What does an anti-roll bar drop link do?

A drop link is used to connect the left and right hand suspension components to either end of the anti-roll bar running across the car. This system works to keep the vehicle stable during sharp turns by pivoting between the two sides of your car’s suspension.

The anti-roll bar comes into play if the suspension on one side of the car moves but the other side does not, for example if only one side of the car goes over a speed bump. When this happens, one end of the anti-roll bar is raised – twisting the bar.

The force needed to twist the bar is all transmitted through the link rods which are light metal or plastic rods with a ball joint on either or both ends. This in turn stabilises the car over bumps or round tight corners.

Audi

Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, established over 100 years ago in April 1910, and has been owned by the Volkswagen Group since the 1960s.

How popular is Audi in the United Kingdom?

This marque design and engineer luxury vehicles and distributes them worldwide. In the UK alone, there were over 1.7m Audi vehicles on the roads in the final quarter of 2018; a number that is continually growing year after year, and has more than doubled in the past decade.

Audi’s success can be attributed to its ability to move with the times, retaining its reputation as a prestige manufacturer and as part of the ‘big 3’ German marques responsible for high sales throughout the world market, alongside Mercedes and BMW.

Luxury executive vehicles for every type of driver

Audi’s current range features predominantly luxury executive and family cars of varying sizes: with compact to full-size saloons, coupés and sportback models, complemented by a growing range of SUV and sports car models.

Vorsprung durch Technik

The Audi brand is easily recognisable by their 4-ring logo—originally representing the four car companies to create Audi’s predecessor company, Auto Union—and their world famous slogan that ran for over 30 years, translated as ‘Being ahead through technology’. Despite no longer being used in their mainstream marketing, the meaning behind it still stands true of the brand today.

Audi: A sensation in rallying motorsport

Throughout the 1980s the Audi Quattro was famous for dominating rallying worldwide. The introduction of their four-wheel drive turbocharged model went on to win the World Rally Championships in both 1983 and 1984 and amassed a number of podium finishes and titles throughout the decade, all across the globe.

Audi’s reliability and reputation

Audi ranked 20th place out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. Audi’s reputation for creating reliable running vehicles has steadily improved over time to become a strong contender to some of the Asian brands that have continued to dominate in this area.

How often does an anti-roll bar drop link need replacing?

There is no set lifespan for anti-roll bar drop links, however we recommend having your suspension system inspected every 50,000 miles to ensure there is no damage or faults. This is because over time these parts will wear down and will have to be replaced. It's important to keep an eye on all parts of your suspension because they play a crucial role in the smooth operation of your vehicle.

What causes an anti-roll bar drop link to break?

When driving on bumpy surfaces, your suspension system takes a beating. For example, if one wheel goes down into a pothole, much of the shock is absorbed by the anti-roll bar and its drop links. Over time these parts can become worn out, especially if you frequently drive on rough terrain.

What are the signs of a bad anti-roll bar drop link?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• Poor handling

• Clunking or rattling noises, especially when turning corners

• A rough or bumpy ride

What happens during an anti-roll bar drop link replacement?

During the repair our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect your suspension system and potentially test drive your car

• They will then advise on which parts of the suspension need to be replaced

• If necessary they will replace your anti-roll bar drop link(s)

• They will then test drive the car again to be certain that the suspension is fixed

What is the average life of an anti-roll bar drop link?

There's no set lifespan of an anti-roll bar drop link, but we recommend having your suspension inspected every 50,000 miles.

Can you drive with a broken anti-roll bar drop link?

No, you should avoid driving with a broken anti-roll bar drop link. If these parts begin to fail, your suspension will be seriously affected. This will make handling your car very difficult, especially when turning corners, which could result in an accident or damage to your vehicle.

Do anti-roll bar drop links deteriorate with age?

Over time these parts will wear down and will have to be replaced. This will happen more quickly if you often drive on rough surfaces or if you have bad driving habits that put strain on your suspension system.