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.

Honda

The Honda Motor Company is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate corporation—to give them their full title. Primarily a motorcycle manufacturer (since 1959) and engine producer (producing more than 14million each year), Honda became the 8th largest automobile manufacturer in the world in 2015.

How popular is Honda in the United Kingdom?

With around 800k Honda cars on the roads in the UK, this marque is a popular and trusted household name.

Long lasting sensibly-priced cars

On the surface, Honda cars look fairly traditional, but this is a brand that doesn’t necessarily follow the pack; they often provide something unique to each of their models.

For example, the Jazz pitched against the most popular car in the UK, the Ford Fiesta, is actually a more practical option than most of its rivals. For a small car, it has an abundance of interior space and very flexible and practical boot.

The Civic is brave enough to make a strong style in design statement in a market where other brands are edging towards conservative. And the CR-V was the first of the SUV models to stop pretending it was an off-road vehicle and focused its priorities on its road based driving dynamics despite its off-road styling.

Honda motorsports: A long-standing history in Formula One

Honda’s first appearance in Formula One racing as a constructor came in 1964 at the German Grand Prix.

After a mixed introduction, marred by tragedy with the death of driver Jo Schlesser in the French Grand Prix of 1968 Honda took a back seat until their return in 1983 to power the Williams team, where they won 6 consecutive Constructors Championships.

Following the successes with Williams, they partnered with McLaren in 1988, going on to win titles in 4 different seasons.

Their return in 2013, again providing engines for the McLaren team, was met with much less success. After 3 seasons without a single podium finish, Honda was dropped in favour of a Renault built engine.

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.