Drop links and ARB's

Kallus

Kallus

Member
I'm looking to replace my drop links and anti roll bar bushes. Is this the type of bush I require - I believe the oem had a plastic sleeve on it or something that degraded rather quickly?!

62eec67bd12bf661e54b8b7f920abe2d.jpg



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Early A2s had roll bars with plastic sleeves moulded onto the bar. A common problem was for the sleeves to crack and loosen of break away completely.

The Audi 'fix' was a new roll bar without the sleeves but with welded-on collars to stop the bar moving sideways though the rubber bushings.

There are 2 sizes of rubber bushes (item 11) depending on the roll bar fitted - http://audi.7zap.com/en/rdw/audi+a2/a2/2003-248/4/407-407010/

Cheers Spike
 
Be prepared to take an angle grinder to the drop links. The bolts invariably sieze and the Allen key or Torx head on the balljoint can be stripped. Makes a heck of a difference in conjunction with new ARB bushes and drives like a different car.
 
spike said:
Early A2s had roll bars with plastic sleeves moulded onto the bar. A common problem was for the sleeves to crack and loosen of break away completely.

The Audi 'fix' was a new roll bar without the sleeves but with welded-on collars to stop the bar moving sideways though the rubber bushings.

There are 2 sizes of rubber bushes (item 11) depending on the roll bar fitted - http://audi.7zap.com/en/rdw/audi+a2/a2/2003-248/4/407-407010/

Cheers Spike
Click to expand...

Cheers Spike.


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spartacus 68 said:
Be prepared to take an angle grinder to the drop links. The bolts invariably sieze and the Allen key or Torx head on the balljoint can be stripped. Makes a heck of a difference in conjunction with new ARB bushes and drives like a different car.
Click to expand...

I'll keep my fingers crossed that I won't need a grinder


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Kennedy said:
not sure, look about right...

I bought these Meyle ones recently after A2OC members recommended...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321505658698?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

pair bushes included that fitted perfectly (although the ones in the ebay listing picture probably are just for illustration as I remember them looking more like they do in your picture)

Kennedy
Click to expand...

Hi Kennedy.

you bought the best drop links from the best supplier, the guy in Newtonards NI was great, very helpful and good value too, I recommend this company very much.

The Meyle Drop links are like Dinosaur bones compared to the Chicken bone rest, be careful with the anti-rollbar as you may have to weld on bush retainers if you have the old painted/glued type, I replaced the full anti-rollbar.

no doubt someone has told you this already.

Cheers

Doug
 
Tsu said:
I've an early A2 with the plastic sleeves moulded on to the bar, both of which are cracked, one of which has now been removed. I was hoping to get this car MOT'd this week but if/when they spot this it'll register a fail.

Could someone tell me if this kit would remedy the issue? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stabiliser-Anti-Roll-Bar-Bush-Kit-6Q0411314PS2-Front-37657-/371709487905?fits=Car+Make%3AAudi%7CModel%3AA2&hash=item568b9cab21:g:2PgAAOSwU-pXry-W
Click to expand...

Suggest that you measure the diameter of your anti roll bar. From memory there are two diameters used.
From the link description you provided seller states 16mm Dia, now again from memory the anti roll bars are 18mm and 20mm, so I suspect that these are for the 18mm Dia anti roll bar (the 2 mm difference will be the 'grip' that the rubber bush as on the roll bar)

Why are you buying a kit?, I just bought the rubber bushes and reused by clamps and bolts, was much cheaper
 
depronman said:
Suggest that you measure the diameter of your anti roll bar. From memory there are two diameters used.
From the link description you provided seller states 16mm Dia, now again from memory the anti roll bars are 18mm and 20mm, so I suspect that these are for the 18mm Dia anti roll bar (the 2 mm difference will be the 'grip' that the rubber bush as on the roll bar)

Why are you buying a kit?, I just bought the rubber bushes and reused by clamps and bolts, was much cheaper
Click to expand...

Thanks Paul. I might just replace the bushes, although Bret's recommendation to replace the bolts is good advice also.

The general sizing for the bushes seems to be 16mm as per Micksgarage http://www.micksgarage.com/search/anti%20roll%20bar%20bushes/audi/audi%20a2/a2%202000%20to%202005/1.4/75?fffBrand=SWAG~~~MEYLE~~~Firstline~~~Febi%20Bilstein, but there is one listed as 20mm, so I'll measure the bar and go from there.

Thanks for your help guys.
 
Can anyone please recommend a supplier for the ARB? I have been really impressed with my local Audi dealer (Ipswich Audi) for service and price (brake light switch for Ā£13.50 including VAT anyone?) so am probably happy to go to them unless someone knows a place where they're cheaper.

Someone on here mentioned Deutscheparts?
 
Hi all, Iā€™m looking to replace my drop links and arb bushes as this week a knocking noise has emerged from the front which, based on the helpful threads on here, seems to be either the drop links or arb bushes. Following an earlier link to a drop link and Bush kit from Meyle, I get to this:

www.ebay.co.uk

MEYLE Front Stabilizer Links & Bushes 1160600000/HD x2 & 1004110050 x2 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MEYLE Front Stabilizer Links & Bushes 1160600000/HD x2 & 1004110050 x2 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!
www.ebay.co.uk

This has 21mm diameter bushes. My A2 is a March 2003 and so would I be right to assume that it has the later ARB which needs the 16mm bushes? Thanks
 
what diameter arb there is in sport suspension? I'll be checking the condition of sway bar links but the plastic bushings may also be an issue here.
 
Hi,
If you have a vernier caliper then measure the diameter of the anti roll bar near the bushing please.

If you don't have a vernier caliper clamp the anti roll bar with an adjustable spanner and measure the distance between the jaws of the adjustable spanner.

Its the only way to be certain what size your car has fitted.

šŸ™‚šŸ‘
 
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rotifer II said:
Hi,
If you have a vernier caliper then measure the diameter of the anti roll bar near the bushing please.

If you don't have a vernier caliper clamp the anti roll bar with an adjustable spanner and measure the distance between the jaws of the adjustable spanner.

Its the only way to be certain what size your car has fitted.

šŸ™‚šŸ‘
Click to expand...
yeah will check them once get car up. any worth updating to powerflex or stay in OEM rubber? not that my a2 would get any track time.
 
Hi šŸ™‚,

In this application standard A2 with sports suspension and not being used for track days my idea would be,

The VAG bushes are cheap and easily up to the job of holding the sway bar while providing the right level of conformity that does not transfer vibration to the struts via the drop links.

šŸ™‚šŸ‘ hope this helps

With the pro flex type bushes I think that they periodically should be removed washed in soapy water and treated to some silicone grease to proling life and functionality.
 
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