Subcategories

• 

  Steering rod

  Learn more about Anti roll bar links Master-Sport Automobiltechnik (MS) GmbH - operation method, diagnosis, causes of faults and replacement intervals.

  Stabilizer bar link is a component of the vehicle suspension, the link between the sway bar and the central part of the suspension. This part prevents significant body roll when cornering.

  Stabilizer link types

  By Location:

  • left;
  • right;
  • rear;
  • front.

  The stabilizer link construction

  1. Rubber-metal bushings.
  2. Spacer.
  3. Stabilizer link bolt.
  4. Stabilizer link nut.

  Operation of the stabilizer bar link

  The life of the accessory depends on the manufacturer, specifics and operating conditions. On the average, its service life is enough for 20 thousand kilometers. for the item to last longer, you should:

  • strictly abide by all the operation rules of the vehicle;
  • conduct regular inspections of suspension components;
  • choose high quality surface roads to travel.

  Stabilizer link faults

  • wear of joints;
  • deformation of the spacer;
  • galling.

  Symptoms of stabilizer link faults

  • abnormal sounds in the suspension area when driving on uneven road surface;
  • vehicle returns with difficulty to its original position after the roll;
  • Vehicles pools to one side, deviates from a predetermined motion vector;
  • during braking and cornering the body sways a lot.

  Causes of stabilizer link faults

  • regular operation of the vehicle in the conditions of low-quality pavement or off-road;
  • violation of the vehicle driving recommendations: a sharp start, extreme braking and so on;
  • wear of components;
  • damage of mechanical origin.

  Replacing the stabilizer link

  Repair of the stabilizer link is not carried out. To replace an item, you should:

  1. Unscrew the link nut, holding the bolt with a spanner and loosening the nut with a wrench.
  2. Remove the internal bushing.
  3. Remove the spacer and pull out the bolt together with the outer bushing.
  4. Install the new kit.
  5. Tighten the link nut.
  6. Using calipers measure the projecting part of the bolt. The best value is 22 mm, the permissible tolerance is not more than 1.5 mm.

• 

  TIE ROD ENDS

  Steering auto parts: Tie rod end Master-Sport Automobiltechnik (MS) GmbH - operation method, diagnosis, causes of faults and replacement intervals.

  Track rod end is a part of the track rod and belongs to the steering system of a vehicle. Track rod ends are spherical rod ends. They are located at each end of the track rod. Together with the track rod they are responsible for the steering wheels to keep the track. Wheels can not change the driving direction given by the steering system. Both spherical rod ends and track rod connect the steering point on the stub axle and on the tie rod arm. Usually in modern cars there are two track rods per axle and the tie rod arm is located between two axes.
  
  Track rod ends are subject to stress. They are involved in any steering action and all the counteractions are directed to them. Track rod ends are subject to wear. Like the joints, in the course of time they fail. This becomes obvious when the pavement is bad or there is a slight vibration even when the steering runs at idle speed. It is necessary to check the track rod operation.
  
  It is impossible to repair the failed track rod end. It is necessary to replace it. The track rod end is situated in a hard-to-get-at place. So, it is necessary to do this work in an inspection pit with a platform lift available. Moreover, after you replace the track rod end, it is necessary again to adjust the toe-in. In our online store you will find many other car parts, like condenser, air conditioner, injection valves or taillights.

  How to detect a faulty tie rod end

  To determine the condition of the component, check it for cracks using a flashlight. During inspection, special attention should be paid to the tie rod end seals. Also, check the joint for free play. To exactly assess the free play, the vehicle should be placed on the inspection pit. Otherwise, checking should be performed by two persons. While one person rotates the steering wheel in different directions, the other should watch the component to determine whether air is present in the joint.

  You may notice that the tie rod end needs diagnostics by the following symptoms:

  • making u-turns became harder;
  • driving on rough roads is accompanied by roar and screeching;
  • the steering wheel vibrates excessively;
  • steering wheel free play;
  • the steering wheel is harder/easier to turn.

  The reasons of the tie rod end malfunctions

  The main reason of premature wear of the component is its poor quality. During its operation the component is subjected to intensive stresses with the impact of differently directed forces. The service life of the tie rod end is 40,000 km, but the aggressive driving style, low quality of the road, and failure to observe the maintenance schedule significantly reduce this figure.

