Anti-roll bar linkage (drop link) worn
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play”
- “Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover damaged”
- “Anti-roll bar linkage excessively worn”
What it is
The anti-roll bar reduces body lean in corners. It connects to the suspension through short links, often called drop links, which have small ball joints at each end.
Why it matters
Worn drop links are one of the most common causes of a knocking noise over bumps. They're usually inexpensive parts, but badly worn links reduce the bar's effect.
What to check when viewing a car
Listen for a knock or rattle over uneven roads, especially at low speed. If it was advised, ask whether the links were replaced.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
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What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: suspension and steering
- Coil spring fractured or broken
- Shock absorber leaking or worn
- Suspension arm ball joint worn
- Suspension arm pin or bush worn
- Anti-roll bar bush or mounting worn
- Steering rack gaiter split or damaged
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.