Sunday 21 June 2015

Rear Anti Roll Bar Drop Link Ball

When I had the car flat floored by Rob at Rat Race Motorsport I was discussing with him the best option for curing understeer on track days.  Some options included, changing the Nitrons by a couple of clicks (front or rear), he also suggested one of the quickest ways to get a bit more turn-in was to add an extra anti roll bar drop link ball.  With this additional drop link ball fitted to the roll bar, you can simply click the drop link forward by one notch and this will help increase turn-in.

So a week or two ago I ordered two anti roll bar drop link balls from Caterham Parts, link here that arrived a couple of days later.

Onto the fitting (which is pretty straight forward)

Here is the drop link ball, one is needed for both sides.  It is supplied with a standard nut, but I changed this to a nyloc nut as you can see in the picture below.
Caterham Rear Anti Roll Bar Droplink Ball with Nyloc Nut
Caterham Rear Anti Roll Bar Droplink Ball with Nyloc Nut
The drop link part is secured onto the drop link ball with this spring locking mechanism, which needs removing before prising the drop link from the ball.
Removing the spring locking mechanism on Caterham anti roll bar drop link
Removing the spring locking mechanism on Caterham anti roll bar drop link
With the locking mechanism removed, the drop link can be prised (by hand) from the drop link ball.  The picture below shows all the parts prior to fitment.
Additional drop link, ball and spring mechanism for Caterham Rear Anti Roll Bar Prior to Fitment
Additional drop link, ball and spring mechanism for Caterham Rear Anti Roll Bar Prior to Fitment
Fitting the drop link ball is very easy, using a number 11 spanner hold the drop link ball in place, and tighten the Nyloc nut using an number 13 spanner to 20nm.  Repeat on both sides!

With the drop link ball fitted all that's required is to remove the spring mechanism, pop the bottom of the drop link off, and move to the forward ball.  Replace the spring mechanism, repeat on both sides and (hopefully) the turn-in should be improved!
Additional drop link ball fitted to Caterham rear anti roll bar
Additional drop link ball fitted to Caterham rear anti roll bar
I should be going to Curborough this coming Tuesday (23rd June 2015) with the http://www.sprintandtrackday.co.uk guys, so I'll be looking forward to trying out the new anti roll bar settings!

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