  Ball joints get rusted, and rubber inserts get deteriorated due to ruptured dust boot which protects them from moisture and dirt. This also results in lubrication washing out and abrasion of the joints.

  The tie rod end insert is pressed to the spherical surface of the ball joint stud with a special spring. If the latter slackens, a gap occurs between the components.

  The tie rod end deformation and damage of its thread are the result of improper installation, with excessive force applied.

  Replacing tie rod end

  Due to the fact that the components are installed separately, their replacement does not require dismantling the tie rod completely. If diagnostics shows that the component is damaged, it should be replaced. To replace it, perform the following:

  • lift the vehicle, lock it in place at the front, and remove the wheel;
  • loosen the self-locking nut on the to-be-replaced component on the steering knuckle arm;
  • press out the component from the steering knuckle arm using a special puller, then unscrew the nut;
  • loosen the lock nut on the end of the tie rod, using a wrench to hold the hexagon of the tie rod at the side of the gearbox;
  • unscrew the component from the tie rod, counting the number of turns, which will facilitate further assembly;
  • install the new tie rod end, doing the above steps in the reverse order.
• 

  STABILIZERS

  Learn more about Sway bar Master-Sport Automobiltechnik (MS) GmbH - operation method, diagnosis, causes of faults and replacement intervals.

  Anti-roll bar is an element of the suspension of the car. The part contributes to vehicle stability when cornering, reducing body roll and softens jolting when driving on roads with low quality.

  Types of stabilizers

  By Location:

  • front;
  • rear.

  By the presence of the stabilizer rods:

  • without rods;
  • with rods.

  By changing the stiffness:

  • With fixed stiffness.
  • With adjustable rigidity. The parameter is adjusted by selecting the option of fastening of the stabilizer. In modern vehicles, especially SUVs, this feature is implemented by replacing the rods with the stabilizer cylinders.

  Construction of Stabilizer bar

  The design of this item is quite simple. The part is a metal rod of circular cross section U-shaped and is made of spring steel. The stabilizer is mounted on the front or rear suspension and fixed to the body, as well as the hub assemblies of left and right wheels.

  The part performs its function like a torsion bar. In a side-roll opposite ends of the parts are moved vertically, while the average of the stabilizer is twisted. This allows you to redistribute the load on the elastic elements of the suspension, due to which the transverse angular oscillations of the car body are reduced.

  Operation of the stabilizer

  Service life of stabilizer is more than 200 000 kilometers. with proper operation of the car the part will serve for the duration of use of the vehicle. stabilizer rods are more prone to wear, their service life is an average of 20 000 kilometers. If you drive carefully, especially on roads with poor quality surface you can extend the life of the stabilizer and its components.

  Stabilizer faults

  • deformation of the parts;
  • wear of bushings and rod;
  • mechanical damage;
  • corrosion.

  Symptoms of stabilizer failure

  • car pulls away during movement;
  • body sways during braking and cornering;
  • the emergence of a squeak in carrying out maneuvers;
  • knock on the suspension while driving.

  Causes of stabilizer faults

  • exposure to moisture;
  • sporty driving style;
  • traffic accident;
  • low-quality road surface;
  • hitting a bump.

  Repair of stabilizer

  To repair the stabilizer bar is possible in the case of its small deformation. It is recommended to refer to specialists. Rods, seals and fasteners when worn, as a rule, must be replaced.

  Replacing stabilizer

  You can replace the part on your own, having the presence of a basic set of tools. To replace, you need:

  • drive the car on the car ramp;
  • loosen the fastening of the stabilizer and rods on the left, then - on the right;
  • remove the stabilizer bar and rod;
  • install a new part, twisting left and right fastening screws alternately to prevent misalignment;
  • mount rods;
  • repeat the above steps in reverse order.

• 

  STABILIZER LINK

  Suspension auto parts: Drop links Master-Sport Automobiltechnik (MS) GmbH - operation method, diagnosis, causes of faults and replacement intervals.

