DeutschepartsUSA

[RandallNeighbour]

Today I received two free replacement drop links. Asked for four, but I'm happy to get what I did from them. I'll definitely put these on the front where I'm hearing the most racket.

They are not OEM but made by Hamburg Technic Germany, by the way.

I'll report back on how long they last.

DeutchePartsUSA did follow through though (with two pieces). I gotta give them that. And after their warranty expired as well.

[Blue-S]

Hamburg Technic is DeutscheParts' "house brand." As far as I could tell, HamburgTechnic has an address in Germany, but there is no clear evidence that they actually make any parts there. The water pump that I bought from them earlier this year was advertised on Ebay as "OEM supplier", but when I saw the HamburgTechnic name I called BS on that. It was clearly a knockoff of the OEM pump. Fortunately, I did not attempt to install said pump, but returned it (un-used in original packaging) for a refund per their terms of sale. At least with the genuine Porsche pump from Sunset, I know what I'm getting...

[Boxtaboy]

How do you know you have worn out drop links? Do they exhibit noise over bumps or something like that?

[RandallNeighbour]

That's a very good question.

A visual inspection showing cracks in the black rubber bushings at the top or bottom shows a need for replacement.

Another way you know they might be shot is the fact that when you go over bumps, you'll hear a clunk or noise coming from the loose travel in the stabilizer bar. It runs parallel to the axles and by way of the drop links, it attaches to the wheel carrier.

I have quite a bit of racket coming from the front when I brake and the suspension compresses, the rear when I go over speed bumps or through small potholes or cracks in the pavement, etc.

BTW, these are very easy to replace. Jack up the front or rear of the car, remove the wheels, remove two bolts (requires two wrenches to get to both sides of the bolt and nut), yank out the old, install the new, put the tires back on, torque them to 96 foot pounds, drop the car, and do the other end of the car. Shouldn't take more than an hour if you have all the right tools for the job.

[mylamb]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

That's a very good question.

A visual inspection showing cracks in the black rubber bushings at the top or bottom shows a need for replacement.

Another way you know they might be shot is the fact that when you go over bumps, you'll hear a clunk or noise coming from the loose travel in the stabilizer bar. It runs parallel to the axles and by way of the drop links, it attaches to the wheel carrier.

I have quite a bit of racket coming from the front when I brake and the suspension compresses, the rear when I go over speed bumps or through small potholes or cracks in the pavement, etc.

BTW, these are very easy to replace. Jack up the front or rear of the car, remove the wheels, remove two bolts (requires two wrenches to get to both sides of the bolt and nut), yank out the old, install the new, put the tires back on, torque them to 96 foot pounds, drop the car, and do the other end of the car. Shouldn't take more than an hour if you have all the right tools for the job.

Thanks! Because I was just about to ask for this! I ordered rear links from them this spring and had them installed (1.5 hours of labor.) I need to do the fronts now, but if I can do it myself, then I will. I think this seller is ok so far. I guess we'll see how long my links last. I was very close to opting for Tarett's but stuck with stock.

[Boxtaboy]

Thanks Randall. Well, I guess I'll wait till those noises pop up. Thx. for the detail on the swap out.