Club 80-90 Forums

Just noticed the drop link has popped off the ARB on my van!! (Bushing is still on the ARB)

I replaced the bushings last year and was a nightmare to get the drop link over the bushing and knob on the end of the ARB.

Anyone know why this would pop off?? Looked fine when i did it and went through MOT ok at the time!.

Im booked in for an MOT Wednesday 8am and i dont fancy getting the ARB off and drop link pushed back on by then as it is a nightmare to do....

S.

When I replaced mine I thought that they popped off far to easily afterwards also, far easier than they went on. Can't offer any solution though. My only thought at the time was that any lubricant that was used to assist assembly was also assisting the disassembly.

So do you just put it back on again when it comes off?

S.

I did with mine and it hasn't come off again. I don't know if the metal is so polished from the original bushes movement that it is prone to coming off but I was slightly disconcerted that it came off that easily. I don't remember seeing any other posts with it happening though. (I do tend to remember things that have been posted)

My poly bush popped off too (after going on really easily)

Put it back on with much less lube and is ok so far.

I'll try putting it back on then. Was well p#$$%d off when I saw it had popped off as was just finishing off putting the expansion tanks and petrol tank back on ready for the mot after several months welding and other work.

I wonder if it is worth removing any lubricant used once it is in place.

Will try that - interestingly the one that popped off is the one i gave the ARB and drop link to a garage to put on as i couldnt get that side on! Perhaps they used some extra slippy lube!?

Shaundon wrote: Perhaps they used some extra slippy lube!?

How convenient of the garage to have a supply of KY on the shelf!!

Original or new droplinks? I fitted new, stronger ones from B&B. I think corrosion on old ones may also play a part as they were a much better fit than what came off. I used modern poly bushes for main two ARB fastenings (good place for them) but stuck to rubber bushes on droplinks as I prefer the ride feel on corners. I know opinion is divided on this but I've been doing this a lot of years and I only fit them where in my own opinion, they are best served for road use. Its a myth that poly is better than rubber in ever instance. Offroad and track use is somewhat different. Too much lube as well as painting ARBs where bushes sit, can also cause them to move.

original drop links (the crooked ones) new bushes . Rubber on upper part of drop link , powerflex lower and where arb meets chasis. Interestingly the side i did before i used red rubber grease which i think is why i was having so much bother as its more like glue than grease. I used a little soap and water on the popped one and it went back on no bother ( a little to easy to be honest).

Will keep an eye on it and see if it pops again. New drop links are £40-50 each so am reluctant to replace them for now.

I think you've sorted it probably. Some while ago the subject of droplinks came up and I was amazed how many were driving around with them broken or even removed.

The difference with and without is so drastically different. I tend to drive mine hard using a forklift knob on the steering wheel so I like a quick yet firm response from the steering through winding streets and around roundabouts. Droplinks in good order make all the difference to handling in that respect. Without, and its like driving a knackered armchair with the springs hanging out. You almost have to pray navigating sharp corners.

I changed my drop links bushes last year ( powerflex ones) and driving home from the MOT my drivers side droplink popped off the ARB. I too was concerned and after putting it back on found myself checking it very often. Good news is that a year later it has remained in place, I think I had used too much lube when I put it on in the first instance.