  A pendulum support is a rod that has floating bearings on both ends. The floating bearing takes up forces of the longitudinal direction, thus the rod can move forward and backward, but not laterally. Torque also is not transmitted. In the cars pendulum supports are installed in different locations. For instance, transmission can be mounted with a pendulum support. The engine and other parts can be connected to the body via pendulum support. Also the wheels can be stabilized with a pendulum support.
  
  Pendulum supports consist of a metal rod, which is often fitted with rubber pads on the ends. Because of the high mechanical load floating bearings are wearing car parts. As a result, a free play appears that can lead to rattle noises. Particularly, this problem is typical for old cars. It is not difficult to replace a pendulum support, since it is a simple mechanical component. However, it will be necessary to dismantle many other parts to reach the pendulum support. In principle, a shade-tree mechanic can replace the pendulum support.
  
  It is also often used the notion of a tie-rod. Some car parts makers use this term only for the pendulum support that is located between the axle guide and the stabilizer. But since there is no one single term and car parts makers use different terms for the same car parts, it is necessary to be carefully. It is not recommended to install used pendulum supports as it is difficult to evaluate their quality. Do you need coolant temperature sensor, slave cylinder, crankcase, oil temperature sensor, oil filter, fan, oil dipstick, or another car part? In our online store you will find a wide range of car parts, which meet the highest standards.

  Malfunctions of stabilizer link

  • breakage in thin places;
  • deformation of the component;
  • gap has appeared in lower or upper ball component.

  Signs of Drop links malfunctions

  • knock sounds are heard under the bonnet when driving;
  • car deviates from course when driving at high speed;
  • car is taken aside when you release the steering wheel;
  • vehicle rolls a lot when braking;
  • car body leans aside when cornering.

  Causes of Stabiliser link malfunctions

  • car is overloaded;
  • driving on bad-quality roads;
  • system is depressurized;
  • wear of the component;
  • the part has been damaged as a result of mechanical impact;
  • aggressive driving style.

  Diagnostics

  Turn the steering wheel as far as it can go for getting space in the wheel arch. Shake the steering link. If it leads to formation of a gap, than the component requires replacement. For more thorough inspection you will need a service pit or a lift platform. Release the link, by unscrewing the fastening nut. If knocks can be heard during shaking and gaps appear in the joints, then the link must be replaced. If the component can easily swing in the mounting seat, it points at the joint fixings looseness.

  Replacement of Sway bar links

  The component cannot be repaired. Average lifetime period of stabiliser links is 120000 operational kilometers. Replacement can be accomplished both personally and by using help at service stations. For component replacement do the following:

  1. Remove the wheel (it is recommended to apply special substance on bolts and nuts, that will make unscrewing easier).
  2. Unscrew the joint nuts using a wrench, hold the bolt by a hex wrench.
  3. Reduce the load on the suspension by putting support under the front wheel arm.
  4. Remove the broken component.
  5. Install a new link with the help of wrench and hex wrench.
  6. Reinstall the wheel.
• 

  BUSHES / METAL-RUBBER...

  Suspension auto parts: Suspension arm bushing Master-Sport Automobiltechnik (MS) GmbH - operation method, diagnosis, causes of faults and replacement intervals.

  How to detect the arm bushes failure

  In order to perform the diagnosis, you need to lift the car with a jack, disconnect the ball joints and visually assess the state of the independent suspension arm bushes. The surface of the rubber part should be smooth, it must not be peeling or deformed. The part freeplay also indicates a breakdown. Inspect the arm itself. If, when swayed vertically, it does not return to its initial position, this may also be a symptom of the bushes fault.

  You can identify that the arm bushes need a diagnosis by the following symptoms:

  • the vehicle steerability is deteriorated, the car pulls to one side;
  • tires wear out unevenly;
  • when driving, knocking in the suspension is heard.

  Causes of the arm bushes failure

  Most frequently, parts need replacement because of natural wear and tear. 100,000 km is the limit of these parts useful life. If a lot of oil gets into the bush in the process of the car use, it corrodes the bush and shortens the component’s life.

  Extreme load on the vehicle, in particular, frequent driving at high speeds on poor-quality surfaced roads also accelerates the wear of the bushes. Besides, if you leave your vehicle for a long time with the steering wheel turned to the side, the parts will quickly fail.

