Sti v7 MY02

My last service advised me of N/S Drop Link Ball Seal Split.

What is this component, what does it do, how much to fix, can I drive the car with it split [i.e. is it urgent] and does it affect the handling? Would it pass an MOT with the split?

When it is replaced, do I need to get the geometry re-aligned?

thanks in advance

 

Its a rubber gator on the ball joint connection. I suppose that in time it could seize but will cause no immediate problems. New drop links aren't very expensive, about £30 a pair IIRC. No you won't need the geometry checking.