Drag link - just ball joints or entire assembly

Hi all,

I see that the rubber on both my drag link ball joints is knackered, and was thinking about changing them out.

Is there any reason why I should buy a whole assembly, or would just buying the ball joints be ok?

Also, if I buy the whole assembly, is it specific LHD vs RHD, or the same part number fits regardless?

Thanks.

My mistake, mistook drag link for drop link - idiot:doh:

Replacement of ball joints is the normal thing to do so is ok. if u have a 300 series one (hub end) is a LH thread the other end is RH.

The links above are for anti roll bars so u can ignore.

Thanks guys

Think I might be just about to answer part of my own question...

Only one end (ball joint) of the drag link can be replaced right, since the other end is fixed?
(So that's why you would consider replacing the entire assembly?)

98418665 said:

Think I might be just about to answer part of my own question...

Only one end (ball joint) of the drag link can be replaced right, since the other end is fixed?
(So that's why you would consider replacing the entire assembly?)

Click to expand...

Nope, both ends are the same, both have ball joints that can be removed leaving u with just a tube.

Ok cheers. I'll see if I can pick up some parts tomorrow.

I managed to get the drag link off without any problems, then removed the ball joint from this end. It had a reverse thread. It was actually quite loose, and just undid with finger pressure, even though I hadn't touched the clamp yet.



Stupid question..... The ball joint from the drop arm end does come off the drag link right? Thought I'd double check before I have another go at getting it out. I've already sprayed it with WD40 and hit a few times with a FBH to try and break the rust / loosen the thread. I just sprayed it some more and will let it soak overnight.

Are they both the same or this end (see pic below) is normal RH thread?

Also, if that's the case, the ball joints are different parts? (I just bought two the same)...

Rave only shows the ball joint from the adjustable end being taken off the drag link.





And here's the two new ball joints I bought as replacements.

D2's, have one fixed ball joint on the track rod and drag link.

That picture of yours shows the fixed joint crimped to the road.

That's why you see so many complete new assemblies up for sale on ebay.

If one joint is needing attention, the other won't be far away.

Peter

Thanks Peter. Damn, sounds like I wasted my money on the two ball joints then.

I'll see now if I can get a complete drag link tomorrow..

After much head wobbling and providing the receipt, I managed to get a refund on the ball joints

Then I went home with a complete Lemforder assembly - drag link with all the bits.

Everything went back on ok, and tomorrow I'll take it in for a wheel alignment.

I did a rough measurement from end to end before fitting, as just counting the thread didn't work due to the tube length being slightly different.

Anyone tried using the string around the car method (I saw on youtube) as a method to check front end alignment?

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0sguZ-gRF9I

The string setup was no good as I would have had to take the spats off the side steps to get a straight line with the string.. So I left it as it was and drove slowly to the tyre shop for a wheel alignment.

Here's a copy of the report. Since I'd replaced the drag link, I'd have thought that the right wheel (LHD) would have been way out, but the toe was within 0.3mm of the final setting, and the left hand side was the one that was way off.

Now the steering wheel actually sits straight and level, and it doesn't pull to the left anymore.

did yu have the steering checked before hand? If not, how do yu know it was correct to start with?

You mean the position of the steering wheel? It was sitting left side low a little bit ever since I had it off to replace it a while back.

As to whether it was set correctly before that, I don't know.

It seems straight now though, and doesn't pull to the side anymore like it used to..

You can just change the boots, if they are torn, but the joint is good.

It had a bit of play in it so I changed out the whole drag link. The tie rod had already been done when I bought the car.

Hi All - I live in Jamaica and have been told by my mechanic that I need to replace my tie rod and track rod ends - after some research I believe these are now the tie rod and drag link ends.

I have several questions:

1. Should I just replace the ends or the entire assembly?
2. Living in Jamaica my disco is RHD, diesel. But the closest place for parts is the US, so LHD and V8. Are the ends or assembly's LHD/RHD specific or can I source my parts from the U.S. without worry?

My mechanic also said that I need to replace my LH lower ball joint, but should consider replacing all 4. Are these different to the above? Sorry for the rookie questions, but I'm unfortunately one of those pour souls who loves his Disco, but it mechanically ignorant - not a good combo I know...

Appreciate any help.

Dreas