Need some automotive assistance...

[jonny round boy]

Was driving home today & suddenly noticed a loud knocking noise from the rear suspension of my car. I had a look underneath, and think I've found the cause - there's a linkage which appears to have become disconnected. To be fair, the road I was on at the time is severely bumpy.

This is the left side:

[attachimg=1]

And this is the same area on the right:

[attachimg=2]

Am I correct in thinking this is the anti-roll bar linkage? It looks like the ball joint has just popped out - will it just pop back in, or is it beyond that stage? Really don't have the time (or the dosh!) to take it in to a garage/repair shop. I'm guessing if it will pop back in, it would take quite a bit of force. I was thinking of getting a G clamp on it.

Just looking for a bit of advice, so I don't damage anything further...

Thanks in advance!

Jonathan

 

[ajones]

looks a bit more terminal than poping back in it still has the nut attached is it an old car? it looks v,rusty under there

 

[tjbnwi]

It does not appear as if the ball has pulled out of the socket (unless you reset it prior to the picture). Either way it will not longer stay in place. If it has pulled out the part would have shown signs of wear months ago, it is junk.

It does appear to be a stabilizer link. I need a wider photo and a few other angles to know for sure.

What type of vehicle would help also, make, model, year.

This is something that should not be neglected, steering and suspension failures are the most dangerous.

Tom

 

[Slappy]

the 2nd pix shows a failed bushing , fix it before it gets worse
the knocking is the rubber is gone from the bushing & it's steel vs steel
once the outer bushing housing breaks further then the damage is gonna get really expensive as the surrounding parts will likely be damaged

 

[jonny round boy]

Thanks guys, looks like it's a trip to the garage ASAP.

It's a late 2004 Mazda 6, FWIW.

 

[Slappy]

Thanks guys, looks like it's a trip to the garage ASAP.

It's a late 2004 Mazda 6, FWIW.

Yeah , it;s a P I A but fix it now before it breaks down on a work day , you have to tow it  & even costs you more in lost wages & a tow bill
Good Luck  ! 

 

[RKA]

It's not bad, those end links should be relatively inexpensive.  But all that rust under there may present some "unwanted challenges" = $$ (well, pounds in your case).