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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:
The stabilizer link construction
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:
Stabilizer link faults
Symptoms of stabilizer link faults
Causes of stabilizer link faults
Replacing the stabilizer link
Repair of the stabilizer link is not carried out. To replace an item, you should:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
By the presence of the stabilizer rods:
By changing the stiffness:
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
Symptoms of stabilizer failure
Causes of stabilizer faults
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:
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
Signs of Drop links malfunctions
Causes of Stabiliser link malfunctions
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
By design:
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
Symptoms of suspension arms failure
Causes of suspension arms faults
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:
An axle is a device that connects the wheels of one axis to each other, and provides a connection to the vehicle body as well. If it is a drive axle, it also transmits driving torque dir...
An axle is a device that connects the wheels of one axis to each other, and provides a connection to the vehicle body as well. If it is a drive axle, it also transmits driving torque directly to the wheels.
Types of axles:
Drive axle structure:
Tips for exploitation of vehicle axles:
Axle parts defects:
Signs of axle parts failure
Causes of axle parts failure
Axle repair and replacement of parts
The easiest way to check axle condition of your car by yourself is to accelerate the car to 90 km/h on a level road. If at such a speed you hear noise in the underside, feel vibration or steering response decreases, you should do a more complete analysis of the system.
While checking the axles’ layout it is essential to check oil level in casing, as well as its condition. Besides you should clean the breathers and vent lines and check mountings of flanges. This diagnostics should be run after 30000-40000 kilometers of mileage.
You should also remember that in case of wear-out (even inconsistent) or damage of differential parts, they are all replaced all-in, due to the necessity of high precision of the apparatus adjustment. Other parts can be replaced only by full compatibles.
Clearance between the axial bearings as well as backlash of axle drive gears is measured by a special instrument and adjusted during the diagnostics.