  Repair and replacement of the arm bushes

  Repair of the arm bushes is inexpedient. When there is a fault, a replacement is required. You can perform it at any service station or by yourself. To replace the front arm bushes, you, as a rule, have to:

  1. Lift the vehicle with a jack and remove the wheel.
  2. Unscrew the fastening bolt of the front bush and the nut of the rear bush.
  3. Pull out the link with the arm towards yourself, and unscrew the bolts securing the arm to the ball joint, then remove the arm.
  4. Now you have to press out the front and rear bushes.
  5. After the parts have been removed, the installation seats must be thoroughly cleaned from dirt and greased. Do not use oil based lubricants for this purpose, as they destroy the rubber part structure.
  6. Reassemble in reverse order. The front bush should only be tightened when the car is off the jack.
  7. Restore the wheel alignment. This is necessary to be done after any work on the vehicle suspension.

  For replacing the rear suspension arm bushes, the sequence of operations will be different. Besides, the procedure for replacing bushes of both front and rear arms is dependent on the vehicle model. Therefore, before starting work, be sure to study your vehicle technical documents. In many cases, it is better to entrust the replacing procedure to the service station mechanics.

  Suspension auto parts: Anti roll bar bush kit Master-Sport Automobiltechnik (MS) GmbH - operation method, diagnosis, causes of faults and replacement intervals.

  How to detect failure of stabilizer bushes

  First, inspect stabilizer bushes. Cracks, breakages, porosity of the material, and other visible defects are symptoms of components failure. Mount the vehicle on an inspection pit or a ramp, grasp the stabilizer bar and try to sway it. Creaking and knocking are symptoms of the need to replace the bushes.

  You may notice that stabilizer bushes may need diagnostics by the following symptoms:

  • during cornering, freeplay and wobbling of the steering wheel is felt;
  • the vehicle pulls to one side;
  • when the car body rolls, characteristic sounds are heard from the suspension;
  • vibrations are felt in the passenger compartment.

  The reasons of stabilizer bushes failure

  Stabilizer bushes have a limited service life. On the average, it is recommended to replace them after every 30,000 kilometers of mileage. Ignoring this recommendation results in an accelerated wear of the links.

  Premature failure of the bushes may be associated with failure to comply with the recommendations for their use. Components should be cleaned during every inspection: accumulated dirt has a destructive effect on the material they are made of. Besides, it is not recommended to lubricate the bushes to eliminate squeaks: first, this reduces efficiency of the elastic elements; second, the components contained in the lubricants may destroy rubber.

  Stabilizer bushes may require earlier replacement also if the vehicle is used on poor quality roads or in the areas with severe climate, and is often used for the transportation of loads. Increased stresses on the components result in their cracking, and temperature changes - in deteriorated elasticity.

  Sometimes failures of the elastic elements are the result of their poor quality. To make the components last as long as possible, many automakers recommend using polyurethane bushes if such possibility is envisaged by the design of the vehicle, or products with protective dust boots.

  Replacing stabilizer bushes

  Replacing stabilizer bushes is easy for everyone. Stick to the following algorithm:

  1. Mount the vehicle on a car lift.
  2. Dismantle the wheels.
  3. If necessary, remove the crankcase cover to access the components.
  4. Unscrew the fasteners of the links and the stabilizer, and disconnect the units.
  5. Unscrew the front fasteners of the bush bracket, and loosen the rear fasteners.
  6. Dismantle the components.
  7. Clean the mounting seat from dirt and install new components.
  8. Assemble in reverse order.
• 

  BALL JOINT

  Suspension auto parts: Suspension Ball Joint Master-Sport Automobiltechnik (MS) GmbH - operation method, diagnosis, causes of faults and replacement intervals.

  Ball joint or axial joint serves to provide slip joint between the wheel bearing housing and the wishbone. It is mounted into a wishbone eye. The mechanical stress, which is a ball joint must withstand, is very high. Therefore, car parts makers provide a big size of this car part. However, wear or material defect may the reason of damage. Fracture of the ball joint can have serious consequences up to loss of the wheel. Therefore, defects should be immediately repaired.
  
