Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint/ Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint
 

Hi guys,

this morning I failed the MOT x
ROVER 75 2.5 V6 2005 for various major defects a part de exhaust already mentioned I've also :
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

What I need to buy for this? How much would cost me ?

Thanks for helping me

Matt

First two I think are drop links, the third and I would consider doing both sides is the front lower arm.
I'll add links asap to what I think is required

this is for guidance, i did not check they are for your model
https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID001541 items 1 and 9.
Perhaps check with DMGRS as for 9 they may be able to supply just disy covers, not sure about item 1 if the cover is a separate item

macafee2

You can buy new boots to fit any size of ball joint and if access is quick and easy, the joint isn't worn, a quick re-grease, new boot and you're on your way.


In most instances there will be some wear in the joint however small and for a bit of extra time and money it's best to change them, steering / suspension are one of the critical areas where safety is most important.

Hi,

Mine's just had an advisory for a perished rubber boot on the anti roll bar linkage.

Yes, it's drop links.

There's many "How to's" on here but beware that the top nut of the drop link may be stubborn to impossible to remove which, AFAIK, means taking the whole suspension leg off.

Mine is rusted solid and the free thread above the nut is so long that it's impossible to get any sort of ring spanner on. I think some have had success with crow's foot spanners. I may well simply grind the old one off and cut down the thread on the new one.

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=186447

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=260344

These folks can help with just the boots:

https://www.balljointboots.co.uk/

And a chat to the guys at DMGRS will be worthwhile. You definitely want to fit quality drop links as otherwise you'll become very skilful at changing them ;).


The suspension arm is a whole different ball game (no pun intended). They can be done DIY but have a good read up of how to and what spanners etc. are needed before tackling it. Maybe a new boot will suffice for now?

This might put you off the DIY route OR it might give the info needed to have a go :}

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=290819


Good Luck.

Hi ,

Thanks for the quick replay, I found on Ebay this two parts please check if are the right part requested:
FRONT STABILISER ANTI ROLL BAR DROP LINKS PAIR FOR ROVER 75 (RJ) MG ZT 1999-2005 (£15.99)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230929339398

Front Lower Suspension Wishbone Arms Kits Bush Pair Ball Joint Fit for Rover 75 (£98.25)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114236609252

Many Thanks

Matt

Thank you for your replay

[QUOTE=AndyN01;2903190]Hi,

Mine's just had an advisory for a perished rubber boot on the anti roll bar linkage.

Yes, it's drop links.

There's many "How to's" on here but beware that the top nut of the drop link may be stubborn to impossible to remove which, AFAIK, means taking the whole suspension leg off.

Mine is rusted solid and the free thread above the nut is so long that it's impossible to get any sort of ring spanner on. I think some have had success with crow's foot spanners. I may well simply grind the old one off and cut down the thread on the new one.


Thanks Andy,

I changed the Bush Pair when I purchased my used car and now again, I don't understand why they need to be replaced again :shrug:
I found on Ebay this two parts please check if are the right part requested:
FRONT STABILISER ANTI ROLL BAR DROP LINKS PAIR FOR ROVER 75 (RJ) MG ZT 1999-2005 (£15.99)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230929339398

Front Lower Suspension Wishbone Arms Kits Bush Pair Ball Joint Fit for Rover 75 (£98.25)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114236609252

Many Thanks
Matt

Yes, those are the drop links.

The same with a 4 year warranty are available from DMGRS but they cost a bit more.
https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/products/rov...4b5cc6d7&_ss=r

And the wishbone
https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/collections/...2500-rbj000371

Thanks ..do you think that I'll need to buy also the Front Damper / Shock Absorber Assembly?

no :)

As said the top not of the drop link can be a cow to remove.
I have fitted DMGRS drop links and have an issue with them. The "nut" that is closes to the rubber boot is quite thin. This makes getting a spanner on the nut and not damaging the boot a bit of a challenge, I have advised DMGRS of this.
I fitted 3 or 4 years ago Myle or something spelt similar, 10,000 miles later and 3 mots and no issues.

macafee2

Most of the brands are like this Ian, not just DMGRS. If you've managed to find a type with proper sized flats then please tell us all! :}

Simon

I have a selection of these in my garage to replace boots if I need to
At the moment your ball joints are not failing for wear

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=ball+jo..._ts-doa-p_1_16

I dont recall these being a problem but it was 3 or 4 years ago

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161920119047
The MOT is due in a month or two, lets see if they are still good

macafee2

Meyle HD with 4 year warranty.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161920119...yABEgKKDfD_BwE

Thanks Ian but it can be seen from the photographs that the flats are about half the depth of the nut; too shallow to take a spanner comfortably.

I considered Meyle earlier this year but they're no different from the rest, unfortunately.

Simon

It only takes a couple of minutes to remove the top nut with a grinder and cutting disc. ;) :}

Mike, how do you get to the top nut to remove it with a disc or grinder? Remove the while unit first?

macafee2

I wonder if it's worthwhile to take the whole strut off, including the hub, and then deal with drop links, pinch bolts, suspension legs etc. :shrug:

I'm thinking that this could be a preventative maintenance measure so that when, say, the drop links fails in the future, the chances of getting the thing off without a full strip down are much improved.

Not just for fun, only when something needs doing and then future proofing the whole lot. And not replacing everything, just ensuring that when the time comes it's actually relatively painless to do 'cus stuff comes undone etc.

Thoughts?

Generally all those can be done it situ and to a point is better done in situ as the strut is held firm.

Perhaps loosening them all of each year should be on the maintenance schedule for the keep.

macafee2

Hi Ian, I turned the steering hard over and did it in situ. Had a well worn down cutting disc that cut through most of the nut and then twisted what was left off.

cheers Mike.
When I changed mine a couple of weeks ago turning the steering as you say hard over did give better access but an angle grinder :eek:
My god the top nuts were hard to undo due to rust.

macafee2

It really is 20 seconds to cut the top nut off. The thing to do is to cut the drop link just BELOW the fixing bracket in line with the flats. The droplink falls away and you just pull the nut and thread out from the top ;)

Front drop links removal
 

This thread should help for those whom do not have a grinder, or do not feel safe using one to cut the link or nut off.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...d.php?t=192709


https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...4&postcount=67

oh yes of course :duh:, I was thinking it was cutting the nut above the bracket.

Thanks stocktake for putting me right

macafee2

I've got a box full of assorted dust covers from my local motor factor by Mafco - all sizes just for this very occasion. Make sure the ball joint is in fine condition, grease and fit new boot.