Acousticplayer
Zorg Addict
Just noticed on close inspection of the rear suspension on Real OEM that the ends of the ARB appear to be threaded but no nut is shown.
Last edited:
Rear anti roll bar drop links.
- Thread starter Acousticplayer
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Acousticplayer
Zorg Addict
Yes Ian thats strange.I,ve put out a request for a spare ARB and think I have found one.I,m going to see if it can be modified either by a small thread on the end or by drilling and tapping down its core.Will keep you informed.
Regards.
Regards.
Acousticplayer
Zorg Addict
Would be interested to know how many owners have experienced this problem with the links coming off.
One of mine came off, I noticed it while completely replacing all the suspension, I replaced it (already bought to replace anyway) I was a bit worried about the way they fitted, but had no further issues with the new part.
Acousticplayer
Zorg Addict
Hi TaffZee would be interested to know if you spotted any difference between the original and the replacement links. Just trying to visualise how the original link could have been modified to stop it creeping off.
Not sure there was any significant difference if I remember correct, the update may have been so slight that you may not notice it, it may be a change to the diameter of the hole on the drop link , A change in the type of rubber used, angle of the drop link? or a combination of them all, all I can suggest is that you fit the new ones and monitor them, at the end of the day there are 1000's and 1000's of cars using them out there. A new drop link should stop this happening in the future, the problem may just be age related wear.
Acousticplayer
Zorg Addict
Yes thats true. My problem is that my car was fitted with the new links a short time before I acquired her and they still came off.
Just a thought but It maybe worth checking the ARB bushes and make sure the roll bar is not moving or the rubbers on the sub frame are ok and not letting the body of the car move from centre if you get me 
Never seen one threaded but the other option would be to drill a small hole across the ARB and retain the drop link with a washer and split pin.
There should be no great side force on the drop link so this arrangement should resist sufficiently. I would think the ARB is very hard so any form of drilling will be difficult and at least a small hole on the unloaded end won't induce stress points.
There should be no great side force on the drop link so this arrangement should resist sufficiently. I would think the ARB is very hard so any form of drilling will be difficult and at least a small hole on the unloaded end won't induce stress points.
My left rear was off too.
Have replaced with H&R ARBs (with holes at the ends: http://www.trackstyle.co.uk/hr-anti...coupe-type-rc-z3-0496-front--rear-33254-p.asp)
and special drop links (similar to these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Adjustable-Sway-Bar-Links-E30-E36-Z3-BimmSport-MADE-IN-USA-/131642360324)
Regards, Koen
Have replaced with H&R ARBs (with holes at the ends: http://www.trackstyle.co.uk/hr-anti...coupe-type-rc-z3-0496-front--rear-33254-p.asp)
and special drop links (similar to these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Adjustable-Sway-Bar-Links-E30-E36-Z3-BimmSport-MADE-IN-USA-/131642360324)
Regards, Koen
Vauxhall Cavalier's used to have this arrangement on the front ARB links and were a bi*** to get new ones on. I usually ended up using brake red rubber grease to make fitting easier. One smart arse tyre fitter told me "It's easy, you just heat the end of the ARB and they push straight on !!", and fall straight of again. w****** !!
Tony.
Tony.
Acousticplayer
Zorg Addict
Wow Koen thats a seriously enthusiastic solution to this problem.
Brian how much of the roll bar protrudes from the drop link when it is in place. Is there room to fit a split pin and washer? How about drilling and tapping down the end of the bar and screwing in a bolt and washer? Do you think that would work?
Brian how much of the roll bar protrudes from the drop link when it is in place. Is there room to fit a split pin and washer? How about drilling and tapping down the end of the bar and screwing in a bolt and washer? Do you think that would work?
Ive never seen a Rear ARB threaded, the links are just push fit, I suppose the new modified links could have a smaller diameter hole to go over the ARB, The ones that came off my 3.0 would not budge at all so once they are on they are on. IIRC there is approx. 10mm of ARB that protrudes out of the link, if you are going to put a split pin in there put a large repair washer on first.
10mm would be enough to put a larger washer and a split pin in.
There must be a reason why they come off, something misaligned maybe. I would more inclined to find out why they come off as it appears not to be a very common thing?
Tony.
Tony.
Acousticplayer
Zorg Addict
Hi All.Just posting this by way of completion as I get annoyed when someone starts a thread raising a problem and fails to complete by reporting how the problem was eventually solved.
Having said that I can't guarantee if this will solve the problem of "walking rear ARBs" as I hav'nt re-fitted the ARB yet but I know from experience these star lock washers are the devils own to remove once fitted.
This is a 12mm star lock washer which can be easily found on e-bay very cheap. A packet of 10 cost me about £3.
Hope you find this interesting.
Having said that I can't guarantee if this will solve the problem of "walking rear ARBs" as I hav'nt re-fitted the ARB yet but I know from experience these star lock washers are the devils own to remove once fitted.
This is a 12mm star lock washer which can be easily found on e-bay very cheap. A packet of 10 cost me about £3.
Hope you find this interesting.
Acousticplayer
Zorg Addict
Hi again.I thought I had brought this thread to a conclusion but no such luck and I am sorry to raise it again but a very important question arises as I attempt to replace the ARB.The U bracket holding the drop link to the trailing arm is "off square" that is to say when it sits on the trailing arm it leans to one side either to the left or to the right according to which way you fit it. It has been suggested that it should be fitted so it leans inwards i.e. towards the car centre but having fitted it like that it does not sit comfortably and looks more at home if fitted so it leans towards the nearside. Can I ask one or two of you to have a look at how yours are fitted or if anyone has any views I would be grateful to hear.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
The brackets aren't marked left and right by any chance, stranger things have happened.
Tony.
Tony.