nogbold

I am a FD driver from germany. Rotaries are very rare here. Only 150 FDs came to us. Therefore it is very hard to find a shop with good experience for that car. I have my enginge rebuilded with parts from the US because the parts are much cheaper there. The knowledge for that I got from the internet and the amazing rotary scene. Since the rebuilding I was driving 6000 km without problems! For this winter I plan to work on a other problem on my car – suspension clunking. I have found in the internet the information that cars produced prior 1992 came from factory with noisy upper a-arm bushings. Every time I stop my car I hear a clunk noise from the left and from the right side. Now I am collecting information to solve the problem.

Does anyone know that problem? Can you give me some advice? Can this work be done without special tools? Need I new arms or can I replace the bushings? Are there an alternative better bushing type?

Thanks in advance,

nogbold

moconnor

iTrader: (14)

Search for 'pillowball' and you will find your answer.

And then search for 'Ray' to find out where to buy them.

NeedFD

-The bushings have to be pressed out and in, thus requiring a special tool to do it.
-There are upgrades but I recommend using the stock ones, most of the upgraded ones give you a harsher ride
-You can get a good condition from members on this forum or just get the bushings themselves.
-yes it's a common problem

DGblk93

Get the pillowball bushings from Ray Crowe at Malloy Mazda:
703-490-8170 or 703-643-2936
He has the best prices and I think he ships overseas. Or try this:
http://mazdatrix.com/h93-95c.htm

To do the job:

If you have air tools you can follow this guide:
http://www.clubrx.org/default.asp?id...ntent=32&mnu=5

If you have only hand tools, try this:
http://www.maxcooper.com/rx7/how-to/...lls/index.html

Good luck. I have to do this too but I haven't had the time.

N3philum

iTrader: (16)

the problem didnt only exsist in the older FD's. Mine is a 2000 and i had the same problem. Went to the Mazda Dealer over here in Japan.. they repalced the bushings.. and WAHLAH! no more clunk. DGbike93 hit it on the head.. if i were in the states.. (or if i didnt have a 2yr factory warranty on my FD) then id go to Ray Crowe and get the bushings.

DaveW

If I read the previous replies correctly, everyone was referring to the rear suspension. There was also a problem early on with the front upper a-arm, IIRC. There was a recall or TSB on these, and I got mine replaced at no charge, I think, during the first year I owned mine. IIRC, the outer bushing (ball joint) would get loose in the arm and clunk, and the whole arms were replaced.

I can't find this in the TSB's or recalls, so I might not be correct, but this is just some additional info that I think may apply to you.

Dave