Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
2

Hi,

Just passed MOT (Mk2.5 S-VT Sport) but got the advisory: “Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play ns & os front” - I know roughly what the anti-roll bar is/does, but not enough to know if what they mention is likely to affect how it drives. As I’m planning to track-day it soon, is this something I should get fixed first? And what symptoms should I be looking out for handling-wise if it gets worse?

Thanks!

3

 

   You will get knocking noises if the play increases which it will. Once the ball joint is loose it rapidly gets worse. You would be best replacing them before any track day use. 

4

Agreed!

5

Thanks guys - I understand the parts are cheap, so will look to replace them before it gets worse.

Just out of interest though, apart from knocking noises, would I notice any difference in handling as a result of the loose joints? 

6

 

You have an Advisory of play in your ARB links. I would get them replaced soon as is practible especially before attempting a track day they will only get worse with further use. As you say they are not expensive.

7

Quick Q, I’m looking to buy an 09 reg, as an advisory it has this from the latest MOT “Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play both”. How much is this to fix on average? UK, Cheshire based. Thanks.