How to Check and Replace Anti-Roll Bar Drop Links

[swedishandgerman]

Got an irritating rattle coming from the front suspension? Recommend you check your anti-roll bar drop links.

Level of difficulty: Honestly, if you can change a wheel, you can do this!

Tools Required:

• Jack
• Axle Stands
• Wheel Brace and 19mm socket
• 18mm Ring Spanner
• 15mm Ring Spanner
• Torx Set (and Allen keys if you use the same parts as me)
• Torque Wrench and 18mm and 15mm socket

Parts Required: 2 x Drop Links, Volvo part no: 31201602

Available from Partsforvolvos @ £15.37. I used Meyle ones as I have had really good experience of using them on a BMW - excellenct longevity and superb quality. Sourced mine from Partservice, Exeter @ £13ea + VAt + delivery.

1. Loosen all wheel bolts on both front wheels
2. Jack up the front of the car, onto axle stands and remove both wheels. You need to get both wheels off the ground otherwise the anti-roll bar is under tension and it makes it difficult to get the links out later. Here's the old link:



3. Using an 18mm ring spanner and a torx bit to counterhold the balljoint, undo the top link:



4. Now you can check the condition of the joints by wiggling them. If there's any play or sloppiness, replace!



5. Using a 15mm ring spanner and a torx bit, undo the bottom link and take out the whole part

Here's the old vs. the new. I think you can see the quality of the Meyle joints compared to whatever make the old one is:



6. Put in the new part and once you've tightened the nuts as much as you can with the ring spanner so that the whole joint doesn't rotate, secure to 37lbf ft



Slightly different to the part I took out, the Meyle part has allen bolts instead of torx

7. Do the same on the other side



I gave all threads a good coating of copper grease to make the next time I do it easy

8. Wheels back on, car lowered, all bolts tightened to 103 lbf ft and road test.

Silence!