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Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2019 9:49 pm
by njonesn
Swapped my stock 10AE Bilstein shocks, complete with springs, for some newer and under half the mileage Bilsteins from a 2005 STV this weekend.
I have found some conflicting information on the web about differences between the NB and NBFL Bilstein setup however the ride height that I have measured from my original setup and the replacement Bilsteins from the NBFL seems to be about the same, at most perhaps 5-10mm higher. I'm still researching this and Mazda appear to have quite a range for what they consider normal ride height.

Was easy enough to swap the shocks however one of the drop link bolts that attach to the wishbone was rusted solid. Got a local friendly garage to help me out however in the process they damaged the drop link; the casing split open. The garage compressed it back together and said it should be fine however I think I should change it.
I'm a bit worried about releasing the bolt that attaches the drop link to the sway bar as its harder to get to and would not shift when the garage give it a quick try (I asked them not to go at it) and both the bolt and hex screw are quite soft. I guess I could cut the bolt off if needed, but wondered if there was any other advice of releasing these bolts?

Thanks in advance.
Nathan

Re: Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2019 11:12 pm
by Mazda Mender
The Mk 2 and MK 2.5 billies have different spring rates , the MK 2 as lower and the MK 2.5 as higher that is why the MK 2.5 full units will sit higher although the damper is the same which goes for the standard units also.
As for the MK 2/2.5 drop links , if they have not been greased and cared for from first being fitted then forget getting them off , the allen key section on the end of the bolt that passes through the sway bar and wish bone turns into cheese, plus the OE design is not great in that the joint is in a plastic case which in turn is push fitted into the metal body of the drop link which rusts making the plastic case loose and breaks free from the metal....the best thing is to just cut the old ones off and fit the blue print ones, they are far better.
Now you said that you were concerned about the height once fitted, did you fit them yourself on axle stands buddy.
M-m

Re: Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2019 11:25 pm
by njonesn
Thanks. Seems like I’ll arm myself ready to cut the drop links off.

Yes, fitted the shocks myself on axle stands; removed the drop link bolt (oddly I didn’t need to jack the wishbone up to remove the drop link from the wishbone), removed the lower shock bolt, removed the upper bolts in the boot then pushed down on the hub until I got the shock to come out. Installed in the reverse order.

Measured the ride height tonight and from the centre of the wheel to the arch lip is 370mm which I believe is within spec. I’ll try to compare to another 10AE owner who is on their original shocks still.

Thanks
Nathan

Re: Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2019 1:09 am
by Mazda Mender
One big problem that everyone does when swapping suspension on thee roadsters is how they re fit them while on axle stands, and nearly everyone makes the same mistake...
They tighten/torque all the nuts and bolts up while everything is hanging down, so when on the floor sits higher than it should, there is a nak or tip if you like to fitting them.

Tighten the top ball joint back up and re insert the split pin or locking pin on the MK 2.5 as normal, now with all the rest at the front, drop link nut and bolt 14mm( mk 1) nut on the Mk 2/2.5, damper bolt and nut through the wish bones 17mm.
Rear bolt through the wish bone and damper 17mm ,drop link nut and bolt MK 1 14mm , and Mk 2/2.5 drop link, allen key and 14mm,nut and bolt through the top wishbone and upright 14mm

All need tightening up but not tightened up completely to stop..

While it is still up on axle stands use the OE scissor jack from the boot and jack on the wish bone up .to put the tension on the the damper and spring to the point where it is just off lifting is off the axle stand, at this point is the time to nip up all the loose nuts and bolts, do the same for each corner, that way you are fully tightening up while the damper and spring is under load.

Re: Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2019 5:17 am
by njonesn
Thanks M-M. That’s really interesting.
I fitted the rear shocks without having to remove any of the wishbone bolts etc. only the end link and bolts holding the shock were touched. When I replace my end links I’ll loosen the bottom shock bolt and do as you suggest before torquing it up.

Nathan

Re: Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2019 11:26 am
by Mazda Mender
Is this the way you did it?
viewtopic.php?f=120&t=3485
M-m

Re: Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2019 11:38 am
by Mazda Mender
The best i have fitted and used myself are the blue print items...so much better than the OE items...

Do a better search and you should find them cheaper..
Here is a ref link...

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2308978660
M-m

Re: Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2019 1:48 pm
by njonesn
Just about exactly, except I didn’t release the upper wishbone. I was able to get the shock out and in without the need to drop the wishbone. Also, as above, didn’t raise the hub before tightening.
Nathan

Re: Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2019 11:26 pm
by njonesn
Ordered a set of the Blue Print drop links. Thanks.
I have also decided that I’m going to get myself a set of spring compressors and remove, strip and clean up, my original springs and transfer them to the replacement shocks I just fitted. Will do the drop links sooner and swap the springs after as I would rather not be driving around on a suspect drop link. I'll take pictures as I go and post a thread about it once complete.

Nathan

Re: Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2019 8:37 pm
by drumtochty
I have used the old type spring compressors before a lot of people are saying they are dangerous.

Most people are now suggesting something a bit heavier.

What are the thoughts on a safe set of spring compressors.

Re: Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2019 11:34 pm
by Mazda Mender
It really all depends on which type you get and how they are being used.
M-m

Re: Remove drop link bolts

Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:54 pm
by blackyb
I'm with Mm.

We have two different types at work, old fashioned twin spring compressors and a horse shoe set for the bigger heavier springs.

With the old faithfulls I use a small set of mole grips to keep the top clamp in place to stop then twisting around the spring.