Dont buy cheap ARB drop links...

[leeparkes]

Noticed a clunking noise a few weeks ago and couldnt work out what it was as every suspension part is under 12 months old.

Everything is OEM apart from the ARB drop links (ECP specials) they were brought in error and at the time needed to get the car back on the road asap so i used them.

They have been on there since last summer but only covered around 700 mile! Took these off yesterday.

WTF





You can see in the second pic where the Track arm bracket has been rubbing on the metal edge of the bush,
i would expect this after say 10k but 700 mile.

Proof that if you buy cheap you buy twice!!

[m_jermyn]

Lesson learned.

Just about to buy some too

[sam325is]

where you been Mike?

[B7]

Lee. Check out one of my threads on B7 mate. I had exactly the same from GSF.

When it comes to Suspension, either Lemforder, Febi or genuine only I'd say.

[pac1982]

I had the same problem also with ecp drop links with less than 1000 miles

[Jhonno]

Q-Drive?

[m_jermyn]

This is incredible Really glad I saw this thread

where you been Mike?

Moving house and no real net access matey, all back now though.

[Brianmoooore]

Son in laws E46 failed last years MOT on outer joint of offside front control arm. I told him to replace it with a Lemforder one, but he insisted on getting a cheap one from a local motor factors.
No prizes for guessing what it failed this years MOT test on, or the make of the part that will be replacing it!

[craigieeb]

Proof that if you buy cheap you buy twice!!

I'm sure powerflex do the bush for the bottom of these
or it was some other company for sure,

**Edit**

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E30-Front ... 2713wt_656

[Ianb]

I agree that the ECP links are poor but I think this is also caused by tightening the nuts up whilst the cars jacked up then lowering it onto the floor as the rubber is held in the twisted position permanently ( or untill it splits ). Much better to fit links, lower car and move back / fwd to settle then contort oneself to tighten the nuts on the bottom of the links.

[schnaarf]

^^ this definately helps. With full lock on its just about possible to get in there and tighten up

[B7]

^^^ it may not help by doing the above but bottom line is they are cheap shit that shouldn't even be on the market!

[Jhonno]

^^ this definately helps. With full lock on its just about possible to get in there and tighten up

I didn't even need to do that..

[leeparkes]

Lemforders are on there now and yes the cheap ones were tightened up with the car on the floor so thats not the reason they failed.

Dont know the brand of them but iirc they came in a blue box.

[Dezzy]

They will have been q drive!

NEVER buy any Qdrive sh1te of ECP it's printedon our invoices. Don't supply Qdrive!