Rover75 2.0 V6 front drop links

[ErikM]

Hi

I got a few questions about front drop links. About a year ago I went to a mechanic, who stated that front right side drop links should be changed. Then I left my car standing for a year (due to some unseen circumstances) and today I jacked it up to check on those drop links.

I pulled on them to see if there is any play there and also used a prybar, but I did not find any play in ball joints. Only thing I found was that rubber boots of drop links have split open. Is there any other way to check the condition of those links? Or due to splitting of balljoint ruber boots my mechanic might have advised to get them replaced?
When I replace these eventually, do I have to replace them in pairs (front and right) and get wheels alligned too or it is not necessary?

Edit:
I have taken a few pictures too, but can't manage to upload these via phone. Will add later on my PC if needed

[AndrewJames]

If there's no play in them but they have split boots then he must have advised changing it due to the split boots. They'll come up on an mot if they "no longer prevent the ingress of dirt" I think.

I don't think you need to replace them in pairs but if they are as old as each other, maybe you want to kill two birds with one stone!

[bl52krz]

If you do go down the replacement route, do NOT buy Delphi drop links. They are utter rubbish. Meyle get good recommendations on here.

[Arctic]

Originally Posted by ErikM

Hi

I got a few questions about front drop links. About a year ago I went to a mechanic, who stated that front right side drop links should be changed. Then I left my car standing for a year (due to some unseen circumstances) and today I jacked it up to check on those drop links.

I pulled on them to see if there is any play there and also used a prybar, but I did not find any play in ball joints. Only thing I found was that rubber boots of drop links have split open. Is there any other way to check the condition of those links? Or due to splitting of balljoint ruber boots my mechanic might have advised to get them replaced?

Edit:
I have taken a few pictures too, but can't manage to upload these via phone. Will add later on my PC if needed

HI Erik.
yes replace them in a pair other wise you may just have to revisit the one you did not change at a later date, also what ever make you go for add a little extra grease into each boot with a syringe.

Also cut off at least 7mm of the top thread it will help getting a spanner on the nut to tighten and to remove if you have to any other time, 10mm would be better dress the end of the thread once cut off.

No you do not need to have the wheels aligned after changing out the drop links.