  A typical sign of damaged ball joint is crash when cornering at low speed. It often disappears at higher speeds. The reason is that the load on the steering at low speed is stronger than at high speed. Crash may appear because of other car parts failure (for example, failure of the wishbone). In any case it is necessary to visit a repair shop if there is any defect. To replace the ball joint you need special tools to pull and press the joint.
  
  After the ball joint has been installed, it is necessary to align wheels. This is especially important if the wishbone has been dismantled. In many vehicles, the disassembly of the ball joint is necessary or advantageous. In any case, it is necessary to install a new ball joint, as it is not expensive. In addition, it makes sense to replace ball joints at both axes. In our online store you can also order door handle and thermostat. Do you search guide / deflection roller, evaporator, washing nozzle, timing belt cover or any other spare car part? Our Internet store is the best online shop of car parts where you can order necessary spare parts.

  How to detect a faulty ball joint

  First, inspect the protective boots. If the protective boots are not damaged, check the lateral and axial free play. This can be done using a vibration stand at a service station.

  You may notice that the ball joint requires diagnostics by the following symptoms:

  • deteriorated vehicle steerability;
  • extraneous sounds are heard during movement;
  • creaking sound is heard when cornering;
  • tires wear out unevenly;
  • cornering is difficult.

  The reasons of ball joint malfunction

  During operation, the component undergoes serious loads. Driving at a high speed on poor quality road increases the risk of component deformation. Damage may also be caused by impacts during road accidents or applying excessive force during installation.

  Abrasive wear of the ball joint often happens when the protective boot is damaged. Water and mud infiltrate through the cracks in the rubber boot, which soon results in washing out the grease and component corrosion.

  An increased gap between the housing and the stud of the ball joint is due to wear of the contacting surfaces. Most often, this is due to materials aging. The greater the gap is, the more loosened is the stud in the housing.

  The ball joint premature wear may also be caused by its poor quality. Solid-forged models last longer. They are the best option for vehicles that are used in the conditions of high loads.

  Repairing and replacing ball joints

  Ball joints are to be replaced at a service station after every 70-100 thousand kilometers of mileage. In case of small defects, the component may be restored with the use of a liquid polymer. A ball joint can also be altered into a disassembling one for this purpose. To get rid of the problems with free play, adjust the component by tightening the nuts and replacing the lubricating fluids.

• 

  CONTROL ARMS

  Learn more about Suspension arm Master-Sport Automobiltechnik (MS) GmbH - operation method, diagnosis, causes of faults and replacement intervals.

  Arms are elements of the vehicle independent suspension. They serve to restrict vertical movement of the wheel.

  Types of suspension arms

  According to the direction of travel:

  • longitudinal;
  • lateral.

  By design:

  • triangular;
  • straight with two attachment points;
  • H-shaped.

  Suspension arms construction

  The arms are molded parts with reinforcement ribs of steel or light alloy. Components have thickenings on both ends, and one of them is cylindrical in shape with a pressed-in silentblock and the other is ring-shaped, for fixing the bushing. Arm shapes can be modified depending on design solutions.

  Operation of suspension arms

  With proper and careful operation suspension arms will last for the entire life of the car. Items can be damaged due to the deformation or corrosion. Driving on roads with high-quality surfaces, neat riding and proper storage of the car will increase the lifespan of this component type.

  Suspension arms faults

  • deformation;
  • part breakage or fracture;
  • corrosion of steel components.

  Symptoms of suspension arms failure

  • car pulls to one side during movement;
  • suspension breakdown;
  • uneven or increased tire wear;
  • knocking sounds in suspension;
  • increased vibration while driving.

  Causes of suspension arms faults

  • poor quality of the road surface;
  • aggressive driving;
  • traffic accident;
  • wear of suspension components;
  • ingress of water, dirt and dust to the part.

  Replacing suspension arms

  Repair of suspension arms is carried out using special equipment at service stations. Doing it by yourself is not recommended.

  To replace the faulty parts, you should complete the following steps:

  • put the car on supports;
  • unscrew the bolts of the upper arms;
  • carefully remove the parts to be replaced;
  • put new components;
  • tighten the arms fastenings;
  • perform the above steps in reverse order.