Rear anti roll bar drop links

[cahibbitt]

Hi, I need to replace the drop links on the rear anti roll bar, caterham have none in stock according to the website can anybody recommend an aftermarket product?

Thanks

[SM25T]

Try Redline Components. Or remove the rear ARB.

[TomB]

Just curious - why are you replacing them? My car has a real chatter going on at the rear end, and I'm wondering if the ARB drop links need replacing. Do they wear out or get loose with time? Mine must be nearly 20 years old. Do they wear and need periodic replacement?

[Jonathan Kay]

My car has a real chatter going on at the rear end, and I'm wondering if the ARB drop links need replacing.

I think most people don't use one at the rear on the road. Take it all off and see if that stops the noise?

Jonathan

[martyn]

Yes they certainly do wear and get loose with time.

They're very easy to dismantle, clean and re-grease.  While you're doing this any free play in the ball and socket will be easy to identify.

[Garry7]

for taking it off all together. I was sceptical at first but much happier with the car since removal.

[SM25T]

If you have Watts linkage rather than radius arms .... the little rod end bearings get very rattly very quickly. I used to replace mine every year or two. Now changed to radius arms.

[TomB]

So the consensus - which I've heard before - is that the ARB isn't needed for road use.   Mine have been chatting for months if not longer But it's really noticeable now even over earplugs especially on bumpy bends. I wonder if I can just remove the drop links and tie the  bar up.  Will give it a go what's the worst that can happen !? 

[SM25T]

On bumpy bends I found that one wheel hitting a bump caused the other wheel also to lift as the ARB transferred the force. Much better without.

[Jonathan Kay]

Sounds like (!) two issues: do you want one at all, and could removing it help diagnose the source of the noise? There are plenty of other causes...

But I can't remember how hard it is to remove the whole thing. The wiggling required is discussed somewhere in the archives.

Jonathan

[SM25T]

Very easy to remove mine.

[John Vine]

If you do decide to replace the links, you could just replace the ball-ends -- much cheaper.

JV

[cahibbitt]

I've only had the car since August (second hand) and started to get a knocking after my first track day last month. Had a look on Sunday and there is play in one of the down droppers got some new rod ends delivered today from Springfix Linkages part number R3610.R008 not cheap but look good quality.

[TomB]

Blast - I had the rear left wheel off last night to replace a couple of sheared plastic wing bolts after a minor knock (I reversed into the tyre mountain in the garage ) and forgot to check the drop links for play.  ISTR my over slung ARB can be wiggled out without too much difficulty. 

[Delbert]

JV

thanks for that tip 

not only saved me money but they are in stock 

[cr500dom]

Or you could get them Cheaper and in stainless steel here:

http://www.wixroyd.com/en/catalog/design-elements/universal-joints-ball-and-socket-joints/ball-socket-joint--stainless-steel/65512

[slap_ed]

Do you know the exact part number? (Cr500dom)

Is it the same fitting for all models of Caterham?

[cr500dom]

Well the ones I have ordered for my Metric Chassis are:

65512.W0108 (Currently out of stock)

Before I fitted the rear Antirollbar kit, I measured the ball joints and went looking (as I want some more balls for quick setup changes)

These were the best price I found amongst all my normal component suppliers for stainless versions.