Suspension query

[Rich947]

Looking for a sanity check here - I was driving along and heard a metallic "twang" followed by what sounded like a piece of metal bouncing along the left side of the car. Paranoia set in and I was convinced that the steering felt off somehow (mainly that the steering wheel didn't recentre itself as positively as it had previously), having parked the car the front left wheel appeared to be cambered out at the top which convinced me there was some kind of suspension issue.

However, having gone back to it, the tyre seems to have normal camber. I've taken the wheel off and can't see any obvious issues with the suspension but I'd appreciate a second opinion before I take it for a test drive again to see if it 'feels' normal. Photos below - is there anything I'm missing?

Suspension pictures.zip

[PaulAV]

It could either be a coil spring snapped or a drop link failed from your description, worth checking your wheel nuts are tight just to make sure

[JeradRx8]

I couldn't open the photo on my phone, but it sounds like a snapped coil spring to me.

[350matt]

agreed

[casey]

Snapped spring is a good call.

Less likely, but could also be one of the ARB links has an issue.

Can't open the pics, my PC says files are corrupted when unzipped.

[Rich947]

Thanks all, having had another look this part of the drop link doesn’t seem right - also seems different to the other side which looks like the bottom of the drop link lines up with the bolt running through. Before I order a new set or start removing things, does this seem like it could be the culprit?

[Nickp47]

Doesn’t look too untoward, give it a good shake and check it’s still firmly attached to be sure.

[PaulAV]

Looking at that drop link it doesn't appear to have come apart, however it does look like a heads original(the 4 pips of plastic where the cup attaches are common on Mazda drop links) that's not too say it hasn't either stiffened/seized or worn either could cause knocks or rattles. I brought mine from eBay but made sure I didn't go for cheap items(Mahle I think was the manufacturers) had a euro car part drop link fail in less than a year

[Rich947]

If you've got that corner jacked-up and the other side still on the ground then the extension and torque on the arb causes curious geometry and distortion.

However, if both side are still on the ground in that photo then the drop link isn't right and needs further investigation.

[Rich947]

If you've got that corner jacked-up and the other side still on the ground then the extension and torque or the arb causes curious geometry and distortion.

However, if both side are still on the ground in that photo then the drop link isn't right and needs further investigation.

This side was jacked up - I'll see if I can get a look today with both sides on the ground. I'm starting to wonder if I was just imagining things after the bump/clang noise as I was then actively looking for a fault.

[Conan]

Hi
I haven’t read the whole thread so don’t know everything you’ve done
I would suggest putting the car on level ground , garage floor or a garage ramp and measuring from the floor to the bottom of the arches in a line through the centre of the wheel on all four wheels to see if there’s a difference.
It wouldn’t hurt to replace your drop links as it’s not expensive
It could be you ran over something in the road which bounced down the car. If you think the car drives the same as before get someone with a good feel to drive it for a second opinion as people adapt to imperfections very quickly
Regards
Pete

[Nickp47]

If you’re still in Maidenhead Rich, you’re welcome to pop over to Cookham sometime and put the car up on my lift for a good look.

[Rich947]

If you’re still in Maidenhead Rich, you’re welcome to pop over to Cookham sometime and put the car up on my lift for a good look.

That would be ideal, thank you!