) Should I just take it to the garage?
4) Worst case scenario?

I also dont have a haynes book so if anyone could take a picture of the pages that explain what to do as well as the axle stand points I will be really grateful. Cheers

Bedford126 · 14th April 2018, 22:14

1- it's easy
2 - use a grinder to split the nuts
3 - up to you
4- take it to the garage half done.

Bodeka · 15th April 2018, 21:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bedford126

1- it's easy
2 - use a grinder to split the nuts
3 - up to you
4- take it to the garage half done.

Yeah had a go today, grinder was a necessity. Saxo still has a knocking noise which is annoying, the hunt to find what it is continues. The links needed replacing anyway so not fussed about it.

I'm new to wrenching, what is a good way to diagnose a suspension problem?

MartinObviously · 15th April 2018, 22:19

Jack the car up and stick it on axle stands,

get a crow bar and gently lever between the bottom of the strut and the lower arm right at the ball joint. ANY lift is probably where your knocking is coming from.

If it's not that it could be the strut top. With both front wheels off the ground turn the steering wheel lock to lock. if you hear grinding then the strut top bearings need replaced.

Another source of knocking is the shock absorber nut, it's very unlikely unless it's got aftermarket shocks and the installer didn't tighten them properly.