C4 Front Drop Link Replacement
09-03-2009, 06:06 AM
#1
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C4 Front Drop Link Replacement
Just changed the NSF drop link on my C4 due to an observation on my recent MOT. It has gotten progressively worse since the first time it was noticed and the guy said it would fail next time so it was time to replace it.
The front drop links are different on the C4 as they are C shaped due to the front drive shafts being in the way.
Jack the side of the car up and remove the wheel - use axle stands where appropriate.
I used a lot of release agent/penetrating oil on the nuts holding both the top and the bottom nuts as they looked quite rusty. Two 17mm spanners are required : one to hold the bolt and the other to undo the nuts.
Sounds easy but you may need a breaker bar (if you can get one into the space) or a hammer (my preferred weapon of choice!!).
Getting the link off was relatively easy, putting the new one on is surely just the reverse process...after half an hour i decided there was no way i could lever the roll bar down enough to get the bolt and hole lined up.
So i placed an axle stand under the barke disc (or rotor) and gently lowered the car down this caused the top mount to move up (relative to the link) and i could get both mounts lined up and the bolts finger tight. I used a bit of copper grease on the the threads in case i needed to do them again.
I then jacked the car back up and replaced the axle stand before tightening up the bolts. Be careful with the top mount as the hard brake lines are in the way and you will need to make sure you dont damage them.
In all the job should take about 30 minutes per side. Relatively easy job. Saves an hours labour at the OPC/ Specialist!
I have some uneven front tyre wear so will get a 4 wheel alignment done, not sure if this would be absolutely necessary if you were just doing the links on their own.
Most of the enjoyment for me of running this car is that i can do jobs myself and then go out and drive it!!
The front drop links are different on the C4 as they are C shaped due to the front drive shafts being in the way.
Jack the side of the car up and remove the wheel - use axle stands where appropriate.
I used a lot of release agent/penetrating oil on the nuts holding both the top and the bottom nuts as they looked quite rusty. Two 17mm spanners are required : one to hold the bolt and the other to undo the nuts.
Sounds easy but you may need a breaker bar (if you can get one into the space) or a hammer (my preferred weapon of choice!!).
Getting the link off was relatively easy, putting the new one on is surely just the reverse process...after half an hour i decided there was no way i could lever the roll bar down enough to get the bolt and hole lined up.
So i placed an axle stand under the barke disc (or rotor) and gently lowered the car down this caused the top mount to move up (relative to the link) and i could get both mounts lined up and the bolts finger tight. I used a bit of copper grease on the the threads in case i needed to do them again.
I then jacked the car back up and replaced the axle stand before tightening up the bolts. Be careful with the top mount as the hard brake lines are in the way and you will need to make sure you dont damage them.
In all the job should take about 30 minutes per side. Relatively easy job. Saves an hours labour at the OPC/ Specialist!
I have some uneven front tyre wear so will get a 4 wheel alignment done, not sure if this would be absolutely necessary if you were just doing the links on their own.
Most of the enjoyment for me of running this car is that i can do jobs myself and then go out and drive it!!
09-04-2009, 07:32 PM
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Join Date: May 2009
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Very nice, the C4's can be beasts to work on. I recently replaced my sway bars and the front was not too much fun to do. I have front air inlets (the ones that replace the fog's) on the way and that is my next project. After that I think it will finally be time for the H&R and bilsteins. Due to work I have not been able to work on or even drive the car for the past 2 months, man it was good to carve up some roads the last couple days.
Thanks for the heads up on the drop links!
Thanks for the heads up on the drop links!
