Anti roll bar

Shocks, springs, anything to do with the running gear

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cwhaley
1.8 8v
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2020 2:58 pm

Anti roll bar

Post by cwhaley »

My 406 Estate knocks when going over the slightest bump and I've also noticed the steering seems to sway about when going over things on the road. The other day the steering was akin to steering the bough of the Titanic.

I was going to take it to a garage but I thought this has got to be anti-roll bars -- the symptoms are just too specific.

Never changed or worked on any in my life, but replaced things under the bonnet, changed brake pads/discs, before so hoping it's within the realm of my ability.

Where am I looking to check the condition of them on my car? I want to give everything a good inspection (including the springs).
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Doggy
Mod with a 2.2 HDi, De-Fapped!
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Location: Northants

Re: Anti roll bar

Post by Doggy »

Knocking is usually caused by worn anti roll bar drop links, which are fairly cheap & easily changed.

Trying searching for 'drop links'
2002 HDi 2.2 Exec Estate, (2008-12) (wonderful)
2003 HDi 2.2 6-speed Exec Estate (2012-19) (also a gem)
2009 Citroen C5 2.0 HDi VTR+ Estate (godawful heap)
2008 BMW E91 330i touring (great fun - murdered by a reversing SUV)
2007 BMW E91 325i touring (slower smoother quieter)
PeterN
3.0 24v
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Location: Charmouth, Dorset

Re: Anti roll bar

Post by PeterN »

cwhaley
1.8 8v
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2020 2:58 pm

Re: Anti roll bar

Post by cwhaley »

Thanks both will have a look, so it's the links not the actual roll bars themselves. They seem readily-available. I've not had chance to look at mine yet because of the wind over the weekend but will look asap. Have lots of plusgas to soak the threads of the nuts.

In the meantime I did notice slack in the throttle cable, so adjusted the retaining clip and throttle response is completely restored. Used to get no response until 1/2" of travel on the pedal!
stevewalsh
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Location: SW France

Re: Anti roll bar

Post by stevewalsh »

When you replace droplinks, use good quality ones, the cheap versions dont last long
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Doggy
Mod with a 2.2 HDi, De-Fapped!
Posts: 10710
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:49 pm
Location: Northants

Re: Anti roll bar

Post by Doggy »

+1
also, use lots of Copaslip just in case
2002 HDi 2.2 Exec Estate, (2008-12) (wonderful)
2003 HDi 2.2 6-speed Exec Estate (2012-19) (also a gem)
2009 Citroen C5 2.0 HDi VTR+ Estate (godawful heap)
2008 BMW E91 330i touring (great fun - murdered by a reversing SUV)
2007 BMW E91 325i touring (slower smoother quieter)
cwhaley
1.8 8v
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2020 2:58 pm

Re: Anti roll bar

Post by cwhaley »

Thanks will make sure I use it.

When I owned my Foci (plural of Focus??) I always used Ford just as a matter of course, so I'll be trying to get good spec ones for the 406.

Yet another weekend of heavy rain and wind forecast :frown: so no work this weekend, but when I next get chance this month I'll jack up and put some pictures up here.
dirtydirtydiesel
3.0 24v
Posts: 1521
Joined: Sun Apr 28, 2013 11:02 pm
Location: Coalville, Leics.

Re: Anti roll bar

Post by dirtydirtydiesel »

Tell me about the weather :roll:

Anyways, Lemforder on my estate & still going strong seven yaers & 70k later :D

Meyle HD ones on my coupe but only did 5ki her before selling but are supposed to be good quality

Fit cheep eBay ones if you enjoy working on the car or are selling it.
2002 110 HDi estate, Rapier in monaco blue! ( found quite a bit more power :cheesy: ) SOLD I've sorted the airbag light :cheesy:
1998 3.0 V6 SE coupe in Diablo Red ( my baby ) sold
2006 206 1.4 16v sport in Aegean blue ( wife's shopping trolley :roll: )

2006 BMW e61 535d m-sport :supafrisk: run's for cover :lol:
cwhaley
1.8 8v
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2020 2:58 pm

Re: Anti roll bar

Post by cwhaley »

I used FAI Autoparts in the end -- no idea if they are great but they were a good price and with a 3 year warranty from the garage. I fitted them on Sunday and the car is much quieter. I got to the back of the car and couldn't find any drop links because apparently they use track control rods, so will look to having them replaced and tracked at some point.

Just hit 1k miles after buying in Jan. and she's been an absolute gem. Thanks all for your help and tips so far.
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