W210 ARB links

[Parrot of Doom]

Had the car nose up today to investigate some slight knocking over bumps, and it turns out its the ARB links again. They were last done 30,000 miles and 2 years ago. Bouncing the corners of the car up and down you can clearly feel them flexing around more than you'd think they would.

Now I'm of the opinion that the ARB bushings also need replacing as they don't look too clever, would dying ARB bushings accelerate the demise of the links?

Also, is there a rear ARB, and similar bushings, to replace?

 

[hmang]

Had the car nose up today to investigate some slight knocking over bumps, and it turns out its the ARB links again. They were last done 30,000 miles and 2 years ago. Bouncing the corners of the car up and down you can clearly feel them flexing around more than you'd think they would.

Now I'm of the opinion that the ARB bushings also need replacing as they don't look too clever, would dying ARB bushings accelerate the demise of the links?

Also, is there a rear ARB, and similar bushings, to replace?

hey parrot

these front drop links are a bit of an "old faithful" aren't they ?

why not replace the bushings too....they're easy and cheap enough.
check out the arb for worn off paint / corrossion which will alter the diameter and therefore the fit of the bushes.
30,000 doesn't seem excessive so perhaps it's an age thing, are you using merc bits or pattern ?...(merc for me)

i'd be dissapointed for 30.000 from merc (double that would be more like it, but i do drive like a granny)

the rears are a similar set up although i've never had any knocking benefit from replacing these. also the arb is much more free moving in the rear bushes to allow it to pivot and operate the self levelling on the estate.
i'd leave them unless they're knackered !

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Drop links...

They are cheap, life is 25-50k and depends as much on the roads you drive on, we dont have control over these unfortunately.

 

[television]

Yes do the front bushes as well and the rears

OK the MB links do not last long but they are cheap, my Volvo ones cost £80 each.

The bushes when bad could shorten the life of the links due to the knocking

 

[Legoman]

my car has a knocking noise when going over bumps from the rear end , is there a common bush that goes in relation to this , i.e arb links? , its only on sharp bumps when the car returns from the bounce , a bit like the noise of the exhaust hitting the underbody , but it isnt that as ive had a full stainless system fitted and its rock solid

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Got the replacement bits. Will post a DIY when I get chance:

 

[hmang]

the little rubber ears face to the head of the bolt.

i know you didn't ask...just putting in 2pennworth

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Had the front ARB drop links replaced on Friday. Havn't driven far yet but the front end feels tighter and the steering is more precise. The car has done 58K and there was no noticable noise from the front suspension but I figured that there might be a benefit from replacing them.

Look forward to seeing your next publication Parrot.

The links are MB parts, I use MB of Oxford parts online as well Parrott. Great service!

 

[Dom320]

I've just done my bushes and links on the front as well. That annoying 'rattle' has gone, much better, and so cheap too. :smile:

 

[ribby]

I've replaced then on the front every 50-70K on my 210 - Another 'Consumable' in my eyes.
Not changed the rears yet.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Drop links are common, 25k upwards os the max life, rarely over 50. But, they are cheap, best to replace them at every second service.

 

[maddog]

I'm still on the orginal ARB and drop links at 6.5 years and 57,000 miles

No clonking but i guess i will do them this year

 

[television]

Its like your hair, and you have that cut when it needs it, the same with ARB bushes