MK4 sway bar end links

[dylan8]

Hi All,

had my car up on a hoist today install a few bits and pieces. also had a look under my car for a general inspection. Noticed one of my front end links has cracked and on its way to full splitting im guessing. These are stock but my sway bar and coilovers are not. Anyone heard of this before?
Am i best to replace it with stock ones or aftermarket? if after market what brands.

Cheers,
Dylan

[DUB 20V]

vf ones are the best i have some im not using if you need to buy $80.00 pair polished aswell cause i had spare time cheers.,

[gavs]

I personally think that unless you are after a drastic visual difference, stick with stock. If you are after a bit more stiffness, put in some urethane bushes into the stock end links.

I'd be more concerned about what you've hit or done modification wise, that could have caused it to crack, they would need a fair hefty hit to make them crack or break!

[JustCruisn]

I think I have some poly end link bushes that I don't need.
PM me if you are interested I'll have a look in the shed.

[dylan8]

thanks guys. I will shot a PM to both JustCruisn and DUB20V when i get a second.
Iv done some reading after i posted it, turns out they revised the design a few times. tighter suspension and bigger heavier wheels can kill them

Gavs, the only thing i can think of modification wise is my sway bar, currently there is a fault with it in the shape its bent to. Other then that, i cant imagine it being hit by something on the road. its tucked away to much and i defiantly didn't do it during the install haha

I stole this from the ECS site as one example:

"All VW type 4 chassis' are fitted a pair of drop link arms connecting each end the front roll (sway) bar to the lower wishbone. The drop links give support to the front roll (sway) bar and help stability under cornering. However using a stiffer roll (sway) bar exerts a greater force on the end links. Stiffer suspension and bigger wheels also increase the load transmitted through the links. Hard driving and track use coupled with uprated suspension will quickly deteriorate the original links and rubber inserts. Volkswagen revised the designed of the links twice over the last 3 years and have changed several aspects such as the thickness of the arm, the material of the arm (from metal to composite plastic) and the profile of the loop in which the rubber bush is housed."

I tick 3 of the 5 boxes to reasons it could be dead.

[gavs]

Good searching mate. I actually meant hitting a big bump or pothole could have transmitted the shock, but I think the biggest contributer would be the sway bar if she's not quite right, coupled with your wheels and coilovers would have just exacerbated the problem unfortunately....

[Mr. JLT]

I have an extra set for 70$posted

[dylan8]

is there any advantages/disadvantages to the different style of aftermarket links (other then the hieght adjustment). for example the adjustale links of Mr. JLT above or the fixed VF versions?