Front Suspension Wear

[seatkid]

some more tales of woe from my Seat Alhambra - this year I only did 7,000 miles, I drive real slow and gentle, the car is religiously garaged and until now (but never again) serviced by main <_< dealers <_< . This is my 2nd Alhambra (from new) and is not a patch on the 1st.

 

After failing its MOT with a worn n/s track rod end :huh: , its now making a "somethings loose" noise, looks like an o/s anti roll link ball joint worn as this is the only thing I can find. :angry: (does that sound about right?)

 

Is this normal/common for only 50k miles?

 

It is an easy DIY job? And anyone found the cheapest supplier?

 

over the last 2 years the car has also developed an urge to drift left all the time (dealer we can't find any problem sir :unsure: ) - no abnormal tyre wear - i've come to the conclusion the camber setting has moved. (BTW it drives more or less straight on the continent where the road cambers right) - any comments?

 

 

Oh and also is it normal for rear pads to wear out before front ones? :blink:

[Guest SA Intruder]

Drop links on Mk1s weak - 50000 miles - depends on terrain/driving style.

 

Makes knocking noise when worn.

 

Top strut bearing also, but not common failure.

 

Rear pads do wear quicker than front.

[professor_ross]

My front anti-rollbar links had to be replaced at 30,000miles - I drive a rough country lane every day to and from work. Easy job to do.

 

99 Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDi Ghia

[Guest SA Intruder]

For clarity, drop link = link between anti-roll bar and TCA.

[seatkid]

For clarity, drop link = link between anti-roll bar and TCA.

TCA? <_<

 

Am I right in thinking ford galaxy and seat alhambra drop links would be the same? (Looking for cheapest parts)

 

Thanks

[Tigger]

My Loacal Machanic replaced mine for

[Ivor_E_Tower]

..and mine needed replacing when I bought my facelifted model earlier this year at just 17,500 miles! Obviously another weak point in the design.

[Guest SA Intruder]

TCA is track control arm (lower wishbone)

 

Seat/Sharan/Alham drop links all the same for a given model.